Save I stumbled onto this bowl one chilly October morning when I had exactly three apples turning soft on the counter and a craving for something warm that wasn't toast. The oats bubbled away while I sautéed the apples in butter and cinnamon, and suddenly my kitchen smelled like a bakery. It's been my weekend ritual ever since.
I made this for my sister the morning after she stayed over, and she kept asking if I'd added brown sugar or pie filling. Nope, just real apples and a little maple syrup. She now texts me every fall asking for the recipe, even though I've sent it to her twice.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They hold their shape and get creamy without turning to mush, unlike quick oats which dissolve too fast.
- Milk: I use oat milk for extra creaminess, but dairy milk makes it richer and any unsweetened variety works beautifully.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup brings a caramel-like warmth that honey can't quite match, though honey works in a pinch.
- Ground cinnamon: This is what makes it smell like autumn, so don't skimp or use the stale jar from three years ago.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the spices in a way imitation just doesn't.
- Apple: Granny Smith holds up best during cooking and adds a pleasant tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work if you want it sweeter.
- Unsalted butter: A small amount creates the caramelized edges on the apples that make this feel indulgent.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans: They add crunch and a nutty richness that balances the soft oats and apples perfectly.
Instructions
- Simmer the oats:
- Combine oats, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the oats are tender and the mixture looks creamy and thick.
- Caramelize the apples:
- While the oats cook, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat and add the diced apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they're soft, golden, and smell like pie filling.
- Assemble and serve:
- Divide the cooked oatmeal between two bowls and spoon the warm apples over the top. Sprinkle with toasted nuts, drizzle with extra maple syrup if you like, and add a tiny pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Save The first time I served this to friends at brunch, someone asked if I'd ordered it from a café. I realized then that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated to feel special.
Choosing Your Apples
Tart apples like Granny Smith give you that classic pie tang and hold their shape during cooking, while sweeter ones like Fuji or Gala break down a bit more and create a jammy texture. I've used whatever's in the fruit bowl and it always works, even if one apple is a little mealy.
Making It Vegan
Swap the butter for coconut oil and use any unsweetened plant milk you like. Oat milk makes it extra creamy, almond milk keeps it light, and coconut milk turns it into something almost dessert-like.
Storage and Reheating
This keeps in the fridge for up to three days, though the oats will thicken as they sit. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring until it loosens up and feels creamy again.
- Store the oatmeal and apples separately if you can, so the apples don't get mushy.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, adding milk as needed to bring it back to life.
- Top with fresh nuts right before serving so they stay crunchy.
Save This bowl has turned countless slow mornings into something worth waking up for. I hope it does the same for you.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of oats are best for this dish?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the creamiest texture, but steel-cut or quick oats can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- → Can I make this bowl vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with unsweetened plant milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan version.
- → Which apples work best for this preparation?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith add a tangy contrast, while sweeter apples create a milder, natural sweetness.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the oats?
Adding vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon to the cooking oats enriches the warm and cozy taste.
- → Are nuts necessary in the topping?
Nuts add a pleasant crunch and depth but can be omitted or replaced with seeds for allergies.