Apple Pie Oatmeal Bowl (Printable Version)

Creamy oats infused with cinnamon and topped with warm sautéed apples for a comforting 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 for vegan
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 Make It:

01 - Combine oats, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract 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 the oats are creamy and tender.
03 - In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter or coconut oil. Add diced apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt. Cook while stirring until apples soften and lightly caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Divide the cooked oatmeal between two bowls and spoon the warm apple topping evenly over each portion.
05 - Top with chopped toasted nuts, drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey if desired, and sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like apple pie but actually keeps you satisfied until lunch, no afternoon crash.
  • Everything comes together in one pan (well, two, but barely), so cleanup is minimal and mornings stay calm.
  • You can make it dairy-free or swap in whatever milk you have on hand without it falling apart.
02 -
  • If you cook the oats too long on high heat, they'll go from creamy to gluey in about thirty seconds—medium heat is your friend.
  • Tart apples like Granny Smith make this sing; sweet apples are fine, but you lose that flavor contrast that makes it taste like pie and not just apple mush.
03 -
  • If you want deeper caramelization on the apples, let them sit in the butter for a minute before stirring—don't fuss with them, just let them brown.
  • Keep your cinnamon in an airtight container away from light; stale spices are the invisible reason recipes disappoint.
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