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Cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal makes the perfect breakfast when it's cold outside. The soft, sweet apples paired with warm cinnamon create a tasty meal that's good for you too.
What You'll Need
- Neutral Oil or Vegan Butter: 1 teaspoon, for cooking the apples to bring out their taste.
- Apples: 2 sweet ones like honeycrisp, cut into small 1/2-inch chunks for a juicy topping.
- Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar: 2 teaspoons, to add sweetness and help brown the apples.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, for that cozy spice flavor.
- Water: 1 tablespoon, to make the apples tender.
- Rolled or Quick-cooking Oats: 2 cups, creating a filling breakfast base.
- Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar: 2+ tablespoons, add more if you want it sweeter.
- Vanilla Extract (If you want): 1/2 teaspoon, adds depth and warmth.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, gives the oatmeal that warm taste.
- Ground Ginger (If you want): 1/4 teaspoon, adds a bit of kick.
- Ground Nutmeg (If you want): 1/8 teaspoon, for extra flavor layers.
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, makes all the flavors pop.
- Non-Dairy Milk (Unsweetened): 2 cups, for a smooth oatmeal texture.
- Water: 2 cups, or use more milk if you want it creamier.
- Walnuts or Pecans, Chopped (If you want): 1/4 cup, adds a nice crunch on top.
How To Make It
- Step 1:
- Heat your small saucepan over medium heat and melt the oil or vegan butter. Toss in the apple chunks, salt, water, cinnamon, and your choice of brown sugar or maple syrup. Mix everything together.
- Step 2:
- Let the apples cook for about 5-7 minutes, giving them a stir now and then until they soften and look see-through. Take out half the cooked apples and put them aside to use as a topping later.
- Step 3:
- Now add your oats, more brown sugar or maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, non-dairy milk, and water to the pot with the remaining apples. Stir everything together really well.
- Step 4:
- Turn the heat up to high until it starts bubbling, then lower to medium and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring sometimes so it doesn't stick to the bottom. Cook until it's as thick as you like it.
- Step 5:
- Try a spoonful and see if it's sweet enough for you. If not, just add a bit more brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Step 6:
- Scoop the oatmeal into bowls and put some of those saved cinnamon apples on top. If you want, add some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Step 7:
- Enjoy while it's hot! You can keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you warm it up again, just add a splash of milk or water to make it creamy again.
Serving and Keeping It Fresh
- Enjoy this oatmeal hot with the saved cinnamon apples on top and maybe some chopped nuts too.
- Pour a little warm non-dairy milk on top before eating for extra creaminess.
- Leftover oatmeal stays good in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- When you want to eat the leftovers, heat them up on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of milk or water to make it creamy again.
- You can also freeze single portions for up to 2 months. Add extra liquid when heating from frozen.
Good To Know
- Want chewier oatmeal? Go for rolled oats instead of the quick-cooking kind.
- Make it your own by adding things like chia seeds, raisins, or banana slices for more flavor and nutrients.
Advice From Pro Chefs
- Jamie Oliver thinks a tiny bit of allspice and nutmeg really brings out those fall flavors.
- Yotam Ottolenghi likes to mix apples and pears together for a different seasonal take on this dish.
What Makes This So Good
- This breakfast uses natural sweeteners and wholesome stuff, so it's really good for you.
- Warm spices, soft apples, and hearty oats make this the perfect comfort food when it's chilly outside.
- It's totally vegan, dairy-free, and you can use certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten.
Mix It Up
- Want it sweeter? Just add more brown sugar or maple syrup until it tastes right to you.
- Try using pears instead of apples, or throw in both for something different.
- Spread some peanut butter or almond butter on top for extra protein and richness.