Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cups water
- cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Directions
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.
Step 2: Bring water to a boil in a small pot over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the quick-cooking oats to the boiling water and cook, stirring continuously for 1 minute.
Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until fully dissolved.
Step 5: Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the oats reach your desired thickness.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 334
- Total Fat: 4g (5% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 20mg (1% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 68g (25% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 6g (22% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 8g (16% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 67mg (5% Daily Value)
- Iron: 3mg (16% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 282mg (6% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History
Maple and brown sugar oatmeal, a classic comfort food, has its roots in traditional American breakfast cuisine. Oatmeal itself dates back to the early 19th century, with oats being cultivated in Europe long before spreading across the Atlantic. The pairing of maple syrup and brown sugar with oatmeal is particularly popular in New England, where maple trees are abundant, and syrup production is a time-honored tradition. The idea of adding sweeteners to oats was likely influenced by the regional availability of both maple syrup and sugar, creating a flavor combination that has stood the test of time.
Regional Features
While oatmeal is a global breakfast staple, the version with maple syrup and brown sugar is distinctly North American, particularly from the northeastern United States and Canada. In these regions, maple syrup is a beloved ingredient, often produced in the springtime when sap from sugar maple trees is harvested. The rich, caramelized flavor of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the warm, nutty taste of oatmeal, offering a deliciously sweet and satisfying start to the day. This regional blend of sweet maple syrup and the earthy flavor of oats is a true representation of North American breakfast traditions.
What Sets It Apart?
Maple and brown sugar oatmeal stands out from other oatmeal variations due to the specific combination of flavors. Many oatmeals are prepared with fruits, nuts, or spices, but the addition of maple syrup and brown sugar offers a distinctive, sweet profile. Unlike other sweetened oats, which may rely on refined sugars or artificial flavorings, this recipe embraces natural sweetness, leveraging the complexity of real maple syrup and the deep, molasses-like flavor of brown sugar. This makes it a healthier and more flavorful alternative to many store-bought oatmeal packets, which often contain preservatives and artificial additives.
Common Occasions for Serving
Maple and brown sugar oatmeal is a go-to breakfast option in many households, particularly in the cooler months when a warm meal is comforting. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings, yet it is also versatile enough to be served on special occasions like brunch or holiday mornings. Often, its paired with fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or sliced apples, and occasionally garnished with nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition. In more casual settings, it might be found as part of a cozy weekend breakfast or a quick weekday morning meal for families.
Interesting Facts
- Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples in North America. The first European settlers in the U.S. learned how to harvest sap and boil it into syrup from Native American tribes.
- Oats are one of the oldest cultivated grains, originating in ancient civilizations in Europe and Asia. They are known for their health benefits, including being rich in fiber, which can help with digestion and reduce cholesterol levels.
- The brown sugar used in this oatmeal recipe is made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, giving it a moist texture and deeper flavor. This makes it a perfect match for the smooth, rich taste of maple syrup.
- Although oatmeal is typically seen as a healthy breakfast, the addition of maple syrup and brown sugar provides a balance of sweetness, making it more indulgent while still offering nutritional benefits.
FAQ about Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe
Comments
Deborah Gomez
09/22/2023 07:41:12 AM
6.16.18 I loved the perfect balance of sweetness in the oatmeal from the brown sugar and maple syrup. I might reduce the amount of water slightly next time, as my husband found it a bit too runny, though that's just personal preference. I adjusted the recipe for two servings, but it ended up being more like three servings due to the generous portion size. Topped it off with sliced banana and a dash of brown sugar. Quick and simple to make!
Amy Sanchez
11/03/2022 12:02:55 AM
I followed the instructions to make one bowl as directed and also made a modified version, but I actually prefer my modifications. The one made as instructed ended up being too mushy for my taste, similar to mashed potatoes, because it absorbed more water. I believe if the excess water was boiled off while stirring, it could have turned out like the picture in the recipe. However, my attempt didn't turn out as I had hoped. Here's what I loved: 3/4 cup oats 3/4 cup water, boiled from the kettle A pinch of kosher salt Combine the above ingredients in a bowl, stirring frequently until most of the water has been absorbed, which takes about 1 minute. 2 teaspoons real Canadian maple syrup 1 unpacked teaspoon brown sugar Mix everything together and enjoy your oatmeal!
Susan Garcia
04/16/2023 08:45:19 AM
I made a few adjustments to the recipe: 1 1/3 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of water, 4 teaspoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of white sugar, a splash of maple syrup or almond extract, a splash of vanilla extract, and 5 pinches of salt (I kept tasting and adjusting until it was perfectly balanced). I boiled it until it was done and then simmered it to the right consistency. And voila! The result was delicious. The maple syrup added the perfect flavor I was craving. Thank you! 👍
Andrew Hall
05/05/2023 12:19:50 AM
As someone who prefers cooking oatmeal on the stovetop, I find that simmering milk and oats in a pot until they reach my desired consistency works best for me. After removing it from the heat, I like to sweeten it with brown sugar and maple syrup. Since I didn't have dark brown sugar on hand, I added a touch of molasses instead. This method always yields perfect results for me.
