Save Pin The first time I made this oatmeal, my apartment smelled exactly like my grandmothers kitchen on Sunday mornings. That warm cinnamon and apple aroma filled every corner, making even the hallway feel welcoming. I originally just wanted to use up some apples that were sitting on my counter, but this bowl became my go-to comfort breakfast. Something about the combination of creamy oats and tender sautéed apples feels like a hug in a bowl.
Last winter, my roommate woke up from a nap and stumbled into the kitchen asking what I was baking. When I told her it was just oatmeal, she looked at me like I was lying. Now she begs me to make it whenever the weather turns chilly. Its become our cozy morning tradition before we both head off to work.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These give the perfect creamy texture while still maintaining a nice bite, unlike instant oats which can turn mushy
- Milk of your choice: I love whole milk for richness, but oat milk and almond milk work beautifully too
- Maple syrup or honey: This adds a gentle sweetness that complements the apples without overpowering them
- Ground cinnamon: Do not skip this, it is what bridges the oatmeal and apple flavors together
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and prevents the dish from tasting flat
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth that makes the whole bowl taste more complex
- Medium apple: Granny Smith gives a nice tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji will be naturally sweeter
- Unsalted butter or coconut oil: Butter adds classic flavor, but coconut oil gives a lovely subtle sweetness
- Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans: These add a satisfying crunch and rich nutty flavor
Instructions
- Cook the creamy oatmeal base:
- Combine the oats, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats are tender and creamy.
- Sauté the spiced apples:
- While the oats cook, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are softened and lightly golden.
- Assemble your bowls:
- Divide the warm oatmeal between two bowls and spoon those fragrant sautéed apples generously over the top.
- Add your finishing touches:
- Sprinkle with the toasted nuts, an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you like it sweeter, and a pinch of nutmeg for that final apple pie vibe.
Save Pin This recipe got me through a particularly rough finals week in college. Every morning felt manageable when I started it with something warm and comforting. Now whenever I make it, I remember how small comforts can carry you through big challenges.
Choosing Your Apples
I have tested this with at least a dozen apple varieties, and each brings something different. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweet maple syrup beautifully. Sweeter varieties like Gala or Fuji mean you can use less added sugar. My personal favorite is Honeycrisp for its perfect sweet tart balance and how it holds its shape when cooked.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the oatmeal while it cooks. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds protein and makes it extra creamy. On days when I want something richer, a spoonful of almond butter swirled in changes everything.
Meal Prep And Storage
You can cook the oatmeal base up to three days ahead and reheat it with a splash of milk. The apples taste best freshly made, but you can prep them in advance and just quickly sauté them when ready to eat. The toasted nuts stay crisp for about a week in an airtight container.
- Store cooked oatmeal and sautéed apples separately for the best texture
- Add a splash of milk or water when reheating to restore creaminess
- The apples will keep in the fridge for up to three days
Save Pin There is something profoundly grounding about starting your day with a breakfast that feels like a warm embrace. I hope this apple pie oatmeal brings you as many cozy mornings as it has brought me.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What type of oats works best for this bowl?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a creamy, tender texture, but steel-cut or quick oats can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with unsweetened plant milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What kind of apples should I use?
Tart apples like Granny Smith offer a tangy contrast, while sweeter varieties add natural sweetness to the topping.
- → How can I add extra creaminess?
Add a dollop of yogurt or mix in raisins for additional creaminess and flavor depth.
- → Are nuts necessary for the topping?
Nuts add crunch and richness but can be omitted or replaced with seeds for those with allergies.