As the crisp autumn air starts to blend with the warm scents of cinnamon and baked apples, there’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge to kickstart your day. Picture this: thick-cut oats simmering in creamy almond milk, sweetened with maple syrup and a splash of vanilla, all topped with buttery caramelized apples that gently gleam in the morning light. This breakfast feels like a hug on a chilly fall morning, inviting you to savor every spoonful.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge

When I think of making this delightful porridge, I’m transported back to cozy family gatherings around the kitchen table, where laughter mixed with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. Each bite brings back memories of fall festivities, sharing warm meals, and the simplest joys in life. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast or a leisurely Sunday brunch, this dish promises to warm your heart and fill your belly. So, if you’re ready to embrace the season and treat yourself to this delightful breakfast, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, making it a fantastic choice for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: A comforting blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy oats creates a flavor explosion that feels like a blanket of warmth.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of caramelized apples and toasted nuts make this porridge a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even a delightful dessert – there’s no wrong time for this.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for various diets, including dairy-free or gluten-free options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thick-cut Rolled Oats (1 cup): Opt for organic thick-cut rolled oats for the best texture. They absorb the almond milk well, resulting in a creamy porridge.
Almond Milk (3 cups): This is our base, providing creaminess. You can substitute it with your favorite plant-based milk, whole milk, or even water, depending on what you have on hand.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/2 cup): Adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce it to 1/4 cup.
Pure Maple Syrup (2-3 tablespoons): Pure maple syrup brings a lovely, rich sweetness; feel free to swap with organic cane sugar or brown sugar if preferred.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Always choose pure extract for the best results.
Apple Pie Spice (1-2 teaspoons): This fragrant blend intensifies the autumn flavor. You can easily make a homemade mix; see our notes for a recipe.
Sea Salt (Pinch): Just a hint of salt to enhance the flavors in your oatmeal.
Organic Apples (1, sliced): Choose your favorite variety! Granny Smith is tart and balances sweetness, while Honeycrisp is sweet and crunchy.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): For caramelizing the apples, use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
Organic Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Provides a delightful caramel flavor when mixed with butter and apples.
Crumble Topping & Granola: Optional for extra texture and flavor—feel free to get creative!
Toasted Walnuts or Pecans: Add a wonderful crunch and healthy fats; don’t forget to toast them for maximum flavor!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge

Combine Oats and Almond Milk: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add your thick-cut rolled oats and almond milk. Stir gently to mix everything together, and then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes. When it’s halfway done, remember to add the sweetened condensed milk for that creamy texture we love.

Add Flavorings: As the oatmeal simmers, your kitchen will start smelling divine. After about 10 minutes, when the oats have thickened and absorbed most of the almond milk, stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and apple pie spice. Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes before taking it off the heat. This will ensure each bite is bursting with flavor!

Prepare the Caramelized Apples: Grab a medium-sized skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Now, sprinkle in the brown sugar, apple pie spice, and a splash of vanilla. Stir this luscious concoction until it begins to bubble, about 1-2 minutes, creating a heavenly syrupy base for the apples.

Sauté the Apples: Add your sliced apples to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated in the buttery mixture. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender and the sauce thickens, then remove them from the heat. You’ll want to let them cool slightly, but good luck resisting the smell—they’re simply irresistible!

Serve and Enjoy!: Now for the best part! Pour the creamy oatmeal into serving bowls and generously top with your sautéed apples. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some toasted nuts on top, add a sprinkle of apple pie spice, and maybe a bit of granola or crumble topping if you’re feeling indulgent. You deserve every spoonful of this delightful treat!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a couple of hours, but refrigerate it for longer storage, and it should last up to 4 days. If you want to freeze the porridge, store it in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within three months. When you’re ready to dig back in, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave; you may need to add a splash of almond milk for creaminess, as the texture can change slightly after refrigeration.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your oatmeal to prevent it from becoming mushy; it should be creamy yet have a slight chew.
For a thicker consistency, you can add a bit less almond milk or cook it a few minutes longer on low heat.
Next time, experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick!
If your apples are not as sweet as you’d like, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar when sautéing.
Make a batch in advance for busy mornings—simply reheat and re-top with fresh apples and nuts.
Consider adding a dollop of yogurt for an extra layer of creaminess and a nice tangy contrast.

As the final spoonful of your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge arrives, you’ll realize the beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste, but in the comfort and warmth it brings. Enjoy the simple pleasures of this breakfast—whether you’re cozying up on a fall morning or making it for a loved one. Feel free to play with the ingredients and find your perfect mix. Your kitchen is a canvas, and this porridge is just the beginning of your culinary masterpiece.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this oatmeal vegan?

Absolutely! Just substitute almond milk with your choice of plant-based milk and replace the sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative or simply use maple syrup for sweetness in the cooking process.

What type of apples are best for caramelizing?

For caramelizing, I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and give a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir and add a little almond milk to loosen it up when reheating.

How can I customize this recipe?

Customization is key! Feel free to adjust the sweetness all according to your palate; you can add nuts, dried fruits, or even a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.