Skip the pricey instant oatmeal packets! This Copycat Quaker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal tastes just like the classic breakfast you grew up eating, but it’s cheaper, easy to make, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Mindy’s Recipe Snapshot
- Method: Cooked in one pan on the stove top.
- Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, brown sugar and maple syrup.
- Ease: Ready in about 10 minutes.
- Top Tip: Adjust the amount of sugar and maple syrup so these come out just the way you like them.
Jump to:
We love grabbing instant oatmeal packets at hotels when we’re on vacation, but not so much at home. Homemade oatmeal is so simple and affordable that I just can’t justify spending the extra money! We eat oats for breakfast 3–5 times a week, so homemade saves a lot of money over time.
Hearty oats are packed with whole grains, making them both healthy and filling—perfect for starting your day off right. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal in minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, whether you love fresh fruit, dehydrated fruits, nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
- Oatmeal: We use old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. You can substitute quick oats, which have a shorter cooking time, see below for instructions. Steel-cut oats are not cooked the same.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for authentic flavor. Avoid pancake syrup.
- Brown Sugar: Both light brown sugar and dark brown sugar work, choose based on your personal preference.
- Salt: A small amount balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Milk: Optional for serving.
Old Fashioned Oats Instructions
- Pour water and salt into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add oats to boiling water, reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until water is absorbed and oats are tender.
- Take off the stove and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Serve with milk, if desired.
Quick Cooking Oats Instructions
- Pour water and salt into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add oats to boiling water, reduce to medium heat and cook for about 1 minute, or until water is absorbed and oats are tender.
- Take off the stove and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Serve with milk, if desired.
How to Make Microwave Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
- Old Fashioned Oats – Combine the water, oats and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 2 ½ – 3 minutes or until thickened, add brown sugar and maple syrup and stir to combine.
- Quick Oats – Combine the water, oats and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 1 ½ – 2 minutes or until thickened, add brown sugar and maple syrup and stir to combine.
Variations
- Add about ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to add warmth.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon onto each bowl of oatmeal, maybe about ⅛-1/4 teaspoon.
- Add walnuts, pecans or almonds for a little crunch.
- Top each serving with a pat of butter.
- Serve with whole milk, low-fat milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying plain oats in a large container and adding your own maple syrup and brown sugar is much cheaper than buying individual instant oatmeal packets.
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but some can be cross-contaminated during processing. Look for certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Regular sugar, honey, or any sugar substitute can be used.
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Copycat Quaker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Ingredients
One serving:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup oats
- dash salt
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
Two servings:
- 1 ¾ cups water
- 1 cup oats
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Six servings:
- 5 cups water
- 3 cups oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Pour water and salt into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add oats to boiling water, reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until water is absorbed and oats are tender.
- Take off the stove and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Serve with milk, if desired.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.