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Cozy, creamy, and packed with warm apple-cinnamon goodness, this oatmeal porridge is like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly mornings or when you need a little extra comfort to start the day!
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge is the ultimate cozy, healthy, and hearty breakfast. With each bowl loaded with warm, caramelized apples, it's the perfect start to your day—and it comes together in less than 15 minutes! Fully Gluten-free + Vegan option!
Apples + cinnamon are my go-to cozy flavors, whether it’s in pancakes, cakes, or even pop-tarts. But nothing quite beats the classic comfort of a bowl of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge. A few years ago, this recipe became my go-to breakfast whenever someone in the family started to feel sick, and it's been a family favorite ever since.
The best part? It’s so easy to make—ready in under 15 minutes! The natural sweetness of caramelized apples takes the flavor to another level, creating the perfect balance of warmth and comfort. It’s a wholesome, hearty breakfast that feels indulgent but is still nutritious and satisfying! If you want more cinnamon apple goodness definitely try my Overnight Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls next up!
Caramelizing the apples adds a deliciously rich, sweet flavor.
Warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy mornings.
Hearty and filling, keeping you satisfied all day.
Perfect for anyone who loves the classic apple + cinnamon combo!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
There are a few key ingredients in this warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe that you may not usually use in your morning oatmeal. Of course, I always use Bob's Red Mill products when it comes to my flours, oats, and grains, so this recipe was no different.
Ingredients
Here's the list of ingredients to make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge for breakfast today:
OATMEAL:
Thick-cut rolled oats. Choose gluten-free if necessary.
Granny smith apple. Peeled + diced.
Almond milk. You can also use whole milk or your favorite plant-based milk. Provides moisture to the baked oats. Learn how to make your own homemade almond milk!
Condensed milk. For a vegan option omit condensed milk and substitute with canned full-fat coconut milk/cream instead and unsalted butter with vegan butter.
Pure maple syrup. For sweetness! I love using pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Spices. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice + a pinch of sea salt.
CARAMELIZED APPLES:
Gala apples. Sliced with skin on.
Unsalted butter. You can use vegan butter for a vegan option.
Brown sugar. For that ultra-caramelized flavor.
Ground cinnamon.
Sea salt
Toasted walnuts or pecans. See how to toast nuts below!
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS OATMEAL!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Toast Your Walnuts or Pecans
Add chopped walnuts/pecans to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side! Nuts make for a delicious topping for this porridge!
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal + Variation/Topping Ideas
You can boost up your protein intake with half the scoop of protein powder.
To change things up, simply add other flavors such as juice of an orange, apple chunks, berries, zest, or other extracts.
You can use any sweetener option you please—-Agave, maple syrup, honey, apple sauce, or another natural sweetener.
For additional nutrients, feel free to add flaxseed meal, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
Top with other caramelized fruit, dried fruit, dollops of yogurt, cranberries, chocolate chips, or whatever you choose.
For make-ahead meals or on-the-go, simply make this and store in a mason jar.
For a nice creaminess, add your favorite butters: peanut butter, almond butter, pecan butter, sunbutter, etc.
Add cooked grains such as quinoa, amaranth, or wheat germ. You can also add granola.
What Types Of Oats I Can Use For Porridge?
I'm all about that creamy texture you get from steel-cut rolled oats! But hey, when it comes to oats, there's a whole bunch out there, each with its own special qualities.
You can use various types of oats for porridge:
Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats). These are most commonly used for porridge. They cook relatively quickly and offer a creamy texture.
Quick Oats. They are similar to rolled oats but are cut into smaller pieces, which makes them cook faster.
Steel-cut oats. These oats are less processed and have a chewier texture. They take longer to cook but offer a hearty, nuttier flavor.
Instant oats. These oats are pre-cooked and then dried. They cook the fastest but might have a softer texture compared to other varieties.
Choose the type of oats based on the texture + cooking time you prefer for your porridge!
Health Benefits of Oats
Oats are another superfood that’s great to start your day with. Rolled oats like the ones used in this recipe, are a healthy source of complex carbs, fiber (the soluble kind!), protein, and fat. In addition, they are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Other great benefits of oats, according to studies:
They can help lower cholesterol.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels to avoid crashes and spikes
May help with losing weight.
