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· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a bit hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip a comforting breakfast. This Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe is seriously my go-to when I need something warm, hearty, and just a little bit indulgent to kickstart the day. It’s sweet without being overpowering, perfectly creamy, and very easy to whip up—especially if you have an Instant Pot like I do. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips so you get that perfect bowl every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combo of maple syrup and brown sugar gives just the right touch of natural sweetness without being cloying.
Creamy & Comforting Texture: Cooking in the Instant Pot ensures the oatmeal is beautifully creamy, saving you from dry or mushy results.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a breakfast that’s wholesome and packed with warm cinnamon notes.
Hands-Off Cooking: Using the Porridge setting takes the guesswork out of timing and texture, perfect for busy or sleepy mornings.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, instant pot oatmeal, easy healthy breakfast, cozy oatmeal recipes, sweet breakfast ideas - 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

Each ingredient in this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe plays an important role. I always recommend using rolled oats because they cook up tender yet keep a nice chew, and together with the warming cinnamon and sweeteners, you’ll get a cozy bowl that feels like a hug in the morning.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, instant pot oatmeal, easy healthy breakfast, cozy oatmeal recipes, sweet breakfast ideas - 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: I use old-fashioned rolled oats for their creamy texture; steel-cut oats are great too but need longer cooking.
Water: Using water keeps this recipe light and dairy-free, but you can swap for milk if you want extra richness.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, making this oatmeal feel extra cozy without overpowering.
Light brown sugar: Gives that mellow molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is the star here, lending natural sweetness and a rich, comforting aroma.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe is—depending on your mood or what you have in the kitchen, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s one of those recipes where you can really make it feel like your own.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of vanilla extract for extra aroma, and once I threw in a handful of chopped pecans for an awesome nutty crunch.
Dairy Swap: Want it creamier? Replace some or all of the water with milk or a nut milk you love.
Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger really complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you ensure your maple syrup is pure and you use water or plant-based milk.

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

Step 1: Gather and Mix Your Ingredients

First up, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 3 ½ cups of water, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, ⅓ cup of light brown sugar, and ⅓ cup of maple syrup directly into your Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir—make sure the sugar isn’t stuck to the bottom before you seal the lid. This little bit of mixing helps prevent scorching later and ensures a smooth, consistent flavor throughout.

Step 2: Cook on the Porridge Setting

Seal the Instant Pot and select the Porridge setting for 6 minutes. While it’s cooking, you can brew your coffee or prep your toppings. Once the cooking cycle completes, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes—you don’t want to rush this part because it continues to gently thicken the oatmeal.

Step 3: Stir and Serve Hot

After you carefully open the lid, give the oatmeal a sticky, warm stir. It should be creamy and velvety with no graininess. If it’s too thick for your liking, simply stir in a splash of milk or water until you reach your perfect consistency. Then dive in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Natural Release: Letting the pressure release naturally finishes the cooking and keeps the texture creamy.
Avoid Scorching: Always stir before sealing and scrape the pot bottom if needed—it saves your Instant Pot from the dreaded burn notice.
Add Toppings Last: Save fresh fruits and nuts for the end to maintain their texture and pop of flavor.
Use the Right Oats: Rolled oats cook perfectly in this recipe; steel-cut oats need adjustments, so don’t swap without recalibrating.

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, instant pot oatmeal, easy healthy breakfast, cozy oatmeal recipes, sweet breakfast ideas - 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 oatmeal with a handful of fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, and chopped pecans for crunch and natural sweetness. A splash of cream or a little extra maple syrup on top never hurts either when I’m in full indulgence mode. These toppings give such lovely texture contrast and make each bite more exciting!

Side Dishes

To round out breakfast, I like serving this oatmeal with scrambled eggs or a simple avocado toast. The savory richness pairs nicely against the oatmeal’s sweet, warm notes and keeps things satisfying until lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or special occasion, try layering the oatmeal in clear glasses with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to create an oat parfait. It looks stunning and feels a bit fancy but is super simple to assemble. Kids love it too when you add a drizzle of honey and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid condensation making it watery. The texture thickens as it chills, which is normal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this oatmeal in portion-sized containers a couple of times. It thaws well in the fridge overnight and heats up nicely, though the texture changes slightly. For best results, freeze without toppings and add fresh fruit after reheating.

Reheating

Microwaving with a splash of water or milk works wonders for leftovers—just stir halfway through heating to evenly warm it up and restore creaminess. I also reheat it gently on the stovetop; just keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats in this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe?

Yes, you can use steel-cut oats, but be aware that they require a longer cooking time—usually adding 2 to 3 extra minutes in the Instant Pot. The texture will be heartier and a bit chewier, which some folks love. Just be sure to adjust your liquid accordingly since steel-cut oats absorb more water.
Can I make this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can prepare it on the stove by combining all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the oats are tender and creamy. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more if you want a looser consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! This Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe is vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup and water or plant-based milk. Avoid adding dairy-based toppings if you want to keep it fully vegan.
How can I make the oatmeal creamier?

For an ultra-creamy bowl, swap some or all of the water for milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can also stir in a spoonful of cream or yogurt after cooking for extra richness.
Can I prepare this oatmeal ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! It stores well in the fridge for several days and reheats beautifully. Portion it out into individual containers for grab-and-go breakfasts during your busy week.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe is one of those simple yet comforting breakfasts that never fails to brighten my mornings. It’s easy, forgiving, and feels a little special with the maple and brown sugar combo. Whether you’re rushing out the door or lounging on a weekend, I really think you’ll enjoy how satisfying and delicious this oatmeal is. Give it a try, and once you taste that first warm, velvety spoonful, I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!