Apple Pie Oatmeal Bowl (Printable)

Warm oatmeal with cinnamon and sautéed apples topped with nuts and maple syrup for a wholesome breakfast.

# Ingredient list:

→ Oatmeal Base

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
03 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Apple Topping

07 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
08 - 1 teaspoon unsalted butter or coconut oil for vegan option
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
11 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Garnishes

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
13 - Extra maple syrup or honey, to taste
14 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine oats, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
02 - Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until oats are creamy and tender.
03 - Heat butter or coconut oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until apples soften and caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Divide cooked oatmeal between two bowls and spoon warm apple topping over each portion.
05 - Top with chopped nuts and drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired. Finish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like pie but leaves you energized instead of sluggish.
  • The warm caramelized apples turn plain oatmeal into something you actually look forward to.
  • It comes together in 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
  • You can tweak the sweetness and spices to match your mood that day.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the oats—they can stick to the bottom of the pan and scorch if you forget to stir.
  • Let the apples cook long enough to caramelize slightly, or they'll taste raw and won't have that pie-like sweetness.
  • If you use steel-cut oats instead of rolled, add at least 10 more minutes to the cooking time.
03 -
  • Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apples while they cook for extra bursts of sweetness.
  • Stir a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter into the oats at the end for a creamier, more filling bowl.
  • Use a potato masher to gently crush some of the apples after cooking—it creates a sauce that coats the oats beautifully.
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