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Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal

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Apple cinnamon steel cut oatmeal is absolutely loaded with the flavors of apple pie. The steel cut oatmeal is perfectly cooked so you get that hearty chew to make for a warm and comforting breakfast.

Steel cut oatmeal with apples, cinnamon and apple cider.

This apple steel cut oats recipe is the epitome of fall.  It has so much apple flavor and your whole house will smell like apple pie while it cooks.

It is easy to make, the leftovers are great, and it is delicious too.  Not to mention it is a filling and nutritious breakfast, it really does hit on all counts!

Plan to make a batch every weekend all fall long and it is sure to be a magnificent autumn.  It is the perfect way to start a fall day off on the right foot.

Bowl of apple pie steel cut oats topped with pecans and sliced apples.

We made a batch to share with family during a big breakfast.  People were going back for seconds… of oatmeal! And I promise you there were lots of options, so it wasn’t because they would starve otherwise.

Little Dude wanted warmed up leftovers for his snack that night and again for breakfast in the morning. So I made more to have an easy breakfast for him during the week.

How do I store leftover steel cut oats?

Luckily the leftovers store and reheat well. They will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

About 45 seconds in the microwave is all it takes to get you a warm bowl of filling oatmeal. It’s a perfect solution for a busy morning.

Steel cut oatmeal with apples, cinnamon and apple cider.

You can also freeze the cooked oatmeal. Portion individual servings into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to heat them up, add a splash of water, apple juice or milk and microwave for about 2 minutes. Breakfast will be ready just like that!

What kind of toppings should I put on my apple cinnamon steel cut oats?

These oats are fabulous on their own. But a few toppings can take them from good to company ready.

A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will speak to your sweet tooth. Some toasted pecans would add a lovely crunch.

bowl of apple pie steel cut oats with diced apples and pecans.

Add fresh chopped apple for a brightness and more crunch. Or a dollop of vanilla ice cream is a good choice as well if you want to go whole hog.

If you happen to have a little sweetened condensed milk leftover from making buttercream, drizzle some on top. It’s indulgent for sure, but tastes like melted ice cream on your warm apple pie.

Enameled dutch oven filled with apple steel cut oats and spatula.

Tips and Tricks

So if you are in the mood to start your day with a bowl of fall, this is just the thing for you. The steel cut oats do take a little time to cook, but not much effort.

You can trim about 10 minutes off the cook time by soaking the oats in the liquid in your refrigerator overnight and then cooking them in the morning. Otherwise you could pick up some  quick cooking steel cut oats

I enjoy the process so I liked taking the time and enjoying the wonderful aroma. Plus it gives you something to look forward to as you wait for the timer to go off.

Steel cut oats with lots of apple and cinnamon next to honey jar and apples.

If you love steel cut oats, try my recipe for healthy chocolate steel cut oats.  They are sweetened with banana but have a rich chocolate taste.

You may also like maple cinnamon steel cut oats in the instant pot or pressure cooker honey pear steel cut oats. Both use the power of the pressure cooker to make the process fast and easy.

Do you have to rinse steel cut oats?

I usually don’t rinse steel cut oats if I am cooking them from dry. Some people do rinse soaked steel cut oats before cooking them.

More Great Apple Breakfast Ideas

If you like apple and oatmeal together, try my apple pie baked oatmeal. It is a completely different texture and presentation, but similar flavor profile to this recipe.

If you have a sourdough starter, make my caramel apple sourdough muffins. They are loaded with good stuff including oatmeal, apples and of course bits of caramel!

Or if you don’t have a sourdough starter, but still want muffins, try pumpkin apple muffins. They feature both of fall’s most famous flavors!

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!

close bowl of steel cut oats with apple chunks next to honey jar and apples

Apple Pie Steel Cut Oats

Carlee
Loaded with apple flavor and that hearty steel cut oatmeal chew, this apple pie oatmeal is sure to be a favorite fall breakfast.  Grab a spoon and dig in!
5 from 13 ratings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 162 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup steel cut oatmeal uncooked
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • cups apple juice or cider
  • cups water
  • 1 apple diced
  • teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 dash nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoon honey or to taste
  • optional: additional apple slices and/or pecans for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine the steel cut oatmeal, applesauce, apple juice, water, diced apple, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to a simmer and cover.
    1 cup steel cut oatmeal, 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1½ cups apple juice, 1½ cups water, 1 apple, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 dash nutmeg
  • Simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent burning. Add a little more liquid as you go if it looks like it's needed.
  • When the oatmeal is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Strin in the vanilla and honey. Start with just a bit of honey and add until you reach your desired sweetness.
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 Tablespoon honey
  • Serve topped with additional apples and pecans if desired.

Notes

*To take some time off the cook time, you can soak the oatmeal in the liquid in your refrigerator overnight. That should reduce the time it takes to cook by about ten minutes.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 1gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 10mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28g
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Recipe Rating




Crafts a la Mode

Wednesday 30th of September 2020

This looks really good. I I think I'll be having oatmeal soon. I like the steel cut but I get the quick cooking. best wishes Linda @ crafts a La mode

Carlee

Sunday 11th of October 2020

I hope you enjoy it!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

We love having steel cut oats in the fall and winter. Your apple pie recipe sounds so good. I like to use the crock pot to make this and set it up at night and have it ready to eat in the morning.

Carlee

Sunday 11th of October 2020

I keep thinking that I need to try this in the slow cooker one of these days! Thank you for the push to actually do it!

Karen

Tuesday 22nd of September 2020

This is perfect for fall! I love steel cut oats the best and I love that Little Dude wanted it for snack!

Carlee

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

It's hard to say no when they're asking for oatmeal!

Amy

Monday 21st of September 2020

This looks kind of nutritious, and I am always looking for recipes that taste good and are nutritious too.

Carlee

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

It is nutritious and definitely tasty! So a win win for sure!

Andrea Nine

Monday 21st of September 2020

I remember this well because I make it a lot, especially in the fall! It has such a good flavor! Happy new week my sweet friend!

Carlee

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

YAY! I am so glad you like it!