There’s something so comforting about starting the day with a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal, and McDonald’s Oatmeal has always been one of my favorite meals. The combination of creamy oats, maple syrup, juicy fruits, and crunchy nuts creates a wholesome, indulgent, and nourishing breakfast. So why not make such a hearty meal right in our kitchen?

It was introduced in 2011, and this recipe was McDonald’s way of offering a healthier option to their menu. Of course, it quickly became a favorite for people seeking a comforting and satisfying start to their day. You’ll be surprised that even celebrities have endorsed McDonald’s Oatmeal as a convenient and tasty breakfast option. Just think about its appeal!
I tried it for the first time while on a road trip with friends, and it became an instant favorite. Since then, I’ve been recreating this classic recipe at home, not just for nostalgia but also for how simple and customizable it is.
Making it at home means I can tweak it with my favorite toppings and adjust the sweetness. Let me take you through how I prepare my version of McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any morning!
Equipment Required
- Saucepan: I always prefer using a saucepan to cook my oats evenly.
- Spoon: I stir the oatmeal with a spoon to make sure it doesn’t stick and cook evenly.
- Measuring Cups And Spoons: I prefer using measuring cups and spoons to get the right proportions for the oats, milk, and other ingredients.
- Knife And Cutting Board: I use a sharp knife and a cutting board to chop apples, nuts, or any other add-ins I want.
- Small Bowl Or Dish: I use a small bowl to soak raisins or other dried fruits.
- Serving Bowl: Once everything’s done, I pour it into my favorite bowl to enjoy it.
McDonald’s Oatmeal Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients mentioned in this section make one portion of McDonald’s Oatmeal Recipe. You can always change and adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your need for the number of servings you wish to make.
- ½ Cup Rolled Oats: When I’m out of rolled oats, I sometimes use quick oats for a softer texture or steel-cut oats when I’m in the mood for something chewier. I just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- ½ Cup Milk: For a change, I often use almond, soy, or coconut milk. Water works fine, too, if I want it lighter.
- 1 Teaspoon Maple Syrup: When I don’t have maple syrup, I use honey, agave syrup, or even a pinch of brown sugar.
- 1 Cup Water: Sometimes, I replace the water with extra milk or plant-based milk to make it creamier.
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Apples: For variety, I like switching apples with pears, bananas, or berries. Dried fruits like apricots or cranberries also add a nice touch.
- 1 Teaspoon Raisins: If I’m out of raisins, I swap them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or any dried fruit I have on hand.
- ½ Teaspoon Nuts: I mix it up with whatever nuts I have, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Sometimes, I even toss in chia or flaxseeds for extra nutrition.
- 2 Tablespoons Salt: To balance the sweetness
Preparation And Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
20 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 35 Minutes |
How To Make McDonald’s Oatmeal At Home
Step 1
Start by placing rolled oats into a medium-sized saucepan or pot.
Step 2
Add water to the pot, ensuring the oats are fully immersed. This step helps the oats absorb water and soften as they cook.
Step 3
Once the water has been added, pour in milk. The milk adds creaminess to the oatmeal, making it rich and velvety.
Step 4
Turn the heat to medium and stir the mixture gently using a spatula or spoon. Continue stirring frequently to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the oatmeal thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
Once the oatmeal has thickened, add a pinch of salt to the pot and Stir well.
Step 6
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in some maple syrup. This adds a delightful caramel-like sweetness and enhances the flavor. Transfer the oatmeal to your favorite serving bowl and top it with chopped apples, raisins, nuts, or any other toppings of your choice.
Step 7
Your homemade McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm, and savor every bite of this hearty and flavorful breakfast.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- If my oatmeal becomes too thick, I add a splash of hot water or milk and stir it in until I reach the right consistency.
- When it’s too runny, I let it simmer for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up.
- If the bottom of my oatmeal burns, I carefully transfer the unburnt oatmeal to another pan and lower the heat next time. Stirring frequently also prevents this.
- I’ve found that soaking raisins or other dried fruits in warm water for a few minutes softens them before adding them to the oatmeal.
- I sometimes add a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dash of vanilla extract to bring out the flavors beautifully.
- I like to cook the oatmeal on low heat, stirring constantly, to make it extra creamy.
- Before cooking them, I always lightly toast the oats to bring out a deeper, nutty flavor.
- For a better texture, I like to blend a portion of the oatmeal with an immersion blender while leaving the rest whole. It creates the perfect balance of creaminess and bite.
FAQs About McDonald’s Oatmeal Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Like every food, McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal has various nutritional benefits if you enjoy a cup. Since it has added cream, it means higher cholesterol levels and saturated fats, but it is an excellent high-fiber food. However, it is advised to go for this treatment occasionally.
If you want to know more about its nutritional value, check out these values. Also, remember to look at McDonald’s nutritional menu.
