Go Back

Easy Microwave Oatmeal with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon & Walnuts

This easy microwave oatmeal combines tender rolled oats with sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and chewy dried cherries. Ready in just 7 minutes, it's a comforting, flavorful breakfast that can be customized with your favorite fresh or dried fruits. Perfect for busy mornings when you want something warm, filling, and delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 dash salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Cinnamon to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon suggested)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries

Method
 

  1. Prepare the dried cherries (optional). For softer, plumper cherries, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with enough water to cover. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes, adjusting the time according to the fruit's size and dryness. Do not drain any remaining water.
  2. Combine the ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl with enough space to prevent overflowing, combine the rolled oats, measured water, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and dried cherries. If you have softened the cherries separately, add them along with their remaining soaking water.
  3. Microwave the oatmeal. Cook on high for 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
  4. Stir thoroughly. Carefully remove the bowl and stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Check whether the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Adjust the consistency. If the oatmeal is still too watery, microwave for another 10–15 seconds. Stir again and repeat briefly if needed until the oats reach your preferred consistency.
  6. Serve warm. Allow the oatmeal to settle briefly, stir once more, and enjoy while warm.

Notes

  • Customizable ingredients: Water and rolled oats form the base of this recipe. Salt, sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and fruit can be adjusted according to personal preference.
  • Fresh fruit options: Chopped apples, sliced bananas, or fresh peaches make delicious alternatives to dried cherries.
  • Dried fruit alternatives: Raisins, dried blueberries, or other dried fruits work well.
  • Softening dried fruit: Cover the dried fruit with water and microwave for approximately 2 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients. Cooking time depends on the fruit's size and moisture content.
  • Keep the fruit water: If any water remains after heating dried fruit, add it to the oatmeal rather than draining it. This contributes additional moisture and fruit flavor.
  • Adjusting cinnamon: The original recipe suggests a generous amount of cinnamon, approximately 1 teaspoon, although the amount can be adjusted to taste.
  • Ingredient flexibility: The original method measures the oats and water but treats most other ingredients as flexible additions.
  • Microwave timing: The suggested cooking time is 2 minutes and 20 seconds, followed by additional 10–15-second intervals if needed. Cooking time may vary depending on microwave power.
  • Liquid adjustment: If you add soaking water from the dried fruit, the oatmeal may require additional cooking time to thicken.