Desserts
This apple cinnamon cream of wheat recipe transforms a simple breakfast staple into a cozy, spiced morning treat in just 5 minutes. The warm blend of cinnamon and tender apples creates a comforting texture that feels like a hug on a chilly morning—perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. I developed this version after craving something heartier than cereal but still quick to prepare.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: one-pot cooking means minimal cleanup, while the apple and cinnamon add depth that makes it feel special. You'll start with Cream of Wheat, then fold in diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon for that classic fall-inspired flavor. The result is creamy, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough to satisfy.
What makes this dish truly stand out is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Swap the apples for pears or add a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for a restaurant-quality breakfast at home.
Whether you're feeding a family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort without the fuss. The best part? It's ready in the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee. Let's make breakfast feel like dessert.
Ingredients for apple cinnamon cream of wheat
Five simple ingredients transform Cream of Wheat into a cozy, spiced breakfast treat.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream of Wheat 🍚 | 1 cup | Uncooked, dry mix |
| Apples 🍎 | 1 ½ cups | Diced, medium size |
| Milk 🥛 | 2 cups | Whole milk preferred |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 2 tbsp | Adjust to taste |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 tbsp | For richness |
| Vanilla Extract 🍯 | ½ tsp | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Fine sea salt |
| Ground Nutmeg 🌿 | ¼ tsp | Optional, for warmth |
| Toasted Walnuts 🥜 | ¼ cup | Chopped, for topping |
| Whipped Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | For serving |
The apples are the star here—Honeycrisp or Fuji stay firm when diced, so they don’t turn to mush. Grab a couple from the produce section (the pre-cut bags work too, but they’re pricier). If you’re using a mix of apples, add a pinch of lemon juice to keep them bright. For the cinnamon, Penzeys or Spicewalla have the best quality, but the grocery store stuff is fine. Just make sure it’s fresh—if it smells dull, toss it. The butter? Plugrá or Land O’Lakes are my go-tos, but any unsalted works. And if you’re feeling fancy, European-style butter adds a richer flavor.
No whole milk? Almond milk or oat milk works, but it’ll be lighter. Skip the walnuts? Pecans or almonds toast up just as nicely—just chop them fine. No vanilla extract? Vanilla sugar or a splash of vanilla syrup gets you close. The sugar can be swapped for maple syrup or brown sugar—just reduce by half since it’s already sweet. And if you’re out of nutmeg, a pinch of cardamom adds a different cozy vibe. Pro tip: Toast your nuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes—they’ll smell amazing and add extra crunch.
This keeps for 3 days in the fridge if you make it ahead, but honestly, it’s best fresh. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The whipped cream? Store-bought is fine, but homemade tastes like a celebration. If you’re prepping for a crowd, double the recipe—it reheats beautifully. And if you’ve got leftovers, freeze them for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Minute Mix: I swear, this is the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl. Just heat the milk, stir in the Cream of Wheat, and toss in diced apples and cinnamon—no fancy steps, just warmth and texture in one pot.
- Cinnamon-Apple Magic: That first bite of tender apple chunks in creamy, spiced wheat? It’s like dessert and breakfast had a baby. The sugar caramelizes just enough to make it feel special without any extra work.
- Budget Breakfast Win: Honestly, this costs me less than half of what I’d spend on coffee and pastries. Apples last forever, cinnamon is cheap, and Cream of Wheat stretches further than most grains—perfect for when money’s tight.
- Leftovers That Don’t Suck: Unlike oatmeal that turns to glue, this stays creamy and delicious reheated. I’ll make a big batch on Sundays and grab it cold for a snack or warm it up for a lazy morning—no complaints.
Step-by-step instructions for apple cinnamon Cream of Wheat
Here's how to make this cozy, spiced breakfast in record time—no fancy skills needed.
Cook the Cream of Wheat to Creamy Perfection
In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup Cream of Wheat with the 2 cups Milk. Stir well to eliminate any lumps—the smoother the mixture, the creamier the final texture. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. You're aiming for that thick, pudding-like consistency where it coats the back of your spoon. If it thickens too quickly, just add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water to loosen it up. The key here is patience—rushing will give you gummy Cream of Wheat instead of silky smooth.
Sweeten and Spice the Mixture
While the Cream of Wheat is still warm (but not boiling), stir in the 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar, 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon, 0.25 teaspoon Salt, and 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg. Let these spices mingle for 1 minute—you'll notice the cinnamon releasing its warm aroma and the nutmeg adding a subtle earthy note. This is where the magic happens, so don't skip it.
Next, add the 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter and 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract. Stir until the butter melts completely and everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should smell like a spiced apple orchard—if it doesn't, that's your cue to double-check your spices. Taste it now (after removing from heat) to adjust sweetness—you can always add more sugar if needed.
Cook the Apples Until Tender
In a separate small saucepan, combine the 1.5 cups Apples with 1 tablespoon Water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes until the apples are soft but still hold their shape—you want them tender enough to mash slightly but not mushy. If they release a lot of liquid, let it reduce slightly before proceeding.
