As the days get colder and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal to start your morning. This hearty and nutritious breakfast not only fills your belly but also warms your soul with the flavors of fall. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make the perfect bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal that will have you eagerly getting out of bed, even on the chilliest of mornings.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (you can use dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk)
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (Optional):
- Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
- Additional diced apples
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
- A sprinkle of extra cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Cook and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Oats:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal reaches your desired thickness.
- Add Flavor:
- Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a delightful aroma into your oatmeal.
- Combine with Apples:
- Gently fold the caramelized apples into the oatmeal mixture.
- Serve:
- Spoon the apple cinnamon oatmeal into bowls.
- Toppings (Optional):
- Top your oatmeal with additional diced apples for freshness.
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
- For some crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped walnuts on top.
- Enjoy!
- Serve your apple cinnamon oatmeal hot and savor every spoonful of this comforting breakfast.
Tips
- You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Experiment with different types of apples for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- To save time in the morning, you can prepare the caramelized apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use cream instead of milk.
Apple cinnamon oatmeal is not just a breakfast; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty. The combination of sweet caramelized apples and warm cinnamon-infused oatmeal is a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, the hearty oats will keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the morning. So, embrace the cozy vibes of autumn, whip up a batch of this delicious oatmeal, and start your day with a warm, comforting hug from your kitchen.
