This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is topped with caramelized apples and crunchy pecans for an irresistible breakfast that’s much more decadent than it looks. This breakfast treat is gluten-free, refined sugar free + vegan!
Sooo…I’ve been sitting here wondering what to call this bowl of delicious apple oatmeal for a little while now. My sister’s suggestions were “apple pie oatmealiciousness” and “caramel apple oatmeal extravaganza” and while more exciting than my usual recipe titles, not exactly SEO friendly or very self-explanatory.
I finally decided on Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, but MAN how boring does that sound? It reminds me of the instant oatmeal packets from childhood – remember those? And the weird, thin, almost chalky oatmeal it made?
This apple cinnamon oatmeal is such a far cry from those sad breakfast days, so I had to include the “with Caramelized Apples + Pecans” because that wonderfully delicious topping is one of the main reasons this oatmeal is so good.
But before we get to the topping, there’s some wonderful stuff going on underneath there too. One apple is diced for the whole recipe – half of it gets caramelized for the topping, and the other half is stirred in with the oats.
To help hydrate the oats and add a TON of flavor, I used a combo of apple juice and almond milk. You could go for all of one or the other, but I love that the apple juice added some extra apple flavor and sweetness while the almond milk provided a bit of creaminess. Cinnamon and nutmeg are added for spice, and maple syrup to sweeten if you want it.
While the oatmeal is simmering away, the caramelized apple topping gets going. The diced apples are tossed in a pan with coconut oil and coconut sugar and left to simmer away for a few minutes until you’ve got caramel-like sauce and the apples have gotten nice and tender. Stir in the pecans so they get coated in caramel sauce too!
This recipe makes 1 serving and is best served immediately, but it can be scaled up easy peasy to make some for a few more people. The resulting bowl of oatmeal is an apple lover’s dream!
The creamy oatmeal has a bold apple taste thanks to the apple juice and the diced apples retain a nice bite. The cinnamon and nutmeg add the perfect amount of warmth! My personal favorite part though, is the caramelized apple pecan topping.
The caramelized apples are sweet, a little sticky, and perfectly tender…you’ll be hard pressed not to eat the topping on it’s own. This is a breakfast that’ll make any day feel special and is sure to warm up your chilly mornings. Enjoy!
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Caramelized Apples + Pecans
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup rolled oats gluten free if necessary
- 1 small apple peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup 100% pure apple juice
- ⅓ cup non-dairy milk I used almond
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or add to taste
For the toppings
- ½ apple peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine oats, diced apples, apple juice, almond milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer until liquid has absorbed into the oats, stirring frequently to prevent burning, for about 8-10 minutes. Add maple syrup to taste.
- Meanwhile, in a separate small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced apple chunks and coconut sugar. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has melted and formed a caramel-like sauce on the apples. Stir in the pecans.
- Serve the oatmeal immediately, topped with the caramelized apples. Enjoy!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I think you decided on the perfect name for this oatmeal! Those caramelized apples are just reeling me in. This looks SO good, Rachel! I wish I could reach through my screen and grab this for breakfast!
Rachel says
We’re both on the oatmeal train today, huh?! Haha! Thanks so much Gayle!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Naming recipes is hard! I would take a big bowl of this right now. It’s been too long since I’ve had oatmeal and I’ve got tons of apples that need to be used soon.
Rachel says
Mm it’s the best thing this time of year! Thanks so much, Megan.
[email protected] says
This is as far from those instant oatmeal packets from childhood that we can get! So warm and comforting! The perfect way to start the day!! I just love those caramelized apples!!
Rachel says
Caramelized apples are seriously the best thing. Thanks so much, Annie!
Medha says
That warm apple topping really takes this oatmeal to the next level :)
Sian says
Any thoughts on how to prep so that I could make at home and reheat at work? Could I just prep both parts, store them separately, and reheat?
Rachel says
Hi Sian – you could definitely do that! You could also try prepping the oats “overnight oats” style by combining all the ingredients for the oatmeal the night before and letting it absorb overnight. You could also prep the caramelized apples beforehand, and then heat them both at work. You may need to add a bit of milk to the oats when reheating, depending on how thin or thick you like them. Hope this helps!!
Summer says
Such a nice recipe♥ Loving it♥
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
The name sounds just perfect to me! And it looks (and I bet tastes) even better! I just know that I would get up early just to have this for breakfast! Such a comforting fall breakfast and nice touch with the pecans for texture! Big big YUM!
Rachel says
Thanks so much Dawn!! Pecans are my favorite – love the buttery crunch :)
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
One of the prettiest bowls of oatmeal I’ve ever seen! This seriously sounds like the most perfect fall breakfast!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
Why am I so obsessed with oatmeal? I have been known to eat it for dinner. I am loving those apples on top! So comforting on these cold fall days!
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
Wow! This looks like the perfect breakfast :) I tried making apple oats the other day, but they weren’t this stunning. I’ll have to try this version next!
Rachel says
If you like apple oats, you’ll love these! Took me a few tries to get apple-y enough, cause I’m a total apple addict. This version is definitely the winner though! Thanks, Megan :)
Natasha @ Salt & Lavender says
Definitely my kind of oatmeal!! Apples and cinnamon are perfect together :)
Rachel says
Aren’t they?! Thanks so much Natasha!
marcie says
Caramelized apples are some of the best things about fall, whether they’re in a crisp or on top of oatmeal! This is such a cozy fall breakfast, Rachel, and I’m going to have to make it this weekend!
Rhian @ Rhian's Recipes says
This looks awesome! What a perfect treat to wake up to on an chilly autumn morning :)
Rachel says
Thanks so much, Rhian!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
I think your sister nailed it with “apple pie oatmealiciousness” haha! Love this I’m craving breakfast now!
traci | Vanilla And Bean says
One of my favorite breakfasts for fall, Rachel! No doubt those packets were good… when we thought they were good :D But oh my the real deal beats those quick oats hands down! Delicious work my dear!
Amanda says
Apple oatmeal extravaganza sounds pretty good to me! Seriously, these carmalized apples look amazing!
Kelly says
This looks so amazing, Rachel! Oatmeal is my favorite and I love apple cinnamon anything! Definitely wish I had a bowl of this for breakfast this morning!
Ashley says
This reminds me a lot of my breakfast the past couple of days. Ever since I bought apple cider I have been cooking my oats in it! I love how it adds another dimension of flavor and warmth =) And of course apple and crunchy nuts/seeds on top is a must!
Jeanine Cleary says
Made this for breakfast. I did not put in the pecans, i used oat milk, unpasteurized apple cider, and omitted the maple syrup (which i do like but it already had the apple cider an coconut sugar) I used a gala apple. Total delight.
Rachel says
So glad you enjoyed it Jeanine!
Erin M says
Would regular milk work? I want to make this for my son but he has a nut allergy.
Rachel says
Yes any type of milk will work here! Enjoy :)
Pam says
This is heavenly! Just another thought that others might enjoy…………when apples are in season, I like to make an abundance of the caramelized apple pecan topping, cool it, and portion it into single servings (I save yogurt containers to use for this) and then freeze. I also add in raisins along with the apples and pecans. This way, I have a quick oatmeal topping for mornings that I might be rushed for time. Thanks so much, Rachel, for sharing this terrific recipe!
Rachel says
Hi Pam, thanks so much for sharing your feedback and your wonderful prep idea – that’s a great thought for when you need breakfast in a flash! So glad you’re enjoying this one.