This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is warming and delicious, packed with beautiful seasonal flavors. This healthy oatmeal porridge is made with simple, wholesome ingredients without refined sugars. Oats, sweet apples, walnuts, and goji berries, make this fall-inspired meal a perfect breakfast.
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Colder days mean only one thing. It's time for warm oatmeal porridge to become part of my morning routine again. There is nothing more satisfying than to wake up on a foggy morning and treat yourself with a delicious breakfast filled with nourishing ingredients, warm spices, and seasonal fruits.
Oatmeal is a great breakfast option. It's packed with so many nutrients - fibers, proteins, and powerful antioxidants. Oatmeal is also very energizing and filling. When you combine oatmeal with fruits, nuts, and seeds, it makes a complete breakfast that is equally delicious and wholesome.
This fall-inspired Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is warming and completely delicious, packed with nutrients and beautiful seasonal flavors. Filled with OATS, APPLES, and superfood GOJI BERRIES, then topped with walnuts and spicy ginger, it's a meal you don't want to miss this Fall.
Why do you need to make this?
- This apple oatmeal a healthy meal packed with proteins, fiber and Omega-3s.
- It's easy to make with only a few pantry ingredients.
- It's full of seasonal flavors, spiced with beautiful cinnamon and ginger.
- It's made without unhealthy refined sugars.
- It's an easy meal done in 10 minutes. You can cook it on the stovetop or in the microwave (I'll offer both options in this recipe).
- It's energizing and very satisfying. Perfect immune-boosting breakfast.
- This oatmeal porridge can be made in batch, stored in the fridge, and easily warmed in the morning for a quick healthy breakfast throughout the week.
Ingredients used
This apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is very simple. You will need only basic pantry ingredients:
- Rolled oats. Oats are whole grain, meaning they are rich in fiber, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that keeps our heart healthy. They also support healthy digestion, which is essential for strong immunity. I used rolled oats.
- Milk. I like using oat milk, but any type of milk will work.
- Apple. Fresh, sweet, and loaded with nutrients, apples are now in season and beautiful.
- Sweetener. Honey or pure maple syrup are the best. See "Recipe tips" for more suggestions.
- Ceylon cinnamon. Also known as “true” cinnamon. Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. (1, 2) Cinnamon gave a wonderful flavor.
I always like to add something to boost my meals. In this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, I added:
- Hemp seeds. They are an excellent source of Omega-3s, but also a great source of proteins. Great addition to oatmeal porridge.
- Goji berries. They are sweet, nutritious, and so healthy, loaded with vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, zinc, and powerful immune-boosting antioxidants. A handful of goji berries fulfills a 170 percent of your intake. Impressive, right?
- Ginger. It's known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. I used fresh ginger root for a spicy kick.
- Walnuts. They are a good source of Omega-3 and an excellent source of antioxidants that fights inflammation. (1) Walnuts are very nutritious and great for gut health too.
How to make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Making apple oatmeal porridge is very simple and it takes 10 minutes to make. You can use the classic stovetop method, or make it in a microwave.
Equipment used
- Measuring cups.
- Small saucepan.
- Small frying pan.
- Serving bowl.
Step by step instructions (stovetop method)
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
- Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. Use measuring cups.
- Wash and dice apple into small cubes (no need to peel).
- Roughly chop the walnuts.
- Peel and grate or finely slice fresh ginger.
- Step 2: Cook the oats.
- Place oats, milk, half of the diced apples, and goji berries in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as it boils, reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until oats soften and apples become tender. Don't forget to stir. I use whisk.
- Remove the oats from the heat and stir in hemp seeds, honey / maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Taste the oatmeal and adjust sweetness.
- Pour oatmeal in a serving bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare topping.
- In a small pan, cook the rest of the diced apples with coconut sugar, chopped walnuts, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and apples soften.
- Step 4: Assemble the oatmeal.
- Add topping over the cooked oatmeal.
- Serve warm.
Step by step instructions (microweave method)
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
- Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. Use measuring cups.
- Wash and dice apple into small cubes (no need to peel).
- Roughly chop the walnuts.
- Peel and grate or finely slice fresh ginger.
- Step 2: Microweave the oats.
- Place oats, milk, half of the diced apples, and goji berries in microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring halfway, just until the apples are tender.
- Stir in hemp seeds, honey / maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Taste the oatmeal and adjust sweetness.
- Pour oatmeal in a serving bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare topping.
- In a small pan, cook the rest of the diced apples with coconut sugar, chopped walnuts, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and apples soften.
- Step 4: Assemble the oatmeal.
- Add topping over the cooked oatmeal.
- Serve warm.
Substitutions
- You can substitute oat milk with any milk - organic soy milk, cashew milk, or almond milk. Cow’s milk works well too. Coconut milk won't work well here.