Helps to relieve constipation.
Making Caramelized Apples for Oatmeal
The best part about this creamy oatmeal bowl is the topping. Apples get gooey and caramelized on the stove so your breakfast tastes like dessert, but it's actually healthy!
You can serve these caramelized apples on oatmeal, or spread them on toast like jam. They're also delicious spooned over ice cream, especially my No-Churn Caramel Cone Ice Cream.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Is So Important!
First, I must let you know that Sweetened Condensed Milk is a canned milk that has 60 percent of it's water content removed, making it thicker in consistency.
Also, it has 40-45% sugar, making it a great sugar substitute in recipes that use sugar. More importantly, condensed milk creates a caramelized flavor along with it's sweetness, which give the dishes that require it, a beautiful kick of flavor.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep for the week!
How to make this overnight?
Simply add all oatmeal ingredients to a bowl and mix together until combined. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours). Once ready to serve, make Caramelized Apples and top overnight oats and enjoy.
Can I use another sweetener option?
Instead of maple syrup, you can simply use Agave to oatmeal as a sweetener.
How to make this oatmeal recipe vegan?
Omit condensed milk and substitute with canned full-fat coconut milk/cream instead and unsalted butter with vegan butter. Or if it's available to you, you can opt for vegan condensed milk. I love using Edwards & Son's Let's Do Organic's dairy-free coconut version for vegan-friendly meals!
More Comforting Breakfast Recipes to Try Next!
If this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge recipe hits the spot, you’ll definitely want to cozy up to my other warming breakfasts next!
If you tried this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge is the ultimate cozy, healthy, and hearty breakfast. With each bowl loaded with warm, caramelized apples, it's the perfect start to your day—and it comes together in less than 15 minutes! Fully Gluten-free + Vegan option!
4cupsAlmond milk(You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
½cupcondensed milk
¼cuppure maple syrup
1tablespoonground cinnamon
1teaspoongorund nutmeg
½teaspoonground allspice
Pinch ofsea salt
CARAMELIZED APPLES:
1mediumGala apples, sliced with skin on
2Tbspsunsalted butter
½cuporganic brown sugar
1teaspoonground cinnamon
pinch ofsea salt
TOPPING:
Toasted walnuts or pecans(See Notes!)
Instructions
TO MAKE OATMEAL:
Add oats, diced apples, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sea salt to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until everything is combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low so that everything simmers for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once done, oats should thicken and become swollen + fluffy and creamy with half the the liquid still remaining. Stir in the condensed milk + maple syrup and let simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes before removing it from heat.
CARAMELIZED APPLES:
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and heat until melted. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and sea salt and stir until combined and everything begins to bubble a bit, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sliced apples and toss until well coated and cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
To serve, portion oatmeal into serving bowl(s) and top with caramelized apples, toasted nuts, and a light drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
STORAGE: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep for the week!
OVERNIGHT OPTION: Simply add all oatmeal ingredients to a bowl and mix together until combined. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours). Once ready to serve, make Caramelized Apples and top overnight oats and enjoy.
TOASTED NUTS: Add chopped walnuts/pecans to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side.
SWEETENER: Instead of maple syrup, you can simply use Agave to oatmeal as a sweetener.
VEGAN OPTION: Omit condensed milk and substitute with canned full-fat coconut milk/cream instead and unsalted butter with vegan butter.
Wow - what an experience. I should’ve known from the nonsensical proportions that this would be a mess. I ended up adding more oats, doubling the amount of granny smith apples, and using three gala apples to make use of all the caramel. With the amount added, I had enough to meal prep for six days! How in the world is the original recipe only for 2 servings?!? Regarding the taste, it’s tasty, but not much to brag about. I’ve made something similar with far less ingredients and certainly with far less sugar.
Hi Alexys! Thanks so much for your feedback! This is actually the first time I've heard of so many servings being derived from this recipe. I've actually made it a few times myself and often use around the same amount of ingredients for other porridges and haven't had an issue. I'm so sorry that it didn't work out. I dp hope that you get a chance to try it again. 🙂
I made this this morning and it was delicious! The recipe was easy to follow and all the ingredients are things i regularly have on hand. Packaged oatmeal is way too sweet and this was the perfect amount, plus the apples added a juicy zing. We got 3 servings from it and I feel full, but not heavy. Will definitely be making this again!