Once the apples are tender, use a fork or potato masher to create a chunky purée. You don't need it completely smooth—some texture adds great contrast to the creamy base. Taste the apples and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more cinnamon or sugar if desired.
Combine and Finish
Return the Cream of Wheat mixture to low heat and stir in the cooked apple purée. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. The apples will release their juices and blend beautifully with the Cream of Wheat, creating a naturally sweet, spiced breakfast porridge. If the mixture seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of hot milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 1 minute—this resting period helps all the flavors meld together. Give it one final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The perfect bowl should balance sweetness, spice, and creaminess in every bite.
Serve Warm with Toppings
Divide the warm Apple Cinnamon Cream of Wheat among 4 serving bowls. Top each portion with 1 tablespoon Toasted Walnuts and a dollop of 0.25 cup Whipped Cream. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while the whipped cream provides a cool contrast to the warm spiced porridge.
Serve immediately while warm—this dish is best enjoyed straight from the stove. The combination of creamy Cream of Wheat, spiced apples, and crunchy walnuts makes for a comforting breakfast that feels like a hug in bowl form. And the best part? It's ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish!
Pro Tips For Making Apple Cinnamon Cream Of Wheat
- STIR CONSTANTLY FIRST 2 MINUTES: I learned this the hard way—skipping the stir until the milk boils means you’ll end up with a lumpy, gluey mess. The first two minutes are when the Cream of Wheat clumps the most; keep the heat medium and don’t let it sit untouched, even for 10 seconds.
- USE COLD MILK, NOT HOT: Sounds counterintuitive, but pouring cold milk into the pot instead of hot water first keeps the texture smoother. Hot milk makes the wheat gummy; cold milk lets you control the thickening better while you cook. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
- SAUTE APPLES UNTIL SOFT: Raw apple chunks turn this dish into a mushy, watery disappointment. Cook them in a separate pan with a splash of water or apple cider until they’re fork-tender—about 5-7 minutes—so they add flavor without diluting the cream.
- SWEETEN WITH CINNAMON FIRST: Add the cinnamon and sugar before the apples go in. That way, the spices infuse the milk and wheat base instead of just sitting on top. A pinch of nutmeg here also makes a real difference—trust me, it’s worth the extra sprinkle.
Perfect pairings for these flavors
Coffee Pairings
Start your morning right with a bold roast like Starbucks Pike Place or Peet's Major Dickason's Blend—their rich, caramel notes complement the apple's natural sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon. I love a medium-dark roast because it bridges the gap between the creamy texture and the spiced warmth of the dish. For an iced twist, try a cold brew with a splash of vanilla syrup to mirror the vanilla extract in the recipe. ☕
Tea Companions
Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint create a soothing contrast to the warm spices in this dish. For something more robust, a spiced apple cider tea (like Tazo Zesty Orange Pekoe) enhances the apple-cinnamon flavor profile. I recommend brewing your tea first and letting it steep for 5-7 minutes to develop the flavors before serving alongside your Cream of Wheat. 🍵
Juice Pairings
A glass of freshly squeezed apple juice (or a green apple cider) ties directly into the recipe's flavors while adding a refreshing acidity. For something creamier, try orange juice—its citrus notes balance the cinnamon's warmth beautifully. I prefer not-from-concentrate juices for the brightest flavor, and I like to serve them chilled in a mason jar for that cozy morning vibe. 🍏
Beverage Upgrades
For a festive touch, add a dash of bourbon (like Woodford Reserve) to your coffee or tea—just ½ teaspoon per 8 oz cup—to deepen the caramel and spice notes. If you're serving this for brunch, a sparkling cider cocktail with ginger ale and a cinnamon stick garnish adds a celebratory feel. I keep a small bottle of bourbon in my pantry specifically for breakfast experiments like this. 🥃
Warm Drink Pairings
Nothing beats a hot cup of chai tea (like Bigelow Vanilla Chai) alongside this dish—both share warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. For a dairy-free option, try oat milk latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I like to prepare my chai in a french press for a stronger, more aromatic cup that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture. 🍂
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use apple sauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes! Unsweetened applesauce works perfectly and saves time. Use 1 cup of applesauce instead of diced apples, and reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon since applesauce is naturally sweet. Simmer it with the Cream of Wheat for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors fully.
How do I make this vegan?
Swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and top with coconut whipped cream. The texture will be slightly lighter, but the apple-cinnamon flavor stays rich. For extra creaminess, stir in 1 tablespoon coconut cream at the end.
Why did my Cream of Wheat get lumpy?
Lumps happen when the mixture isn't stirred enough during cooking. Always whisk vigorously when combining with milk, and stir constantly while heating. If lumps form, blend briefly with an immersion blender or mash with a fork to smooth it out.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the base (without toppings) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with 1 tablespoon milk to restore creaminess. For make-ahead breakfasts, this is a lifesaver—just add fresh toppings when serving.
What's the best apple variety for this?
Honeycrisp or Fuji apples hold their shape best when cooked. They're sweet enough to need minimal added sugar (try 1.5 tablespoons instead). Avoid tart varieties like Granny Smith—they'll need extra sweetness to balance the cinnamon.