This Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a nutritious and cozy breakfast that's both comforting and delicious. Made with tender sautéed apples, oats, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this oatmeal is a perfect start to your day. It's naturally sweetened with maple syrup or brown sugar, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings, such as chopped nuts for added crunch. Whether you're enjoying it on a chilly morning or meal prepping for the week, this oatmeal is sure to satisfy. Best of all, it's vegan, dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
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.