Name: Stovetop Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats; 1 ⅓ cup water; ¾ cup milk; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup diced apple (4 ounces or 1 medium-sized apple); ½ cup whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

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Introduction

This Stovetop Apple Cranberry Oatmeal is a warm, cozy breakfast perfect for crisp mornings. Featuring tender apples and tart cranberries, it combines wholesome oats with comforting spices for a delicious start to your day.

A white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal topped with scattered bright red cranberries and yellow apple chunks mixed into the oatmeal, which has a soft, slightly lumpy texture. The oatmeal is sprinkled with light brown cinnamon powder all over, and a spoon with a gold handle is partially dipped inside, lifting some oatmeal and cranberries. The bowl sits on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface, with two cinnamon sticks placed nearby and a halved apple partially visible at the top left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
1 ⅓ cup water
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup diced apple (4 ounces or 1 medium sized)
½ cup whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

Step 1: On a cutting board, cut the apple into quarters and remove the seeds. Slice the quarters, then dice into small to medium pieces. Peeling is not necessary.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, oats, brown sugar, salt, diced apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well.
Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a slow boil. Avoid high heat to prevent bubbling over or burning.
Step 4: Add the cranberries and stir them in. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first.
Step 5: Reduce heat and let the oatmeal simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens, becomes creamy, and the apples are tender. You may hear the cranberries pop as they cook.
Step 6: If the oatmeal becomes too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Serve the oatmeal in bowls, topping each with a splash of milk, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and extra cinnamon if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use steel-cut oats for a chewier texture, but increase cooking time accordingly.
Substitute fresh cranberries with dried ones, soaking them briefly in warm water before adding.
Add chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and crunch.
For a vegan option, use a plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Storage

Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal mixed with chunks of yellow apple and red cranberries, topped with a light sprinkle of brown cinnamon. A woman's hand holds a gold spoon scooping up a mixture of the oatmeal, apples, and cranberries, showing a thick and slightly chunky texture. In the background, there is a half apple with seeds visible, a clear glass jar, and a white bowl with a light brown topping, all set on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples and cranberries?

Yes, pears, blueberries, or chopped dried fruits work well and can be substituted based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to add milk, or can I make this oatmeal dairy-free?

You can use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk to make this recipe dairy-free without losing creaminess.