Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 62 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love waking up to a warm, cozy bowl of oatmeal that feels like a big comforting hug, then you’re going to adore this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe. It’s super simple, downright delicious, and perfectly balanced between sweet and hearty. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to breakfast that feels both wholesome and a little indulgent at the same time. Let’s dive in—I’m excited to share all my tips so you nail it on your very first try!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Sweetness: Combining maple syrup and brown sugar gives just the right natural sweetness without being overpowering.
  • Creamy Texture: Cooking the oats under pressure locks in moisture and creates a creamy, hearty oatmeal every time.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand—no fancy or hard-to-find items needed.
  • Customizable Flavors: Cinnamon and a pinch of salt enhance the maple and brown sugar, giving depth but leaving room for your favorite toppings.
Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, cozy breakfast ideas, healthy breakfast recipes, how to make creamy oatmeal, best oatmeal with maple syrup - 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 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is straightforward but each ingredient plays an important role in creating that cozy, satisfying bowl you’ll crave. Choosing good quality oats and pure maple syrup makes a noticeable difference, so treat yourself right when shopping.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, cozy breakfast ideas, healthy breakfast recipes, how to make creamy oatmeal, best oatmeal with maple syrup - 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 because they cook to a creamy perfection without being mushy—plus, they absorb the flavors beautifully.
  • Water: Just plain water keeps the oatmeal light but you can swap up to half with milk if you want extra creaminess.
  • Salt: A small pinch balances out the sweetness and brings depth.
  • Cinnamon: This warm spice pairs perfectly with maple and brown sugar, adding a subtle inviting aroma.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds a nice caramel undertone and melts well into the oats.
  • Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is the star here. Its nuanced sweetness and flavor work wonderfully with the oats.
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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

One of the best things about this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to add a nutritional boost or switch up flavors, I encourage you to experiment and find what feels right for your morning mood.

  • Add nuts or seeds: I love tossing in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and richness.
  • Use milk or plant-based milk: Substituting half or all the water for milk creates an ultra-creamy texture that feels indulgent but still wholesome.
  • Boost with protein: A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder stirred in after cooking is my go-to for days I want a little more staying power.
  • Seasonal fruits: Fresh berries in summer or warm stewed apples in fall are heavenly toppings.
  • Spice it up: Try adding nutmeg or a little ginger to change things up while keeping cozy vibes.

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

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Your Instant Pot

Start by simply tossing the rolled oats, water, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup into your Instant Pot. Give it a good stir to evenly mix everything together—this helps the brown sugar dissolve and the flavors mingle. If you haven’t tried Instant Pot oatmeal before, don’t worry—this method locks in moisture and eliminates the need to babysit the stove.

Step 2: Set and Let It Cook

Close the lid and set it to the “Porridge” setting for 6 minutes. One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the hands-off cooking time. After the cooking cycle, let it naturally release pressure—this takes around 10 minutes and prevents the oatmeal from sticking to the bottom or splattering. Patience here really pays off!

Step 3: Give It a Stir and Serve

Once all the pressure’s released, carefully open the lid and stir your creamy maple brown sugar oatmeal. If it looks a bit thick for your liking, stir in a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. This is where you get to have fun topping it with your favorites! I often go with fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, and a few pecans for crunch.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: They cook evenly and give you that creamy texture I love without turning gluey.
  • Natural Pressure Release is Key: Don’t rush opening the Instant Pot to keep the oats from sticking or splashing.
  • Sweeten Last if Needed: If you like it sweeter, add a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking rather than beforehand for more control.
  • Stir Thoroughly Before Serving: Oats settle as they cook, so stirring well brings back that luscious creaminess.

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, cozy breakfast ideas, healthy breakfast recipes, how to make creamy oatmeal, best oatmeal with maple syrup - 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

My favorite garnishes for this oatmeal are fresh fruit like blueberries and sliced bananas, chopped toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch, and a splash of cream or milk to make it silkier. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—it might sound strange, but it really heightens the maple’s sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

I often pair this oatmeal with a side of Greek yogurt or a couple of soft-boiled eggs for a bit of protein, which turns the meal into something extra satisfying. A fresh fruit salad alongside works great too, especially if you’re making this for brunch with friends.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy brunch, I’ve served this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal in cute glass jars layered with yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a parfait-style presentation. It’s also lovely topped with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist. Honestly, getting creative with toppings and presentation can make breakfast feel special any day of the week!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The oatmeal thickens as it cools, but you can fix this easily by stirring in a little milk or water when you’re ready to reheat. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

If you’re a big batch cooker like me, this recipe freezes well in portioned containers. Let it cool completely, then freeze in single servings. When you want to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding extra liquid for creaminess.

Reheating

For reheating, I like to warm my oatmeal slowly on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or water to bring back that fresh-cooked texture. This keeps the oats creamy and prevents them from drying out or sticking.

FAQs

  1. Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats for this Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe?

    Yes, you can! However, steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time—about 1-2 minutes more in the Instant Pot—and a bit more liquid to get that creamy texture. Personally, I prefer rolled oats here because they cook quicker and have a softer texture that blends nicely with the maple and brown sugar flavors.

  2. Can I make Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe on the stovetop?

    Absolutely! Use the same ingredients but cook the oats over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes for rolled oats to become creamy on the stove, and you may need to add extra water as it cooks. Just keep an eye on it to prevent sticking or burning.

  3. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

    Yes! The base recipe is made with water, oats, maple syrup, and brown sugar, so it’s naturally vegan-friendly. Just use a plant-based milk for thinning or topping if you want added creaminess or extras like nuts and fruit for garnish.

  4. How do I adjust the sweetness to my taste?

    If you prefer your oatmeal less sweet, consider reducing the brown sugar or maple syrup by a tablespoon or two when mixing ingredients. Alternatively, you can leave the sweetness minimal when cooking and drizzle maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar on your individual servings—this gives you full control over how sweet it gets.

  5. Can I add protein to this oatmeal?

    Definitely! Stir in some Greek yogurt, nut butter, or a scoop of your favorite protein powder after cooking. These additions not only boost protein content but also add creaminess and richness that make the oatmeal even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe has become my breakfast lifesaver whenever I need something comforting, fast, and genuinely delicious. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, with perfectly balanced sweetness and a creamy texture that feels like a treat without being complicated. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too. Here’s to cozy mornings and breakfast that makes you smile!

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Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This perfectly cooked Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal recipe creates a creamy, comforting breakfast made with rolled oats, maple syrup, and brown sugar, all cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot for a quick, delicious start to your day.

Ingredients

Oatmeal Base

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Sweeteners

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients—rolled oats, water, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup—into the Instant Pot, stirring the mixture well to combine evenly.
  2. Seal the Instant Pot: Place the lid securely on your Instant Pot ensuring the valve is set to sealing to prepare for pressure cooking.
  3. Cook Oatmeal: Select the Porridge setting on the Instant Pot and set the timer for 6 minutes to cook the oatmeal thoroughly.
  4. Natural Release: Once cooking completes, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally before opening the lid to prevent splattering and ensure the oats finish cooking gently.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and serve with your choice of toppings such as additional sugar, cream or milk, blueberries, pecans, sliced bananas, or other favorite fruits to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use old fashioned rolled oats for optimal texture; if opting for steel cut oats, increase cooking time by 2 minutes for full tenderness.
  • You can adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup according to taste preferences.
  • Adding a pinch of cinnamon enhances warmth and aromatic depth in the oatmeal.
  • Natural pressure release prevents quick depressurization which keeps the oatmeal creamy and prevents splattering.
  • Top with dairy or non-dairy milk alternatives for added creaminess if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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