Creamy Caramelized Apples Oatmeal

All you need is five pantry staple ingredients to make this delicious Apple Oatmeal recipe featuring caramelized apples for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. It’s the perfect breakfast recipe for cozy mornings, and what’s best is that it’s also vegan and sugar-free!

Oatmeal has always been a reliable and comforting choice in the world of breakfast options, but it’s not always the most exciting. That’s where this apple oatmeal recipe comes in - it adds a delicious twist that’s sure to make oatmeal enjoyable again. 

This recipe combines the sweet and tangy taste of apples with the hearty texture of oats, resulting in a warm and nourishing breakfast that’s perfect for any day of the week. With a light sweetness of maple syrup, cacao powder, and cinnamon, this breakfast is heart-warming and absolutely delicious!

Whether you’re a fan of oatmeal or you’re looking to try something new and healthy, this apple oatmeal recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and give you a boost of energy to start your day. 

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious apple oatmeal today!

Jump to:

• What is Apple Oatmeal?
• Why This Is The Best Apple Oatmeal Recipe 
• What You Need to Make Apple Oatmeal At Home
• How to Make Apple Oatmeal Step by Step
• Tips For Making the Best Apple Oatmeal Every Single Time
• Substitutions for Apple Oatmeal
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Apple Oatmeal
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• How to Store Leftover Apple Oatmeal
• Similar Recipes
• Recipe

What is Apple Oatmeal?

Apple oatmeal is a breakfast dish that consists of cooked oatmeal mixed with diced apples, cinnamon, and other ingredients like raisins, nuts, or maple syrup. It’s a highly nutritious and filling meal that provides a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping you satisfied for hours. 

The combination of sweet and tangy apples with warm and creamy oatmeal is not only delicious but also helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

And my recipe will teach you how to make the most delicious creamy apple oatmeal ever without using any milk! Yes, you read that right. 

Although most creamy oatmeal recipes are made with milk, never underestimate what you can do without milk. 

In fact, I found that using milk makes the oatmeal slightly gummier when compared to water-based oatmeal, which gives you that creamy-dreamy texture of the oats. You’ll absolutely love my recipe, trust me!

Why This Is The Best Apple Oatmeal Recipe 

Delicious: This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the wholesome flavor of oatmeal, making it a perfect blend of flavors that can satisfy any sweet tooth.

Easy-to-make: With simple steps to follow, this recipe can be made by anyone and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills. All you need is some basic ingredients, and you’re ready to go.

Nutritious: Did you know that oats are loaded with nutrients? Just ½ cup of dry oats contains 191% of your recommended daily intake of manganese and 41% of phosphorus. Plus, oats are a great source of protein and soluble fiber. The addition of apples also adds antioxidants, which makes it an added bonus.

Versatile: This recipe can be customized based on personal preferences. You can use your choice of apples, add more cinnamon or nutmeg, and even add some extra raisins or your favorite nuts on top.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is loved by all. It’s a great option to serve at family gatherings or potlucks, as everyone can enjoy it regardless of dietary restrictions, especially since it’s vegan, dairy-free, and can even be made gluten-free!

If you're really in a hurry and need breakfast fast, check out my 3-minute oatmeal. It's made without milk and as delicious and healthy as this healthy caramelized apple oatmeal.

However, if you have an extra 10 minutes, give yourself a favor and prepare this super creamy oatmeal with caramelized apple.

It's simple yet fancy (thank you, healthy caramelized apples). It's flavorful and absolutely delicious.

What You Need to Make Apple Oatmeal At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious apple oatmeal recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: You will be needing some old-fashioned rolled oats and water to make the creamy oatmeal. While cooking, the oats will absorb the water and release their starch, resulting in a creamy texture. You can also use gluten-free oats.

Fresh apples: We’ll also need half a cup of granny smith apples to make the caramelized apple. As the apple cooks with ground cinnamon and maple syrup, it will start to caramelize and soften, releasing its natural sugars.

Ground cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon will be added to the caramelized apple, giving an aromatic and warming flavor to the mixture. As it cooks with the apple and maple syrup, it will create a sweet and spiced flavor profile.

Maple syrup: We’ll be using some maple syrup as our natural sweetener to caramelize the apples. When added to the apple, it will create a caramel-like consistency and infuse a natural sweetness. 

