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If you used to love those little packets of instant cinnamon apple oatmeal for breakfast as a kid (or still do), this is definitely the recipe for you! This homemade version is actually incredibly healthy for you and way more delicious, but still super easy and quick to prepare. You can whip this up in less than 20 minutes on a busy morning, or even make it ahead to heat up throughout the week. Either way, this recipe is sure to impress anyone and everyone, kids included!
Below is an informational list of ingredients and step-by-step guide to making this delicious oatmeal, with a full recipe summary and measurements at the bottom of the page.
Let’s talk about the ingredients and their benefits:
- Oats: These fantastic whole grains are incredibly beneficial and for our health. Oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods available to us and have been found to lower cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease due to all the nutrients, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals they provide us with. We are recommended to consume three servings of whole grains per day, so oats are an excellent source to meet your daily requirements!
- Apples: Like many other fruits, apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and help to lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They also contain pectin, which is great for promoting a healthy gut.
- Maple syrup: You may be surprised to hear that maple syrup actually contains lots of antioxidants and other nutrients and is on of the best options when it comes to plant-based sweeteners. Just be sure to use it in moderation to avoid consuming too much sugar!
- Vanilla extract: Composed of a the compound vanillin, may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidative effects.
- Lemon juice: This too may come as a surprise but lemon juice is an essential ingredient in this recipe! The touch of acidity really helps to liven the flavor of the apples. Lemon juice is high in antioxidants and also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it’s a great contributor to the health and function of our immune system.
- Oat milk: Any type of plant-based milk will work for this recipe, but oat milk is my personal favorite! All plant-based milks contain a variety of nutrients, but oat milk in particular is a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and has been shown to reduce blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and help protect against cancer.
- Cinnamon: This powerful spice contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, loaded with antioxidants, and also has been shown to help regulate and lower blood sugar and decrease risk of heart disease.
Pro tip: Did you know it’s super easy to make your own vanilla extract? Just stick 4-6 beans in an 8 oz. amber jar and fill it with vodka. Let it sit for 6 months and shake it regularly, then you’ve got yourself some homemade pure vanilla extract! It’s actually way cheaper this way too and makes a great holiday gift! Here’s a link to the vanilla beans and jars that I use –> Vanilla Beans, Amber Glass Jars
Step 1:
Start by finely dicing the apples. No need to peel them! The skins contain lots of nutrients and will soften as they cook down.
Step 2:
Add apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt to a pot over medium heat and reduce for about 8-10 minutes, or until the maple syrup has evaporated and the apples are caramelized.
Step 3:
Add the oats, water, milk, and vanilla and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
Note: The oatmeal will continue to thicken once you remove it from the heat.
That’s all there is to it! You can top this spiced apple oatmeal with a handful of nuts, raisins, fresh apple chunks, or whatever sounds yummy to you. Personally, I love to pour a little extra oat milk on top for a nice contrast in temperature and to make it extra creamy and delicious! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do. Leave a comment below and please share with a friend if you enjoy this recipe!
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 apples finely diced
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1 3/4 cup plant-based milk
Instructions
- Add apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt to a pot over medium heat and reduce for about 8-10 minutes, or until the maple syrup has evaporated and the apples are caramelized.
- Add the oats, water, milk, and vanilla and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
