Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

This Easy Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe is a perfect homemade swap for oatmeal packets! It’s quick, easy & SO GOOD! (Gluten-Free & Vegan, too!)

I’ve always loved a good oatmeal packet.

It felt like a treat when my mom would buy a box of oatmeal packets growing up. I loved the convenience and the warm bowl of breakfast at the end!

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal packets were my favorite and even though these days we almost always make our own oatmeal at home, I still love that flavor combination!

This oatmeal recipe is easy enough for a busy morning (we’ve even got microwave instructions for an extra busy day!), and it totally satisfies the nostalgic craving. Plus, you can control the flavors and the amount of sugar just the way you like.

Here’s what you need to make our gluten-free maple brown sugar oatmeal recipe…

Here’s What You need To Make This Cozy Oatmeal:

• Gluten-Free Oats. You can make maple brown sugar oatmeal with quick oats or rolled oats. Quick oats will give you a really soft, creamy texture (my kids love!). Rolled oats take a little longer to cook than quick oats, but they don’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as quick oats. We use both and love both!
• Water Or Milk. I almost always use water to cook oatmeal, then finish with a tiny splash of milk at the end, but you can use either. Regular milk, or dairy-free milk options like unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk all work! Choose whichever option best suits your dietary needs.
• A Little Cinnamon (If You Want). I love what a tiny bit of this warm spice adds to oatmeal. Cinnamon is a perfect pairing for both brown sugar and maple, so I love to add it. If you’d rather not, feel free to skip it!
• A Tiny Pinch Of Salt. This is a little secret for amazing oatmeal. You’ll only add a tiny pinch–less than 1/8 teaspoon!–but it wakes up all the other flavors and gives it that extra little something.
• Brown Sugar. The molasses notes from brown sugar add depth and warmth that I love in a bowl of oatmeal. You can use light brown sugar (my pick) for more mild flavor or dark brown sugar for stronger molasses flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup. Last but not least is a drizzle of pure maple syrup. (Check out this big list of gluten-free brands of maple syrup for lots of gf options!)

Rolled Oats vs. Quick Oats

What’s the difference between these two? Is one better than the other? Let’s break it down:

quick oats

• Sometimes labeled “quick cooking rolled oats,” “quick cooking oats,” or “instant oats”
• The nutrition profile is VERY similar, macro for macro to rolled oats. They have the SAME amount of protein, but can have slightly (like 1 gram) less fiber, fewer carbs (2 grams), and less fat (1/2 gram) than rolled oats.
• Pressed and cut thinner than rolled oats so they cook more quickly
• They have a finer, creamier texture when cooked than rolled oats, but can get gluey more quickly if over-cooked or over-stirred.
• They digest more quickly because they have a finer texture.

ROLLED oats

• Sometimes labeled “old fashioned oats” or “old-fashioned rolled oats”
• The nutrition profile is VERY similar, macro for macro to quickk oats. They have the SAME amount of protein, but can have slightly (like 1 gram) more fiber, more carbs (2 grams), and more fat (1/2 gram) than quick oats.
• Pressed and cut thicker than rolled oats so they cook more slowly
• They have a heartier, thicker texture when cooked than quick oats, so they can be more chewy than quick oats.
• They digest more slowly because they have a thicker texture.

How To MAke Maple Brown Sugar OAtmeal, Step By Step:

Quick Oats Directions:

1. Combine Oats, Milk Or Water, And Salt in a medium saucepan. Gently stir to combine, then..
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Let the oats boil 1 minute, stirring regularly, until thickened.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in goodies. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then top with any desired toppings.

Rolled Oats Directions:

1. Combine Oats, Milk Or Water, And Salt in a medium saucepan. Gently stir to combine, then..
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook oatmeal 5-7 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in goodies. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then top with any desired toppings.

Finish With Some Toppings!

Now that you’ve got a cozy bowl of oatmeal, let’s top it with some extra goodies! Here are a few of my favorite toppings to add to maple brown sugar oatmeal:

• Chopped Pecans Or Walnuts. Nuts are a natural pairing with oatmeal like this. The contrast of crunchy nuts and creamy oatmeal is lovely, and the flavors pair so well together. If you have time, try toasting the nuts first for extra amazing flavor! Feel free to use almonds, hazelnuts, or your favorite nuts instead!
• Sliced Bananas. This is an easy classic that’s always a bit hit with my kids.
• Fresh Berries. Blueberries + maple are one of my favorite flavor combinations. Plus, a little touch of freshness is great with the hearty, warm oatmeal. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all delicious, too!
• Diced Pears. Pears are inexpensive, and add a lovely touch. The brown sugar, vanilla, and maple syrup make it almost taste like pear crisp! (Apples give a similar vibe!)
• Raisins. Okay, I TOTALLY get that raisins are not everyone’s favorite, but it gives oatmeal raisin cookie vibes to me. Yum.

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal:

Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead? I love steel-cut oatmeal! Because of its unique shape and cut, it will require slightly different ratios of liquid and different cook time. I recommend following these instructions for stovetop steel-cut oatmeal or these Instant Pot steel-cut oats, then adding the flavorings to each serving.

Protein Boost. I usually eat oatmeal as a part of breakfast (not ALL of breakfast), so that I can fit in some protein, too. If you want to pump up the protein in this oatmeal, there are a few ways you can do it!

• Add an egg white during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, whisking or stirring well so it blends in. Sounds crazy, but it works!
• Add some flax, chia, or hemp seeds for some plant-based protein.
• Top with nut butter or chopped nuts. Almond butter, peanut butter, mixed-nut butter, and pecans are all faves around here!
• Whisk a little collagen into the milk before you cook the oatmeal. It blends in well and won’t make the oatmeal chalky or pasty.

⭐ Don’t forget to leave a star review and comment below when you make our maple brown sugar oatmeal recipe. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

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