Description
A comforting and nutritious Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal featuring creamy oats cooked with warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup, topped with buttery caramelized apples and toasted walnuts for a deliciously textured breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Oatmeal Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or water for a lighter version)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Caramelized Apples
- 1 large apple, sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Toppings
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted (optional)
- Extra cinnamon for dusting
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Oatmeal: In a medium saucepan, bring the milk (or water) to a boil over medium heat, preparing the base for your creamy oatmeal.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract if using, and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Simmer the Oatmeal: Reduce the heat to low and let the oatmeal simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy. Remove from the heat once done.
- Caramelize the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and turn caramelized.
- Toast the Walnuts (Optional): For added crunch, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the cooked oatmeal evenly into bowls.
- Add Toppings: Top each bowl with the warm caramelized apples and toasted walnuts.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle extra maple syrup or honey if desired, and dust with a bit more cinnamon to enhance aroma and taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using milk instead of water results in a creamier oatmeal texture and richer flavor.
- Feel free to swap maple syrup for honey or vice versa based on preference or dietary needs.
- Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter flavor.
- To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based milk and vegan butter alternative.
- Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
- Vanilla extract is optional but adds a lovely subtle depth to the oatmeal.
