This Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm and comforting breakfast that's perfect for chilly mornings. With sweet, tender apples and a touch of cinnamon, it's both nutritious and delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- Vegan Butter or Neutral Oil: 1 teaspoon, used to sauté the apples and enhance their flavor.
- Sweet Apples: 2 apples, diced into 1/2-inch pieces, such as honeycrisp, for a juicy and sweet topping.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: 2 teaspoons, for sweetness and to help caramelize the apples.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, to bring warmth and spice to the dish.
- Water: 1 tablespoon, added to help soften the apples.
- Oats: 2 cups, either quick-cooking or rolled oats, for a hearty and filling base.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: 2+ tablespoons, depending on your desired sweetness level.
- Vanilla Extract (Optional): 1/2 teaspoon, for extra flavor and richness.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, to flavor the oatmeal with warmth.
- Ground Ginger (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon, for a bit of extra spice.
- Ground Nutmeg (Optional): 1/8 teaspoon, for added depth.
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.
- Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: 2 cups, for a creamy oatmeal base.
- Water: 2 cups, or substitute more milk for a creamier texture.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional): 1/4 cup, for a crunchy topping.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter or oil over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Step 2:
- Cook the apples for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and translucent. Remove half of the cooked apples from the pan and set them aside for later use as a topping.
- Step 3:
- Add the oats, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, non-dairy milk, and water to the pot with the remaining apples. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oatmeal thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5:
- Taste the oatmeal and adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup if necessary.
- Step 6:
- Divide the oatmeal into serving bowls and top each with the reserved cinnamon apples. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Step 7:
- Serve warm. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of extra milk or water to loosen the consistency.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the oatmeal warm, topped with the reserved cinnamon apples and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, if desired.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle a bit of warm non-dairy milk over the top before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat the oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
- You can also freeze the oatmeal in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen with a bit of extra milk or water.
Helpful Notes
- For a heartier texture, use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats.
- This recipe is customizable—add toppings like raisins, chia seeds, or sliced bananas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Jamie Oliver suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg and allspice to create a more robust fall flavor.
- Chef Yotam Ottolenghi recommends using a combination of apples and pears for a seasonal twist on this recipe.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- This oatmeal is naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious breakfast.
- The combination of tender apples, oats, and warming spices makes it a comforting meal perfect for cold mornings.
- It's vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
VARIATIONS
- For a sweeter version, increase the maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.
- Substitute pears for apples, or use a mix of both for a different flavor profile.
- Top with almond butter or peanut butter for extra richness and protein.