Justin Nelson
11/14/2023 10:21:37 PM
I recently tried Bob's Red Mill thick rolled oats, which required 10 minutes to cook. Knowing that the suggested serving size was too large for me, I halved the recipe to use 3/4 cup of water and 3/8 cup of oats. Following the instructions, I added a pinch of salt. I also reduced the amount of syrup and sugar by half, but found the end result a bit too sweet for my taste. While I could have used just one sweetener to tone down the sweetness, it wouldn't have had the same maple and brown sugar flavor. Some reviewers mentioned their oatmeal turned out runny and thin, possibly due to using quick cooking oats. I opted for the longer cooking thicker rolled oats and cooked them for the full 10 minutes as directed. Halving the portion size worked well for me. Overall, this oatmeal was a much better choice than instant flavored oat packets as I could moderate the sugar content to my liking.
Pamela Phillips
04/10/2025 11:00:53 PM
I absolutely loved this recipe! I made a few tweaks by adding a touch of salt, a bit more maple syrup, and brown sugar to achieve the perfect sweet and salty balance. To add a twist, I included a dash of allspice as well. The flavors reminded me of Christmas and the dish turned out delicious!
Pamela Rodriguez
11/02/2022 07:43:27 AM
Here is the rewritten review: I have left feedback previously, but I neglected to mention this point. I would suggest decreasing the water quantity. The consistency of the recipe was too watery, and the additional liquid did not enhance the overall experience for me.
Steven Young
04/26/2023 11:07:01 PM
Thank you so much! This treat is delicious! I also wanted to mention that the pre-packaged version already has salt included, so I recommend adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor even more, as salt always improves the taste of any dessert.
Samuel Parker
01/24/2025 12:05:38 PM
This completely fulfilled my desire for the "packaged" treat! It surpassed my expectations! I am eagerly looking forward to having it again! With just a touch of salt and a hint of vanilla. Definitely my new go-to treat! Thank you!!!!
Jose Baker
10/19/2022 03:42:46 AM
This is my go-to breakfast every morning! I love using organic brown sugar and Cary's low-calorie maple syrup. It's a staple in my daily routine.
Jerry Young
03/11/2024 07:49:28 AM
After searching for a way to save money and provide my children with a healthier alternative to pre-packaged oatmeal, we stumbled upon this recipe thanks to Google. I'm thrilled that we decided to give it a shot! Initially, I had reservations about using water instead of milk (as my kids prefer milk with the pre-packaged oats) but the end result was fantastic. Having one child with nut allergies and another with egg and dairy allergies, I appreciate being able to customize it with their respective milks after cooking. I love that it's so versatile - I make a big batch and the kids can personalize it with fruits or nuts to their liking. A fantastic, quick, and easy recipe that we thoroughly enjoyed!
Brandon Mitchell
05/05/2023 05:46:16 AM
Too watery. I even double-checked my measurements. What a disappointment.
Mary Martinez
05/26/2023 05:52:43 PM
I had the idea in mind to make this dish even before looking at the recipe, and it turned out exactly as I imagined! Although I didn't have the precise measurements, I relied on my taste buds, and the result was fantastic! I absolutely love maple-brown sugar oatmeal! ❤️
Kenneth Smith
03/13/2025 07:43:10 PM
Excessively sweet and overly watery.
Samuel Gonzalez
07/22/2024 09:37:12 PM
This recipe worked really well for me and my dad's breakfast! I would suggest using slightly less water, maybe reducing it by about a quarter cup per serving.
Betty Young
08/11/2022 05:44:46 PM
I increased the amount of butter in my oatmeal since I didn't have any maple syrup. I only have oatmeal, brown sugar, and butter. Can anyone provide suggestions on how to enhance the flavor using these ingredients? Due to financial and physical constraints, I can't go shopping, but I really enjoy oatmeal.
Kenneth Diaz
11/27/2022 03:31:49 AM
Absolutely adored it.
Karen Rodriguez
03/04/2025 11:38:52 PM
I came across this recipe and found it to be straightforward and uncomplicated. I didn't have quick oats on hand (not my favorite choice as it limits the range of recipes you can make), so I substituted with old-fashioned oats, specifically the Great Value brand from Walmart. Despite this alteration, the outcome was fantastic, albeit requiring a slight adjustment in cooking time as per the box instructions. Some reviews suggested that the dish could benefit from more flavor, which I agree with. It's a basic and easy breakfast option, so I decided to enhance it a bit. As the mixture bubbled, I added a teaspoon to a tablespoon of milk and about half a tablespoon of butter per serving, stirring them in as the oatmeal cooked. Once the oatmeal was ready, I sprinkled in some sweeteners. The combination of maple brown sugar and honey was pleasant without being overly sweet, creating a smooth and satisfying blend of flavors.
Victoria Parker
08/25/2023 03:07:13 AM
I really enjoyed this recipe. I replaced the maple sugar with ground cinnamon and added a cinnamon stick instead.
Christine Collins
12/26/2022 10:18:48 PM
I need to spend some more time experimenting with this. Perhaps using slightly less water and adding a touch more brown sugar and maple syrup would enhance the flavor just a bit. It's important to note that this recipe doesn't replicate the taste of the Quaker Oats Maple Brown Sugar packets exactly. Once you accept that, you'll realize that this version is enjoyable in its own right. The texture and appearance of the minute made quick oats was a bit unexpected for me, as it differs from what I'm used to, but not necessarily in a negative way.