Apple Pie Oatmeal Bowl (Printable)

Creamy oats infused with cinnamon and topped with sautéed apples and nuts for a cozy start.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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
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

# How-To:

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, until apples soften and caramelize lightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Divide the cooked oatmeal between two bowls. Spoon warm apple topping over each portion.
05 - Top with chopped nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if desired. Sprinkle with nutmeg for added flavor and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's basically apple pie masquerading as a wholesome breakfast, so you get to feel virtuous while eating something that tastes indulgent.
  • The whole thing comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can make it on a regular Tuesday without extra stress.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the apples once they hit the pan—they'll go from soft to mushy in seconds, and you want them tender with a bit of caramel color, not a sad applesauce situation.
  • Tart apples really do make a difference; sweet ones get cloying when cooked with maple syrup, and the whole bowl tastes one-note.
03 -
  • Stir the oatmeal often while it cooks so it becomes creamy throughout instead of having dry bits in the bottom—this is the difference between good and great.
  • Let the cooked apples sit in the pan for a minute after turning off the heat; they'll finish softening and the liquid will reduce into a syrupy glaze that clings to every piece.
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