This maple and brown sugar oatmeal recipe is a cozy nostalgic breakfast made with creamy oats, maple syrup and brown sugar.
When I was in high school, I remember after years of cold cereal, my mother asked me if I would cook a hot breakfast on a cold morning. Will she be your go-to? Steamed oatmeal bowl with a touch of maple and brown sugar. It was cozy and simple – a truly comfortable recipe that I’ve stuck with since then. This is probably why I love oatmeal so much!
Now, a few years later, I’m making a similar bowl for Birch. He doesn’t love bananas with oatmeal, so I need to keep the base simple with oats and milk. I keep his simple and slightly sweet while I still jazz up the toppings.
Oatmeal is one of the easiest and healthiest breakfasts you can whip and can do just about anything. From fruits to nut butter, almond milk and crunchy toppings, you can dress up in countless ways. But sometimes the simplest preparation is the best, and nothing is more nostalgic than a bowl of maple and brown sugar oatmeal. Today I share my take on this classic breakfast so you can make it at home – quick, cozy, and a little sweet 🙂
What are maple and brown sugar oatmeal?
This maple and brown sugar oatmeal is a timeless classic that combines two popular sweet ingredients (member syrup and brown sugar) with the heartfelt goodness of oats. This pairing works very well as the maple syrup brings a rich, earthy sweetness, while the brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like flavor. Together, turn a regular bowl of oats into something luxurious yet healthy with protein, whole grains and healthy fats (if using whole milk!).
Like all of my previous stovetop recipes, this oatmeal is very easy to make. It is cooked slowly on the stove with oats, milk and sweeteners. However, you can also whip this in the microwave. Whether you use rolled oats, quick oats or even instant oatmeal, this method is simple and adaptable to your taste.
See this post: How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave
The flavour is the comfort of the bowl. It’s sweet and cozy and satisfying without getting too heavy. Oatmeal is extremely versatile and can be customized for yourself with toppings such as fresh fruit, peanut butter, nuts and more.
Are maple and brown sugar oatmeal healthy?
Oatmeal itself is one of the healthiest breakfast choices you can make. Oats are rich in fiber, which helps keep you full and they provide slow burning energy to fuel your mornings. They are naturally low in saturated fat and do not contain trans fats.
Adding maple syrup and brown sugar will show you the extra sweetness, but in moderation, this is a balanced way to enjoy breakfast. Maple syrup contains antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and zinc.
It is recommended to use milk instead of water to cook oats. You can use your favorite milk, such as almonds, oats, soy or dairy products, but I like the macros that bring it to you.
If you want to lighten your maple brown sugar oatmeal recipe, you can:
Use less sugar and more maple syrup to use a clean sweetness. Try almond milk for creaminess without many calories. Combine oats with toppings such as fruit or nut butter to add nutrients. For more ideas, check out my post on healthy ways to sweeten oatmeal.
How to make maple and brown sugar oatmeal
Making maple and brown sugar oatmeal at home is quick and lonely. You can use quick cooking oats if the time is short, or roll the oats if you prefer the texture of the tea. Either way, the process is simple. Cook the oats and stir in the sweeteners to enjoy.
material
1 cup rolled oats (or quick oats) 2 cups milk (I prefer the whole milk, but you can use your favorite milk) 2 tsp maple syrup (light or dark depending on your preference)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix oats and milk and simmer
Add the milk and oats to the pan. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook until creamy
Continue cooking, stirring frequently until the oats absorb the liquid and become creamy. For quick oats, take 5 minutes or 10 minutes at a roll shop.
Step 3: Mix maple syrup and brown sugar
Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and brown sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some prefer syrup drizzle, while others prefer a generous spoonful of sugar.
Step 4: Add toppings
Place a spoon in a bowl and add your favorite toppings. I love sprinkles of peanut butter, a handful of berries, or chopped nuts for texture.
What to put in maple and brown sugar oatmeal?
The base recipe is delicious on its own, but you can customize it with all kinds of extra flavors and toppings.
Fresh fruit (banana, blueberries, chopped apple) Spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) seeds (chia, flax, sunflower) Warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom) Coconut flakes
For another cozy option, try my healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe. Another breakfast favorite that pairs perfectly with autumn mornings.
Why Homemade is Better than Oatmeal Packets
We all have small oatmeal packets of instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal. They are useful, but often contain extra sugar and additional flavors. Making your own bowl from scratch in a quick oat or roll shop will give you a stronger control of the sweetness and allow you to use healthy ingredients without preservatives. Plus, whether you prefer more syrup, less sugar, or creamy texture, you can adjust to your exact taste.
A bowl of maple and brown sugar oatmeal is the ultimate comfortable breakfast. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and full of nostalgic flavors. Whether you grew up with instant oatmeal packets or just discovered the magic of oats, this simple recipe is a must-see.