Wonderful! I had to use instant oats, but the recipe still came out so tasty. Topped with a little plain Greek yogurt made this perfect for my pre-workout meal.
Hi Amanda! I'm definitely trying to get in the routine of eating oatmeal daily as well. There are so many ways to revamp oatmeal so it's such a good way to keep your tastebuds from getting bored.
OK so I eat oatmeal EVERY morning haha!!
ANDDDD I have chia seeds
NEVER thought of putting them together like this even though it makes total SENSE!!
Ugh - shame on me and yay on you!!
OMG, really? I never really got into the whole oatmeal game of having it every morning! BUT I do see why people love it daily! Yes, girl! You need to try them together. It's bomb! 🙂
Hi Melissa! Yes, we try to do the same, especially when it comes to desserts as a way to lead our little one by example! Be sure to let me know how it turns out when you do decide to try it!
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!
Wow - what an experience. I should’ve known from the nonsensical proportions that this would be a mess. I ended up adding more oats, doubling the amount of granny smith apples, and using three gala apples to make use of all the caramel. With the amount added, I had enough to meal prep for six days! How in the world is the original recipe only for 2 servings?!? Regarding the taste, it’s tasty, but not much to brag about. I’ve made something similar with far less ingredients and certainly with far less sugar.
Hi Alexys! Thanks so much for your feedback! This is actually the first time I've heard of so many servings being derived from this recipe. I've actually made it a few times myself and often use around the same amount of ingredients for other porridges and haven't had an issue. I'm so sorry that it didn't work out. I dp hope that you get a chance to try it again. 🙂
I made this this morning and it was delicious! The recipe was easy to follow and all the ingredients are things i regularly have on hand. Packaged oatmeal is way too sweet and this was the perfect amount, plus the apples added a juicy zing. We got 3 servings from it and I feel full, but not heavy. Will definitely be making this again!
Hi Brittany! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this recipe! It's definitely a fave in our house for sure!! 🙂
This is delicious! I love how it’s just sweet enough without too much sugar, and it’s so filling!
Wonderful! I had to use instant oats, but the recipe still came out so tasty. Topped with a little plain Greek yogurt made this perfect for my pre-workout meal.
Hi Lisa! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this recipe! It's definitely an easy, quick breakfast meal that's one of my favorites! 🙂
This is one of my favorite fall recipes - I meal prep a double recipe and portion out for my breakfast during the week. It reheats so well!
Can't wait to try this recipe, I know my family will love it!
I'm making this tomorrow. Love delicious twists on my regular oatmeal breakfast.
So good! Making this this cold Fall morning with apples that I now know EXACTLY what to do with!
This looks so yummy! Definitely going to try.
Thanks so much Deserena! Be sure to let me know how it turns out!
I eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday so this would be a great way to switch it up!
Hi Amanda! I'm definitely trying to get in the routine of eating oatmeal daily as well. There are so many ways to revamp oatmeal so it's such a good way to keep your tastebuds from getting bored.
I eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday and this would be a great way to switch things up! Trying out this recipe this weekend!
I haven't tried this with coconut milk yet, but plan to. Hope you don't mind that I shared this with my facebook peeps!
Coconut milk makes it so much more creamy! I definitely recommend! Also, thanks so much for sharing this! I truly appreciate it!
OK so I eat oatmeal EVERY morning haha!!
ANDDDD I have chia seeds
NEVER thought of putting them together like this even though it makes total SENSE!!
Ugh - shame on me and yay on you!!
OMG, really? I never really got into the whole oatmeal game of having it every morning! BUT I do see why people love it daily! Yes, girl! You need to try them together. It's bomb! 🙂
yum- this sounds delish! We try to eat plant based the majority of the time. I'll have to give this recipe a try! thanks for sharing
Hi Melissa! Yes, we try to do the same, especially when it comes to desserts as a way to lead our little one by example! Be sure to let me know how it turns out when you do decide to try it!
great recipe i might try this in the future
Thanks so much Denise! I do hope that you like it!