Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (Printable)
Comforting breakfast with tender apples, aromatic cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. Wholesome and ready in 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
→ Dairy & Liquids
02 - 2 cups milk, dairy or unsweetened non-dairy
03 - 1/2 cup water
→ Fruit
04 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
→ Nuts & Seeds
05 - 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
→ Sweeteners & Spices
06 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional Toppings
10 - Additional pecans, sliced apples, or cinnamon for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan, combine the oats, milk, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine.
02 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
03 - Add the diced apple and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until the oats reach a creamy consistency and the apples become tender.
04 - Stir in the maple syrup or honey and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate.
05 - Remove from heat and fold in half of the chopped pecans.
06 - Divide the oatmeal evenly between two bowls. Top each serving with the remaining pecans and optional toppings of choice. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The apples melt into pockets of sweetness throughout the oatmeal, creating little treasures in each bite that make ordinary mornings feel special.
- Its remarkably adaptable to whatever milk, sweetener, or nuts you have on hand, rescuing many of my own empty fridge mornings.
02 -
- The oatmeal will continue thickening after its removed from heat, so take it off the stove when it still looks slightly thinner than youd like your final texture to be.
- Adding the vanilla extract at the end rather than the beginning preserves its delicate flavor that would otherwise cook away during the simmering process.
03 -
- For an extra dimension of flavor, try browning your butter first if using a non-dairy alternative, adding a surprising nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Grating half the apple and dicing the other creates two distinct textures where some practically dissolve into the oatmeal while others remain in tender chunks.