Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Raisins
A warm, comforting bowl of creamy oatmeal sweetened with rich brown sugar and dotted with plump, juicy raisins. This classic American breakfast comes together in just 15 minutes and fills the kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon.
For 4 servings
- prep
Gather and measure all ingredients.
Measure out the rolled oats, water, salt, brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon so everything is ready to go.
- boil · ~3 min
Bring water and salt to a boil.
Pour 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and place over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil.
- mix
Stir in the oats and raisins.
Once the water is boiling, add the rolled oats and raisins. Stir well with a wooden spoon to combine.
- simmer · ~6 min
Reduce heat and simmer until tender.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the oatmeal gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
TIPDon't walk away — oatmeal can bubble over quickly. Keep an eye on it and stir every couple of minutes. - mix
Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well until the sugar melts completely and is evenly distributed.
- rest · ~2 min
Let the oatmeal rest for 2 minutes.
Cover the saucepan and let the oatmeal sit off the heat for about 2 minutes. This allows it to thicken to the perfect creamy consistency.
TIPTwo minutes of resting transforms good oatmeal into great oatmeal — it sets up and gets beautifully creamy. - serve
Spoon into bowls, pour warm milk over top, and serve.
Divide the oatmeal among four bowls. Pour a splash of warm milk over each serving and enjoy immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best creamy texture; instant oats turn mushy.
- 2Stir the oatmeal gently and only a few times to avoid breaking the oats into a gummy paste.
- 3Toast the oats in a dry pan for 2 minutes before boiling for a nuttier flavor.
- 4Add the raisins at the beginning so they plump up in the cooking liquid instead of staying dry.
- 5Warm the milk before pouring it over the oatmeal so it doesn't cool down the bowl.
- 6For extra richness, replace 1 cup of water with milk during cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a completely dairy-free bowl that still feels creamy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder after cooking, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra staying power.
spiced appleSpiced-apple
Swap the raisins for 1/2 cup diced apple and add an extra 1/4 tsp of cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired twist.
low sugarLow-sugar
Reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon and rely on the raisins for sweetness, or swap in a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fiber
Rolled oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health.
Natural Iron Boost
Raisins provide a modest amount of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen through the blood.
Energy from Complex Carbs
The whole grains in rolled oats release energy slowly, helping you stay full and focused through the morning.
Bone-Friendly Minerals
The milk adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce the simmer time to 1-2 minutes and use 3 1/2 cups of water instead of 4, as quick oats absorb liquid faster.
