Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRuth's DinerOatmeal Recipe

Oatmeal Recipe

Inspired by Ruth's Diner
Time15m
Serves2

brown sugar, diced apple, cranraisins and walnuts

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Ingredients

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Oatmeal Base

Finishing & Optional

Method

Oatmeal Base

  1. 1

    Combine liquids

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1.5 cups water and 0.5 cup milk. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Cook oats

    Stir in 1 cup rolled oats. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until the oats are thick and creamy. For thinner oatmeal, cook shorter or add a splash more milk.

Sweet Mix-ins

  1. 3

    Add apple and cranberries

    When the oats are mostly cooked (about 3–4 minutes into simmering), stir in the diced apple (1 medium) and 3 tablespoons dried cranberries so they soften and warm with the oats.

  2. 4

    Finish cooking

    Continue to cook until the apples are tender-crisp and the oats reach desired consistency, about 2–4 more minutes. If mixture thickens too much, stir in up to 2 tablespoons extra milk or water.

Finishing & Optional

  1. 5

    Sweeten and flavor

    Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Taste and add an extra pinch of salt if needed to balance sweetness.

  2. 6

    Serve and top

    Spoon the oatmeal into a bowl and sprinkle 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts on top. Optionally add more brown sugar or a drizzle of milk. Serve immediately.

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