Cinnamon-Toasted Oats

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This quick-toasted oats recipe is a lower-sugar alternative to granola. Serve it on top of yogurt with sliced fresh or frozen berries. You can double the recipe easily; just be sure to use a large skillet.

an image of the Cinnamon-Toasted Oats
Credit:

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Prep Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
2
Yield:
1 /2 cup
  • Whole grains like rolled oats are great for improving gut health and lowering cholesterol.  
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg add delicious flavors and may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Use Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon for a strong flavor, or Ceylon cinnamon for a milder taste.  

If you love granola, you'll love our Cinnamon-Toasted Oats—perfect for a yogurt or smoothie bowl topping. Heart-healthy rolled oats are toasted in melted butter and brown sugar for a deep molasses flavor. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg add depth and complexity and pair well with other flavors. Make one batch and use it all week—it's an excellent way to get more whole grains. Keep reading for our expert tips on oat selection, flavor substitution suggestions and more.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

  • We recommend using a neutral oil for this recipe, so you’re not tasting the oil but rather enjoying the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • The choice of cinnamon depends on your taste preference. For a strong flavor, opt for Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon. If you prefer a milder taste, choose Ceylon.
  • Ground nutmeg is convenient, but it loses its potency faster than whole nutmeg. If you rarely use nutmeg, consider buying it whole and grinding it when needed for a more fragrant, stronger flavor.

Nutrition Notes

  • This recipe uses rolled oats, but you could also use instant or quick if that is what you have—the nutrition doesn't change. Oats have a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by pulling it out of the body. Fiber is also essential for good gut health and regularity.
  • Spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg in this recipe, may not seem nutritious in small amounts, but when used every day, can have some health benefits. Cinnamon and nutmeg are both thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Use them when you can to get a greater health benefit from these warm spices.
an image of the ingredients to make the Cinnamon-Toasted Oats

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

  • 2 teaspoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado or olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

  • ½ cup rolled oats

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

  • teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Directions

  1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil and 1 teaspoon butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ cup oats and stir to coat. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; continue cooking and stirring until the oats are light golden brown, about 4 minutes.

    an image of the oats browning in the skillet

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

  2. Remove from heat; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon brown sugar and stir evenly to coat. Spread out on a plate to cool completely before serving or refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

    an image of the oats spread out to cool

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Equipment

Nonstick skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does it matter what type of oats I use?

    We like rolled oats for this recipe. There are three types of oats—steel-cut, rolled and instant oats. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, go through a flattening process after removing the oat hull. This process gives them a softer texture and reduces their cooking time.

  • How do I soften brown sugar that’s hard as a rock?

    There are many different methods. One quick way is to drape a damp paper towel over the sugar and microwave it in 10-second increments. Be sure to stop and break up any clumps as you go, repeating the process until the sugar is softened. Be cautious not to melt or burn the sugar. For a more permanent solution, consider using a brown sugar saver specifically designed for this purpose.

  • What are some good ways to serve the oats?

    Some of our favorite ways to enjoy these quick toasted oats is on top of yogurt with sliced fresh or frozen berries. Top a Strawberry & Yogurt Parfait with cinnamon-toasted oats instead of granola, serve over ice cream or try them on an Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl. Enjoy it in your cereal, on top of a salad or as a quick snack.

  • How should I store Cinnamon-Toasted Oats?

    After the oats have cooled, transfer to a covered, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

140 Calories
8g Fat
15g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Serving Size 1/4 cup
Calories 140
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 2g
Added Sugars 2g 3%
Protein 3g 5%
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Vitamin A 60IU 1%
Folate 10mcg 2%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Calcium 15mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Magnesium 21mg 5%
Potassium 79mg 2%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Jan Valdez

Jan Valdez has years of experience working in test kitchens, primarily in research and development and product development. Her experience in the Good Housekeeping test kitchen in New York City launched a career in professional test kitchens.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.