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 64 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 4.5 g |
Cholesterol | 5 mg |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Potassium | 330 mg |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 31 g |
Calcium | 80 mg |
Iron | 2 mg |
McDonald’s Oatmeal recipe is generally good for balanced diets. It’s suitable for vegetarian, high-fiber, and heart-healthy diets. However, it may not be ideal for low-sugar, low-calorie, or vegan diets. Additionally, it might not fit well into keto or low-carb diets. Some modifications need to be made to make this recipe more inclusive.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, I swap regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. I also make sure the maple syrup and raisins are plant-based, which they usually are.
- Low-Sugar Diet: To reduce sugar content, I cut back or omit white sugar and maple syrup. I usually use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, which gives me sweetness without the extra sugar.
- Keto Diet: To lower the carbs for a keto-friendly version, I replace the oats with chia seeds or flaxseeds. I also use unsweetened almond milk and skip the sugar entirely. Instead of raisins, I’ll add a small handful of berries.
- Dairy-Free Diet: When I need to make dairy-free oatmeal, I simply swap out regular milk for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or oat milk. I also make sure any toppings, like cream, are dairy-free.
- Low-Calorie Diet: I use a smaller portion of oats and reduce or skip the sugar and maple syrup for a lighter version. I load it up with more fruits like berries or apples to keep it naturally sweet without many calories.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigeration: After making the oatmeal, I let it cool to room temperature. Then, I transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If I want to keep it longer, I freeze the oatmeal. I let it cool, then scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. I remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
Reheating
- Microwave Method: For a quick reheating option, I place the oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. I check to make sure it’s warm and creamy before serving.
- Oven Method: To reheat oatmeal in the oven, I preheat it to 350°F (175°C). I place the oatmeal in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. I bake it for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated. If it seems too thick, I add a splash of milk or water before reheating.
- Stovetop Method: For stovetop reheating, I add the oatmeal to a saucepan along with a little milk or water to reach my desired consistency. I heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and smooth. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Whipped Peanut Butter: I sometimes add a spoonful of Whipped Peanut Butter or peanut butter to make the oatmeal richer and more satisfying. It also gives it a lovely, creamy texture.
- Chocolate Sauce: I sometimes drizzle Chocolate Sauce on top for a more indulgent treat. The warmth of the oatmeal melts the chocolate, making every bite extra delicious.
- Cornbread: You can even enjoy some Cornbread as well. It pairs well with the soft oats and adds a nice texture contrast.
- Pumpkin Bread: When pumpkin season is in full swing, I pair it with Pumpkin Bread. It gives the oatmeal a cozy, autumnal flavor.
- BBQ Baked Beans And Bacon: You can even pair this dish with BBQ Baked Beans And Bacon to enjoy a super fulfiling meal.
Printable Version
McDonald’s Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Rolled Oats
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Maple Syrup
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon Apples
- 1 Teaspoon Raisins
- ½ Teaspoon Nuts
- 1 Pinch Salt
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Small Bowl or Dish
- Serving Bowl
Instructions
- Start by placing rolled oats into a medium-sized saucepan or pot.
- Add water to the pot, ensuring the oats are fully immersed. This step helps the oats absorb water and soften as they cook.
- Once the water has been added, pour in milk. The milk adds creaminess to the oatmeal, making it rich and velvety.
- Turn the heat to medium and stir the mixture gently using a spatula or spoon. Continue stirring frequently to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the oatmeal thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the oatmeal has thickened, add a pinch of salt to the pot and Stir well
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in some maple syrup. This adds a delightful caramel-like sweetness and enhances the flavor. Transfer the oatmeal to your favorite serving bowl and top it with chopped apples, raisins, nuts, or any other toppings of your choice.
- Your homemade McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm, and savor every bite of this hearty and flavorful breakfast.
Video
Notes
- If my oatmeal becomes too thick, I add a splash of hot water or milk and stir it in until I reach the right consistency.
- When it’s too runny, I let it simmer for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up.
- If the bottom of my oatmeal burns, I carefully transfer the unburnt oatmeal to another pan and lower the heat next time. Stirring frequently also prevents this.
- I’ve found that soaking raisins or other dried fruits in warm water for a few minutes softens them before adding them to the oatmeal.
- I sometimes add a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dash of vanilla extract to bring out the flavors beautifully.
- I like to cook the oatmeal on low heat, stirring constantly, to make it extra creamy.
- Before cooking them, I always lightly toast the oats to bring out a deeper, nutty flavor.
- For a better texture, I like to blend a portion of the oatmeal with an immersion blender while leaving the rest whole. It creates the perfect balance of creaminess and bite.
Nutrition
More McDonald’s Recipes That You Can Try
Conclusion
Making McDonald’s inspired oatmeal at home feels like the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. This oatmeal has become a go-to for busy mornings or cozy weekends when I want something warm and filling without much fuss.
It reminds me that the simplest recipes can sometimes bring the most joy. If you’re like me and enjoy reimagining fast-food classics at home, you’ll find this oatmeal recipe as comforting and adaptable as I do.
Make this McDonald’s breakfast special at home today, and don’t forget to share your creations. Let me know how you’ve customized them to make them uniquely yours.