Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Warm, spiced apples mingle with creamy oats in this soul-warming bowl of comfort. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of sweet fruit, aromatic cinnamon, and hearty oats.
It’s like autumn wrapped in a bowl, bringing you that nostalgic feeling of grandma’s kitchen on a chilly morning.
Variations & Substitutions
You can swap the water for any plant-based milk – almond or oat milk work wonderfully and create an extra creamy texture. For the fruit lovers out there, try mixing in some bananas alongside the apples.
When it comes to spices, don’t feel confined to just cinnamon – I often throw in some cardamom, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice for an exciting twist. The sweetener is totally up to you – maple syrup, brown sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel can work beautifully.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
Toasting your spices before adding them really amplifies their flavor – just be careful not to burn them! I like to cook my apples until they’re tender but not mushy, which gives the oatmeal different textures in each bite.
A tiny pinch of salt makes all the flavors pop. For an extra special touch, I sometimes add a splash of vanilla extract or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. The key is cooking low and slow to let those flavors meld together perfectly.
Making the Recipe Stand Out
Try cooking the apples separately first with a bit of butter and cinnamon until they’re perfectly caramelized. This creates almost a baked apple effect that’s absolutely divine.
I love adding a variety of toppings – think toasted nuts, a drizzle of almond butter, or even a sprinkle of granola for crunch. Sometimes I’ll add a dash of ginger or a tiny bit of clove to create a more complex spice profile.
Storage & Reheating
Good news – this oatmeal keeps beautifully! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days5. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to bring back that creamy consistency.
I find that the flavors actually develop more over time, making leftovers taste even better. While you could freeze it, I honestly wouldn’t recommend it – it takes longer to defrost than to make a fresh batch.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 4 cups water or milk for extra creaminess
- 3 sweet apples peeled and chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add oats, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring well.
- Add the chopped apples to the pot. Reduce heat and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, giving it an occasional stir.
- Once your apples are tender, stir in the honey and pecans.
- Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for 5 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.
