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Apple Oatmeal and Cinnamon

Cozy, fragrant, and deeply comforting. Bring warmth to a rainy or breezy weekend morning with a bowl of old-fashioned rolled oats simmered in milk and spices, then topped with crisp apple slices, crunchy walnuts, and a heavy dash of cinnamon.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Cinnamon Oats
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), half cored and finely diced, half thinly sliced for topping
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg or allspice (optional)
  • 1 pinch of fine sea salt
  • 1½ tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Crunch & Garnish
  • ¼ cup raw walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp butter or coconut oil (optional, for sautéing apples)
  • Extra ground cinnamon or a drizzle of warm milk for serving

Method
 

  1. Simmer the Oats: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk, water, and sea salt to a gentle simmer. Stir in the rolled oats, finely diced apple half, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes.
  2. Warm the Apple Slices and Walnuts: While the oats simmer, heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the thin apple slices and chopped walnuts. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the apples soften and the nuts smell toasty.
  3. Assemble and Serve: Divide the warm oatmeal between two wide bowls. Arrange the warm apple slices and toasted walnuts on top. Finish with a heavy dash of ground cinnamon and an extra splash of warm milk!

Notes

  • Texture Choice: Cooking half the apple directly inside the oats allows the fruit to break down and sweeten the oatmeal base, while placing fresh or lightly warmed slices on top adds a crisp texture contrast.
  • Meal Prep Advantage: Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk in the microwave for 1 minute to restore its creamy consistency.