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Stovetop Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

This rich and hearty Stovetop Apple Cranberry Oatmeal combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and tart cranberries with wholesome rolled oats for a nutritious and warming breakfast. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy morning that fuels your day with natural sweetness and fiber.

Ingredients

Scale

Oatmeal Base

  • 1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • 1 ⅓ cup water
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Spices

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Fruit

  • 1 cup diced apple (4 ounces or 1 medium-sized apple)
  • ½ cup whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple: On a cutting board, quarter the apple and remove the seeds. Slice each quarter and then dice into small to medium-sized pieces. Peeling is not necessary for this recipe.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the water, milk, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, diced apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the spices and sugar.
  3. Heat to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a slow boil. It’s important to avoid high heat to prevent the oatmeal from bubbling up excessively and burning.
  4. Add Cranberries: Stir in the whole cranberries (fresh or frozen). No need to thaw frozen cranberries beforehand.
  5. Simmer and Cook: Lower the heat and let the oatmeal simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the oats are thick and creamy, the apples soften, and you hear the cranberries popping as they heat through.
  6. Adjust Consistency: If the oatmeal becomes too thick, gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until reaching your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and optionally top with a splash of milk, an extra sprinkle of brown sugar, and a dusting of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably without thawing frozen ones before adding.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or another plant-based milk.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Adding a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the oatmeal’s overall flavor.

Keywords: apple cranberry oatmeal, stovetop oatmeal recipe, healthy breakfast oatmeal, cinnamon oatmeal, fruit oatmeal