Go Back
Bowl of creamy apple cinnamon oatmeal topped with sautéed apples and chopped pecans

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This apple cinnamon oatmeal combines tender sautéed apples, warm fall spices, and creamy oats for the ultimate cozy breakfast. Ready in just 20 minutes on the stovetop, this wholesome vegan oatmeal is naturally sweetened and keeps you full all morning long.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cinnamon Apples
  • 1 teaspoon vegan butter or neutral oil
  • 2 medium apples diced (honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon water
For the Oatmeal
  • 2 cups oats 1 cup quick oats + 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk soy, almond, or oat milk
  • 2 cups water or use more milk for creaminess
For Topping
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Warm a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the vegan butter or add the oil. Add the diced apples, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir well to coat the apples.
  2. Sauté the apples for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent. The apples should soften but still hold their shape. Remove half of the cooked apples from the pan and set them aside for topping.
  3. To the remaining apples in the pan, add the oats (both quick and rolled), cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, non-dairy milk, water, brown sugar or maple syrup, and vanilla extract if using.
  4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the oatmeal simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. The oatmeal is ready when it reaches your desired thickness. Remember that it will thicken slightly as it cools.
  6. Taste the oatmeal and add more maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Stir well to incorporate.
  7. Divide the oatmeal into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the reserved cinnamon apples and a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Oat Blend: Use 1 cup quick oats + 1 cup rolled oats for the perfect creamy-chewy texture. All quick oats = creamier; all rolled oats = chewier.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Oil-Free: Sauté apples in 2 tablespoons water instead of butter/oil.
Storage: Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on stovetop with splash of milk or water.
Meal Prep: Add extra 1/4 cup liquid when cooking if batch prepping for the week.