- You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats. Note: quick oats will turn very mushy if you cooki it too long. But if you like creamier, softer texture, then quick oats are the way to go.
- You can use honey or maple syrup. See "Recipe tips" for more suggestions.
- You can substitute hemp seeds with chia seeds or groud flax seeds.
- You can substitute goji berries with any dried fruit.
- You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans.
- See "Recipe variations" for more suggestions.
Tips for storing
- You can double the portions and cook extra—store leftovers in a container and cover with the lid. Keep refrigerated up to 4 days.
Recipe variations
- Dried fruit suggestions: raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries, dried chopped apricots, or chopped dates.
- Pair fresh apples with more fruits: mango, pear, strawberry, raspberry.
- Other toppins suggestions: pine nuts, chopped hazelnuts, chestnuts, pecans.
- Try other spices: nutmeg, allspice, pumpkin pie spice.
- Make it weight loss friendly: Use low-carb sweetener.
- Make it protein-packed: Add a scoop of protein powder. I recommend vanilla protein powder. Add protein powder after you cook oatmeal.
- Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Recipe tips
- Rolled oats are the best for making the oatmeal. Instant quick oats are also ok but can turn out mushy. Steel-cut oats will need longer cooking time, about 20 minutes.
- Reheatig the oatmeal in the microwave: Simply add a splash of milk, give it a stir, then pop it in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through.
- Reheatig the oatmeal on the stovetop: Add a bit of milk just to loosen it a bit, then warm it up, stirring on low heat.
- Sweetener recommendation:
- You can use honey or maple syrup here. Make sure you use honey in liquid form, not raw.
- Date syrup or molasses are great options too. Note that they can make oats darker in color. That's perfectly ok.
- Use stevia or any low-carb sweetener for a low-calorie option.
- Alternatively, you can make the topping by mixing cubed apples with coconut sugar, walnuts, and ginger. There is no need to cook. I just like caramelized apples and the taste of toasted walnuts. Ginger releases more flavor when is heated too.
- For Apple Protein Oatmeal: If you're adding protein powder, then omit adding sweetener. Protein powder will give oats enough sweetness.
- What kind of apples are the best? For oatmeal, I like to use sweet apples, like Gala or Fuji. The best to use are soft apples, not firm ones because they will cook faster. You can use sour apples, like Granny Smith, but you may need to add more sweetener.
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal combines everything I love about breakfast in one bowl. It's packed with all the essential nutrients body needs in the morning. + It's loaded with seasonal flavors with apple freshness. + It has some serious superpowers from antioxidant-rich goji berries and walnuts. AND it tastes just like warm apple pie. Completely amazing!
📖 Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is warming and delicious, packed with beautiful seasonal flavors. This healthy oatmeal porridge is made with simple, wholesome ingredients without refined sugars. Oats, sweet apples, walnuts, and goji berries, make this fall-inspired meal a perfect breakfast.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Small frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 sweet apple
- 1 cup milk I used oat milk
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon goji berries
- 2 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare and measure all the ingredients. Use measuring cups. Wash and dice apple into small cubes (no need to peel). Roughly chop the walnuts. Peel and grate or finely slice fresh ginger.
- Place oats, milk, half of the diced apples, and goji berries in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as it boils, reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until oats soften and apples become tender. Don't forget to stir. I use whisk.
- Remove the oats from the heat and stir in hemp seeds, honey / maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Taste the oatmeal and adjust sweetness.
- Pour oatmeal in a serving bowl. Set aside.
- In a small frying pan, cook the rest of the diced apples with coconut sugar, chopped walnuts, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and apples soften.
- Add topping over the cooked oatmeal.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Makes 2 bowls that serve 2 people.
Substitutions
- You can substitute oat milk with any milk - organic soy milk, cashew milk, or almond milk. Cow’s milk works well too. Coconut milk won't work well here.
- You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats. Note: quick oats will turn very mushy if you cook them too long. But if you like creamier, softer texture, then quick oats are the way to go.
- You can use honey or maple syrup. See "Recipe tips" for more suggestions.
- You can substitute hemp seeds with chia seeds or ground flax seeds.
- You can substitute goji berries with any dried fruits.
- You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans.
- See "Recipe variations" for more suggestions.
- You can double the portions and cook extra—store leftovers in a container and cover with the lid. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- To heat the leftover oatmeal in the microwave: Simply add a splash of milk, give it a stir, then pop it in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through.
- To heat the leftover oatmeal on the stovetop: Add a bit of milk just to loosen it a bit, then warm it up, stirring on low heat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Don’t forget to rate it and leave the comment. I would love to hear what you think.
DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.
This post is originally published in September 2020. It's updated with new information and republished in September 2021. The recipe stayed the same.
nancy says
yummy! puts me in a fall mood!!