If you’re looking for a comforting, cozy breakfast that’s a total breeze to whip up, this Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is just what you need. It’s warm, naturally sweet, and filled with all those fall-favorite flavors that hug you from the inside out. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back—not just for the taste, but how simple and satisfying it is to make first thing in the morning.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of apples paired with cinnamon creates that classic comforting combo without being overly sugary.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh apple to make this hearty breakfast.
Easy to Customize: Whether you like your oatmeal thick or a little saucier, more spicy or sweeter, it’s easy to tweak for your taste buds.
Vegan & Nourishing: This recipe is plant-based and packed with fiber and healthy fats when topped with nuts, making it a fulfilling way to start your day.

A white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal that has a soft, textured look with a light beige color. On top, there is a layer of small diced cooked apples in shades of golden yellow and soft red, mixed with small pecan pieces that have a rich brown color and rough texture. The oatmeal has a slightly glossy surface with some syrup around the apples and nuts. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe has a purpose — from flavor to texture to nutrition. Getting to know your ingredients can really help you understand how simple swaps or tweaks can change the final dish.

Apples: Fresh and diced small to cook down into a naturally sweet, tender mixture; tart varieties add lovely brightness.
Vegan Butter: Provides richness and helps caramelize the apples for deep flavor without using dairy.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the apple’s sweetness and warms up the dish without refined sugars.
Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice: These spices bring that classic autumnal warmth and depth to both apples and oats.
Lemon Juice: A splash to balance sweetness with a hint of acidity preventing the apples from tasting flat.
Vanilla Extract: Adds fragrance and rounds out the flavor with subtle sweetness.
Rolled Oats: The base of the oatmeal; hearty and fiber-rich, they soak up the liquid and cinnamon beautifully.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Keeps the oatmeal creamy but light and dairy-free.
Water: Combined with the almond milk to achieve the perfect oatmeal consistency without heaviness.
Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Optional, but I love the crunch and additional protein and healthy fats they add on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is. Whether you want to make it sweeter, more spiced, or even add some texture, it’s really forgiving, so feel free to get creative and find your perfect bowl!

Add some crunch: I often toss in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving for a satisfying nutty bite.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth — it reminds me of grandma’s kitchen on chilly mornings.
Sweeten differently: If you’re low on maple syrup, a drizzle of agave or coconut sugar also works beautifully.
Make it creamy: Swirl in a dollop of coconut yogurt or plant-based cream for an indulgent twist.
Fruit swap: If apples aren’t your thing, diced pears or peaches make a nice alternative in warmer months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apples to Perfection

Start by heating vegan butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your diced apples — I like mine small, about half-inch pieces — for easy cooking. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Let the apples cook gently for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple pieces soften and most of the liquid evaporates. Don’t rush this; that slow caramelization is the magic that makes these apples taste like dessert! Finally, stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract off the heat to brighten the flavors.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cinnamon Oatmeal

While the apples are doing their thing, bring water and unsweetened almond milk to a boil in a small pot. Stir in rolled oats, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, a big pinch of salt, plus a splash of maple syrup. Reduce heat to low, cover with a slightly tilted lid, and let it simmer about 8 minutes until tender and creamy. The tilted lid helps steam escape, preventing the oatmeal from getting too thick too fast. Keep an eye on it and stir once or twice to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Assemble and Enjoy!

Once your oatmeal is cooked and luscious, transfer it into a bowl, then generously spoon the warm cinnamon-spiced apples on top. Finish with your favorite toppings — I always go for chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and a little extra protein. Then sit back and savor each comforting spoonful.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I find that tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape nicely and balance the sweetness perfectly when cooked.
Watch Your Heat: Cooking the apples on medium heat ensures they soften without turning mushy or burning the maple syrup.
Slow Simmer Oats: Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly creamy oatmeal — rushing can leave it undercooked or gritty.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: That little acid splash keeps the apples bright and outlines the warmth of the cinnamon instead of dulling it.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal that has a soft, slightly bumpy texture, topped in the center with a layer of diced cooked apples showing warm orange and light red colors mixed with a few walnut pieces that are brown and slightly shiny. Another white bowl with more oatmeal is partially visible on a white marbled surface, along with a small white bowl of extra cooked apples to the side, and a small bowl with more walnuts nearby. A yellow cloth is placed near the bottom left corner of the image, and a woman’s hand is slightly visible reaching towards the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top this oatmeal with a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for some crunch, plus a quick drizzle of maple syrup if I want it a tad sweeter. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few chia seeds or hemp hearts to boost nutrition without changing the flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, a dollop of plant-based yogurt makes for a creamy contrast that’s just dreamy.

Side Dishes

This oatmeal pairs beautifully with a simple green smoothie or a side of fresh berries to add freshness. On busy mornings, I grab a slice of toasted whole-grain bread with almond butter alongside to make the meal more filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or weekend brunches, I like serving this Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe in pretty glass jars layered with cooked apples, oatmeal, and a sprinkle of cinnamon between layers. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a few apple slices on top — it looks so inviting and rustic! You could even add granola or vegan whipped cream for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which sometimes I hope for!), just transfer your oatmeal and apples into separate airtight containers and refrigerate. The oatmeal thickens quite a bit when cold, so storing the apples separately keeps their texture fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen oatmeal before, but for this recipe, I recommend freezing only the cooked oatmeal (not the apples) in portion-sized containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently—you can add a splash of plant milk while warming to loosen it up.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the stovetop over the microwave, adding a little almond milk or water to bring the oatmeal back to creamy perfection without drying out. Then I spoon the warm apples on top fresh before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk in this Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe?

Absolutely! While I usually use unsweetened almond milk for its neutral flavor, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk will work well too. Just keep in mind that coconut milk makes the oatmeal richer, while oat milk keeps it slightly creamy and mild.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just be sure to choose certified gluten-free rolled oats. Not all oats are processed in gluten-free facilities, so double-check your packaging to avoid any cross-contamination if you have sensitivities.
Can I prepare this Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe the night before?

Yes! You can cook the oatmeal and apples the night before and refrigerate them separately. In the morning, just reheat and assemble. It’s a big time-saver on busy days.
What other toppings go well with this oatmeal?

Besides nuts, you can add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, fresh fruits like sliced bananas or berries, or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes for some extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe has become my go-to comfort breakfast that feels like a warm hug on even the coldest mornings. I hope it brings you as much cozy joy as it does me, and with its simple steps and flexible ingredients, I know you’ll make it your own in no time. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create a bowl that’s truly soul-satisfying.