Cacao powder: Finally, we’ll add a tablespoon of cacao powder to the caramelized apple to create a chocolatey twist. As it cooks with the apple and maple syrup, it will create a rich and indulgent chocolate sauce that pairs perfectly with the caramelized apple.

Equipment: For a stovetop version of a vegan caramelized apple oatmeal you only need a small saucepan or pot and a skillet. If you want to make it in a microwave, then you'll need a microwave-safe bowl and a skillet.

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Step by Step

Making this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

For the microwave instructions of a creamy oatmeal scroll down below.

1. Make the creamy oatmeal

Add oats and water (or plant-based milk if that's what you use) to a small pan and put it over medium heat. Simmer the oatmeal stirring from time to time until the oats absorb all liquid and is thick but creamy at the same time, about 7-10 minutes.

2. Prepare the caramelized apple

Quarter the green apple, core and dice it. Add apple to a small skillet and cook stirring occasionally for 3 minutes. It will begin to soften. Add ground cinnamon, half of the Maple syrup and stir until the syrup coats the apple evenly and it looks caramelized. Cook for another 2 minutes and remove the skillet from the heat.

3. Serve

Add creamy oatmeal to a serving bowl, top with the healthy caramelized apples and sprinkle with the cacao powder. Drizzle with the remaining maple syrup and serve.

Your delicious Apple Oatmeal is ready to be served!

Tips For Making the Best Apple Oatmeal Every Single Time

Prepare your ingredients: Before starting the recipe, ensure that you have all the required ingredients on hand and that they are appropriately measured and prepared. This step will make the cooking process faster and less complicated.

Choose the right apples: For the best results, select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. These apple types hold their shape when cooked and add a tangy flavor to the dish.

Spice it up: In addition to cinnamon, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the oatmeal mixture to give it a warm, earthy flavor.

Use rolled oats: Rolled oats are the best for this recipe as they have a good texture and take a lesser time to cook. Avoid using steel-cut oats, instant oats, or quick-cooking oats.

Add the apples in stages: To ensure all the apples are well-cooked, add them in stages. First, cook them for a few minutes, and later add the remaining apples. This way, the dish will have a mixture of cooked and crispy apples.

Adjust consistency: Check the consistency of the oatmeal while cooking and adjust it accordingly. If it is too thick, add additional liquid, such as plant-based milk or water. If it is too thin, add more oats.

Substitutions for Apple Oatmeal

Water: This vegan creamy oatmeal can be made with plant-based milk. Almond milk and oat milk would be my primary choices. Cashew and coconut milk can also be used. Keep in mind, though, if you decide to use coconut milk, your Maple apple oatmeal will have a slight coconut-y flavor.

Fruit: If you don't have green apples, any fruit will work here. This breakfast porridge will be delicious with caramelized pears, peaches, pineapples, or bananas.

Serving Suggestions

1. Top with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and crunch.
2. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a protein boost.
3. Mix in extra fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries, for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Add a splash of almond milk or your preferred milk for a creamier texture.
5. Sprinkle with granola or toasted coconut flakes for a delicious and nutritious breakfast option.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Apple Oatmeal

This delicious apple oatmeal recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

• Banana nut: Add mashed ripe banana and a tablespoon of chopped walnuts to the oatmeal mixture for a sweet and nutty twist.
• Cinnamon raisin: Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a handful of raisins for a classic oatmeal flavor with a chewy texture.
• Peaches and cream: Dice a fresh peach and swirl in a tablespoon of cream or milk for a sweet and creamy oatmeal bowl.
• Maple pecan: Top your oatmeal with a drizzle of maple syrup and a tablespoon of crushed pecans for a decadent breakfast treat.
• Berry almond: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries and strawberries and a tablespoon of sliced almonds for a fruity and crunchy oatmeal bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Store Leftover Apple Oatmeal

To store leftovers of this Apple Oatmeal recipe, first allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 4 to 5 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat it in the microwave by heating it for 40 to 50 seconds. 

Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop by adding it to a saucepan with a little bit of liquid (plant-based milk or water) and heating it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot.

Unfortunately, this recipe cannot be frozen as the texture of the oatmeal would change and become gritty upon thawing and reheating. Therefore, it’s best to consume within the aforementioned 4-5 day refrigerator timeframe.

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