Name: Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 3 1/2 cups water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/3 cup maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 40 reviews

If you’re looking for cozy mornings that taste like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe. It’s super simple, wonderfully sweet, and perfectly comforting—trust me, it’s the kind of breakfast I crave on chilly days or any day I need a little pick-me-up. Whether you’re an oatmeal newbie or a seasoned pro, stick around because I’m sharing everything you need to nail this recipe every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sweetness: The combo of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a rich, natural sweetness that’s never overpowering.
Creamy Texture: Using rolled oats and plenty of water ensures a smooth, perfectly cooked oatmeal without any chewiness or mushiness.
Hands-Off Cooking: The Instant Pot does all the work here, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you want your breakfast hassle-free.
Versatility: You can easily customize toppings and mix-ins to make this oatmeal your own signature dish.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, easy oatmeal recipes, healthy breakfast ideas, comforting morning meals - The image shows a close-up of a creamy oatmeal mixture inside a silver metal pot, with a wooden spoon partially submerged on the right side, stirring the oats. The oatmeal is light brown with a thick, soft, and slightly chunky texture, filling most of the pot. The pot itself is held in a black base with pink details, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is chosen to create a cozy, comforting bowl that’s full of warmth and flavor. I always recommend rolling oats because they soak up the liquid just right and produce that creamy texture we all love in oatmeal. Let me walk you through each one and share some tips.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, easy oatmeal recipes, healthy breakfast ideas, comforting morning meals - Flat lay of a small pile of old fashioned rolled oats, a few fresh pecans scattered naturally, a bunch of ripe bananas with bright yellow skins, a small cluster of fresh blueberries, a small white ceramic bowl with golden maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear water droplets, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rolled oats: These are my go-to for consistency and texture—you want old fashioned oats for best results, not quick oats, which can get mushy.
Water: It’s the perfect base for oatmeal; for a creamier result, you can swap some or all with milk or a nut milk.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness and deepen the flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spiciness that pairs beautifully with maple and brown sugar.
Light brown sugar: This adds a soft caramel note and enhances the maple syrup’s richness.
Maple syrup: The star of the show—pure, natural sweetness with a hint of woodsy complexity you just can’t get from plain sugar.

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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 this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe because it’s a fantastic base to experiment with, so don’t be shy about making it your own. I often play with add-ins or swaps depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry.

Variation: For a nutty twist, I sometimes stir in toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving, and it adds such a nice crunch.
Dairy-free option: Swap water for almond or oat milk if you want it creamier or if you’re avoiding dairy.
Extra sweetness: If you prefer things sweeter, drizzle a bit more maple syrup on top instead of stirring it in.
Fruit additions: Blueberries or sliced bananas add freshness and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the maple and sugar combo.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

Pop your rolled oats, water, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup right into the Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to make sure the brown sugar dissolves a bit and the cinnamon is evenly spread. It’s the mix that guarantees consistent flavor throughout.

Step 2: Set and Forget

Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to the “Porridge” function for 6 minutes. The magic happens during the natural release, so don’t rush to open the lid once it’s done cooking—just let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step ensures creamy oatmeal without any burning or sticking.

Step 3: Serve and Customize

Give the oatmeal a little stir before scooping it into bowls. From here, your imagination is the limit! Top with extra brown sugar if you like, add fresh milk or cream, or pile on those fresh berries, nuts, and sliced bananas for a breakfast bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

Use Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Steel cut oats are great but need longer cooking; using rolled oats means you get that perfect creamy texture in just 6 minutes.
Natural Release is Key: Avoid opening the lid right away to keep the oatmeal creamy and prevent splatter or drying out.
Adjust Sweetness Last: Add a bit more maple syrup or brown sugar on top when serving rather than in the pot to control how sweet it gets.
Keep Stirring Minimal: Stir just enough before cooking to combine ingredients but avoid over-stirring afterward to preserve nice oatmeal texture.

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, easy oatmeal recipes, healthy breakfast ideas, comforting morning meals - Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface covered with a white cloth that has blue dots. Each bowl holds a thick, creamy oatmeal with a light beige color. On top of the oatmeal in the front bowl, there is a small pile of brown pecan nuts and three dark blue blueberries. A silver spoon is resting inside the oatmeal in the front bowl, slightly angled. In the background, the second bowl with the same oatmeal and topping is slightly blurred. A glass bottle filled with milk is partly visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my bowl with a pat of butter or a splash of cream to make it extra indulgent. Fresh blueberries and sliced bananas bring in a lovely natural sweetness and texture contrast. Pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch that I totally love—plus a nuttiness that complements the maple syrup beautifully.

Side Dishes

A warm mug of coffee or chai tea pairs beautifully here, making your morning feel like a tiny celebration. Sometimes, I’ll slide in a slice of whole grain toast with almond butter when I’m extra hungry—it rounds out this maple-sweet breakfast perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this oatmeal in pretty glass jars layered with fruit compote and a sprinkle of granola on top—it looks like a fancy parfait but feels homey and warm. Another fun twist is swirling in some cocoa powder or a dollop of peanut butter to surprise your taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers — which is rare in my house! — store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The oatmeal firms up, so when you’re ready, just add a splash of milk or water before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this oatmeal a couple of times by portioning into freezer-safe containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats perfectly with a little liquid added to loosen it up. Just don’t freeze with fresh fruit toppings already added—that’s best fresh.

Reheating

Microwave on medium power for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, or warm it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to keep it luscious and creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe?

Yes, you can use steel cut oats! Just keep in mind you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes since steel cut oats are denser and take longer to soften. Also, the texture will be a bit chewier compared to rolled oats.
Is it okay to substitute maple syrup with honey?

Absolutely! Honey will give your oatmeal a different but delicious sweetness. The flavor won’t be exactly like maple syrup, but honey pairs very well with cinnamon and brown sugar in this recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use water. To make it creamier without dairy, try substituting water with your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Can I make this oatmeal on the stove instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes! Combine the ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until thick and creamy, about 10-15 minutes. Just watch carefully to avoid sticking and adjust liquid as needed.
How long does the Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it keeps well for up to 4 days. Just reheat with a little added liquid to loosen it up before serving.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe has saved my mornings. It’s quick, comforting, and feels like a special treat even though it’s super easy. Give it a try—you’ll probably find yourself making it on repeat, just like me. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a slow weekend brunch, this oatmeal is a warm, cozy hug in a bowl that never disappoints.