McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

There’s no need to run to the Golden Arches to enjoy a sweet, filling oatmeal breakfast packed with fruit. Make it at home in just minutes (for just pennies) with this easy copycat recipe.

homemade McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal in a bowl.

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Delicious oatmeal for breakfast

When you think of oatmeal, do you think of the boring, bland, powdery packets many of us had as kids? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. It may not be as well-known as iconic items like the Egg McMuffin, but McDonald’s serves a delicious Fruit and Maple Oatmeal. And it’s easy and satisfying to make at home, too.

What makes McDonald’s Fruit and Maple oatmeal so good?

From the first spoonful of this comforting classic, you’ll understand why so many love it. It starts with the warm, thick, creamy texture, which provides a perfect way to get yourself going and start the day.

There’s a noticeable but natural sweetness from the combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and lots of fruits, the latter of which makes the oatmeal an even healthier and more filling option.

This simple combination of flavors and textures is what’s made it such a classic over the years.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Those looking for a filling breakfast that’s as nutritious as it is delicious will quickly fall in love with this recipe for many reasons. For one, it’s quick, taking less than five minutes from start to finish. It’s also straightforward enough to be made well by even the most inexperienced home cooks.

In addition, the ingredients are quite affordable, making it an excellent choice for those who love the real thing from Mickey D’s but want to cut back on their spending.

Finally, it’s highly customizable. You can tweak your toppings to include your favorite dried or fresh fruits, savory options like crumbled bacon, or anything else you have on hand.

Ingredients you will need

Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you; most of these items are pantry staples and can be bought once to make numerous servings:

Quick cook oatmeal
Half-and-half or light cream
Maple syrup
Brown sugar
Raisins
White/golden raisins
Craisins (dried cranberries)
Red Delicious apple
Granny Smith apple
Water
Salt

McDonald's fruit and maple oatmeal ingredients

Don’t Be Afraid of Using Other Types of Oatmeal

This recipe is designed to use quick-cooking rolled oats, which come together into a delicious bowl of oatmeal faster than you’d get through the drive-through. But other oat options will also work, whether you’re looking to experiment with new textures and flavors or it’s all you have on hand.

The three basic types are rolled/flake oats, pinhead/steel-cut oats, and ground oats.

Rolled/flake oats

This is the most popular type of oatmeal in the United States. Producers steam the oat groats and then roll them flat, creating the familiar, moderately smooth consistency. Quick-cooking varieties are made by steaming the oats longer and rolling them more thinly, while instant oats are steamed even longer and rolled thinner still.

Pinhead/Steel-cut oats

This style is sometimes called Irish oatmeal (regardless of where it actually comes from), as it’s popular in that country. These oats are cut using a steel blade (hence their name). They’re slightly chewier than rolled oats when cooked and have a more pronounced flavor.

Ground oats

Scots have been making this style of oatmeal for hundreds of years, grinding oat groats between rough grindstones. That’s what gives them their characteristically smooth texture. When cooked, they almost turn fluffy in texture and don’t have any of the chew of other oat types like pinhead.

Read more about the different oatmeal types and how to cook them.

How to make McDonald’s fruit and maple oatmeal

Making McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is a breeze, with nothing more complicated than a little measuring, chopping, and stirring.

Dice the apples into small cubes.
Combine oatmeal, water, salt, and half-and-half in a microwave-safe bowl.

oatmeal, water, salt, and half and half in a bowl.

Microwave for one minute, then stir. Add the maple syrup and then stir again.
Sprinkle brown sugar, dried fruit, and diced apples on top.

With these few simple steps, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying your favorite McDonald’s breakfast no matter where you are.

homemade McDonald's fruit and maple oatmeal and a spoon in a bowl.

Check out our other oatmeal recipes on YouTube.

Tips for making Fruit & Maple Oatmeal from McDonalds

Don’t use cheap syrup when making this recipe. Many pancake syrups are mostly corn syrup, artificial flavorings, and food coloring. Invest in some high-quality maple syrup for this recipe; at just a teaspoon per serving, it’ll go a long way, and this is one of the recipes where spending the extra money for improved flavor is definitely worth it.

If you’re using one of the styles of oatmeal that takes longer to prepare, you can make a larger batch on the weekends as a meal prep breakfast throughout the week. Simply stop before adding the fruit, which should be stored separately and added as needed when each serving is reheated.

What to serve McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal with

McDonald’s oatmeal is a filling and tasty breakfast all on its own but also pairs well with a variety of other delicious choices.

For a savory complement, add some breakfast meats like bacon, sausage, and ham, some hash browns (like McDonald’s-style patties), or a few scrambled or fried eggs.

Yogurt is a healthy, protein-packed accompaniment, while toast or an English muffin are filling and satisfying.

Breakfast-friendly beverages like coffee, tea, and juice also work well.

How to store

Storing your cooked oatmeal to have ready for an quick breakfast is easy. Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature, then keep it (without the fruit or toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last four to six days.

While cooked oatmeal can be frozen, the taste and texture are better when fresh, and the relatively long lifespan and short cooking time make it easy to keep a batch in the fridge instead.

How to reheat McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Reheating your oatmeal is just as stress-free as making it. Just spoon your desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl, add about a tablespoon of milk, and stir to incorporate. Then, cover and heat in the microwave until hot, about two minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Is McDonald’s Oatmeal vegan?

As described above, this McDonald’s Oatmeal recipe isn’t vegan due to the use of half-and-half to add creaminess. However, those following a vegan diet can easily replace the real dairy with oat milk for a vegan-friendly alternative. Both styles are suitable for vegetarians.

overhead view of homemade McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal in a bowl.

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