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A close-up, elevated shot of a white bowl filled with creamy apple cinnamon steel cut oats, garnished with diced apples and a cinnamon stick.

Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe

A foolproof recipe for perfectly creamy and flavorful apple cinnamon steel cut oats. This healthy, satisfying breakfast is easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Oatmeal
  • 1 cup steel-cut oats Do not use rolled or instant oats.
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk work well.
  • 1 large firm apple Peeled, cored, and diced (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Or coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. Melt a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the dry steel-cut oats and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they smell nutty and fragrant.
  2. Pour in the water and milk, then add the diced apple, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a low boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The oats are done when they are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the oatmeal to thicken into a perfectly creamy consistency. Stir in your preferred sweetener and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute apple cider for the water.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.