Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (2024)

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4.80 from 5 votes

by Carrie Walderlast updated September 3, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.

This healthy cinnamon apple oatmeal is beyond delicious and so easy to make – just 20 minutes. It’s so flavourful and filled with healthy ingredients like chia seeds and rolled oats (or use steel cut oats!) for a perfectly balanced, cozy breakfast.

Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (1)

This sautéed cinnamon apple oatmeal is one of my go-to breakfasts to make. I’ve been enjoying this recipe for YEARS – all the way to my grad school days when I was studying to become a dietitian!

Sautéing apples brings out their natural sweetness, while making them warm and soft. For even more warmth, vanilla and cinnamon add the perfect fall flavour to this oatmeal bowl.

In this post I also share some oats nutrition information along with the health benefits of apples, if you’re curious!

Want more inspiration for cooking with oats? Check out my roundup of 25+ easy, healthy recipes using oats for more ideas!

Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (2)

Is Oatmeal A Healthy Breakfast?

You bet! I have a super in-depth post all about oatmeal, including it’s unique nutrition and health benefits and a breakdown of the different kinds of oats (old-fashioned/rolled, steel cut, and quick).

In this post I also round up every single recipe on my blog that uses oats, for all your oat cooking inspiration!

Apple Nutrition Benefits

Apples are:

  • excellent sources ofdietary fibre.One medium-sized, unpeeled apple contains almost 5 grams of fibre, or 17% of your daily fibre needs.
  • good sources of micronutrients likevitamin Candpotassium.
  • rich in various plant compounds that act asantioxidants, helping to prevent cellular damage.
Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (3)

How To Make Sautéed Apple Oatmeal On The Stove

This sautéed cinnamon apple oatmeal is beyond easy to make and takes just 20 minutes!

Start by washing and chopping apples into approximately 1-inch chunks. There’s no need to peel the apples (this helps to maximize it’s nutrient content, too!)

Next, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and almond milk (or water).

Cook the oatmeal until liquid has absorbed, stirring occasionally, for about 5 mins. Feel free to add more water or nut milk to achieve your desired oatmeal consistency.

On a separate pan, heat up coconut oil (or ghee) over medium heat. Add apple chunks and sauté them with more cinnamon until they start to soften and brown, about 5 mins.

Serve oatmeal into small bowls, top with sautéed apples and other toppings as desired. I personally love adding a scoop of Greek yogurt, almond butter, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.

Stir everything together and enjoy hot.

The full ingredient list (with measurements) and detailed cooking instructions is located in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

How To Store & Reheat Recipe

Leftovers of this sautéed cinnamon apple oatmeal recipe can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you’d like to include it in your weekly breakfast meal prep, feel free to make multiple servings!

To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or heat it up on the stovetop.

Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (4)

Recipe Modifications & Topping Ideas

Feel free to modify the recipe as desired! Some ideas:

  1. use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats
  2. use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter instead of almond butter
  3. add a scoop of plain greek yogurt or a vegan alternative for extra creaminess
  4. sprinkle on different toppings like various nuts, seeds, pomegranates, cacao nibs, coconut chips, etc.
  5. if you want a little extra sweetness, feel free to add a touch of maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, or honey

More Ways To Enjoy Sautéed Cinnamon Apples

If you love these sautéed cinnamon apples as much as I do, know that you can enjoy them SO many other ways (not just on oatmeal). For instance:

  • over a nut butter toast
  • over a quinoa breakfast porridge (instead of oats)
  • in a yogurt + granola bowl or parfait
  • stirred into a simple chia pudding
  • over pancakes, waffles, or french toast

I’d love to know how you end up using these sautéed apples!

Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (5)

More Healthy Oatmeal Recipes

  • Zucchini Bread Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Pineapple Baked Oatmeal
  • Blueberry Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Chocolate Orange Oatmeal
  • Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal

Did you give this Healthy Sautéed Apple Oatmeala try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me onInstagramorPinterest– seeing your creations always makes my day. You can alsosubscribe to my email listto never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe:Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe)

This healthy cinnamon apple oatmeal is beyond delicious and so easy to make – just 20 minutes. It's so flavourful and filled with healthy ingredients like chia seeds and rolled oats for a perfectly balanced, cozy breakfast.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (6)

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4.80 from 5 votes

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Ingredients

  • 1 apple, chopped (I use honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided (use half for oatmeal, half for apples)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 + 1/4 cups water or almond milk
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (or ghee, if not vegan)
  • Toppings: nut butter, plain yogurt, nuts, pomegranates, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, pepitas, pure maple syrup or honey, etc.

Instructions

  • Start by washing and chopping apples into approximately 1-inch chunks. There's no need to peel the apples (this helps to maximize it's nutrient content, too!)

  • Next, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, half of the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and almond milk (or water).Cook the oatmeal until liquid has absorbed, stirring occasionally, for about 5 mins. Feel free to add more water or nut milk to achieve your desired oatmeal consistency.

  • On a separate pan, heat up coconut oil (or ghee) over medium heat. Add apple chunks and sauté them with the remaining cinnamon until they start to soften and brown, about 5 mins. Remove from heat.

  • Serve oatmeal in a bowls, top with sautéed apples, and other toppings as desired. Stir everything together and enjoy hot!

Notes

*Leftovers of this sautéed cinnamon apple oatmeal recipe can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you’d like to include it in your weekly breakfast meal prep, feel free to make multiple servings!

*To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or heat it up on the stovetop.

*You can use these sautéed cinnamon apples with other recipes, too. For instance, serve them over a nut butter toast, simple chia pudding, a yogurt bowl, or over waffles, pancakes, or french toast!

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: apples, chia seeds, cinnamon, oatmeal, vanilla

Author: Carrie Walder

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

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Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (7)

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  • Healthy Zucchini Bread Steel Cut Oatmeal

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Breakfasts Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipes Vegan Vegetarianapples chia seeds greek yogurt nuts oats peanut butter

originally published September 28, 2018 — last updated September 3, 2021

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    11 Comments on “Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe)”

  1. Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (11)

    MaryAnnd Reply

    All the breakfast ideas for the challenge are great! Working my way through each. mafoote

    • Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (12)

      Carrie Reply

      Amazing! I hope you enjoy this one 🙂

  2. Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (13)

    jenny Reply

    Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (14)
    Such a genius recipe!!! so tasty and healthy, all of my family loves it!!!!!!!

    • Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (15)

      Carrie Walder Reply

      Hi Jenny! Thank you so much for sharing this!! I’m so happy to hear you and your family love it. That makes my day 🙂

  3. Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (16)

    Georgia Clifford Reply

    Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (17)
    Good, I’m not a huge oatmeal person but this was decent. quick to prep, the food just takes a long to cook for a breakfast (15-20min). also if you like syrup on your oatmeal but want to keep the sugar content of this meal low, there stevia-sweetened syrup out there, and on thrive market, taste no different than the traditional. Also super filling and caution: very fiber dense meal.

    • Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (18)

      Carrie Walder Reply

      Hi Georgia! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this one, despite not being a huge oatmeal person :). Thanks so much for sharing your experience and also your syrup recommendation!!

  4. Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (19)

    Jordanna Reply

    Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (20)
    Hi Carrie!

    We tried this recipe for breakfast yesterday and it was incredible, easy, and very fast to make! Sweet, creamy, and soooo yummy! I really like that you kicked up the flavor with apples in a very healthy way! Great breakfast that we will be enjoying especially on cold days to keep us warm and cozy! 🙂

    • Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (21)

      Carrie Walder Reply

      Hi Jordanna! Thank you so much – I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one. The apples cooked this way are my absolute favourite. If you want to try a similar recipe (but a little different!), you may also like this quinoa porridge with the sautéed apples too 🙂

  5. Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (22)

    Kevin Reply

    Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (23)
    I really hate oatmeal, but my doctor does not share my sentiments. This is the first time I actually enjoyed oatmeal, not just tolerated it. I can now add oatmeal to my life. Thanks so much.

    • Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (24)

      Carrie Walder Reply

      Hi Kevin! Aw that is the best thing to hear!! So happy you found a way to make oatmeal enjoyable 🙂

      If you need any more inspiration, I have a TON of other oatmeal + oat-based recipes in this oat recipe roundup. Promise they all pack in lots of flavour, while also getting those nutrition benefits from oats!!

      • Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (25)

        Kevin

        Thank you, Carrie. I’ll follow the link and check it out.

        Best,
        Kevin

Nutritious Apple Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe) | Walder Wellness, Dietitian (2024)

FAQs

Is apple oatmeal good for you? ›

Oats provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber and even antioxidants. They are basically a “super grain.” The combo of apples, cinnamon and maple syrup = chef's kiss! You'll have breakfast on the table in about 10 minutes!

How do you make oatmeal more nutritious? ›

Additions to make it healthier
  1. a couple of spoonfuls of nut butter, nuts, or seeds.
  2. a scoop of protein powder.
  3. beaten egg whites (mixed into oatmeal while cooking) or a fried egg on top.
  4. shredded cheese.
  5. Greek yogurt.
Apr 19, 2022

How do you make quick oats taste good? ›

When in doubt, add nut butters for creaminess, sweetness, and plenty of good protein. We like crunchy peanut butter for added texture, almond butter, cashew butter, and even tahini. Throw a chopped banana and a smudge of vanilla paste into stovetop oats for creamy, delicious, banana bread oatmeal.

What are the healthy toppings for oatmeal? ›

Other healthy topping options include nut butters, chia seeds, honey, cacao nibs, and cinnamon. You could also add a drizzle of raw honey or maple syrup to give your oats a touch of sweetness. Finally, you could also try adding unsweetened coconut flakes for some added texture and flavor.

What is the healthiest oatmeal in the world? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

What is the healthiest fruit to put in oatmeal? ›

This protein-packed healthy breakfast recipe gets a touch of sweetness from apple and crunch from walnuts. Feel free to pick your favorite fruit (try berries or pears) and nuts (maybe almonds or pistachios) to personalize your healthy oatmeal.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

How do you cook oatmeal without losing nutrients? ›

Microwaving. (I know, surprising, right?) Although the microwave gets vilified for sapping nutrients out of some foods and leaving others crusty and dry, it has no such effects on oats. In fact, microwaving is a super-simple, lightning-fast way to get breakfast on the table, stat.

What happens when you eat oatmeal all the time? ›

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

How do you sweeten oatmeal without sugar? ›

How To Sweeten Your Oatmeal Without Sugar
  1. 1. Fruits. Using the natural sweetness of fruits to your advantage is an easy way to add a sweet flavor to your oatmeal. ...
  2. Plant Milks. Oatmeal is delicious with plant milk like cashew, soy, or almond. ...
  3. Syrups and Nectars. ...
  4. Seed and Nut Butter. ...
  5. Spices. ...
  6. Extracts. ...
  7. Protein Powders.
Mar 7, 2023

Is it better to cook oatmeal with water or milk? ›

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

What spices to add to oatmeal? ›

Add different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves. Add different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh fruit. Add a dollop of yogurt or Greek yogurt to your oatmeal for extra creaminess and protein.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal for breakfast? ›

Healthy Ways To Eat Oatmeal

If you start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal, you can spruce it up with healthy add-ins. For example, you can season your oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, along with anti-inflammatory cinnamon or ginger and fresh fruit.

What is the best oatmeal to eat everyday? ›

Steel-Cut Oats

Dietitians Say: These are your best bet if you're seeking the healthiest option. Steel-cut oats are processed the least of the three oat varieties, which means they're the most beneficial for blood sugar control.

Is it good or bad to eat oatmeal everyday? ›

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Is eating oatmeal everyday health? ›

Eat oatmeal. Research shows that a daily bowl of oatmeal can lower your levels of total cholesterol and artery-clogging bad cholesterol. (High cholesterol levels can be a contributing factor to heart disease.) Those oats can work pretty quickly, too, notes Czerwony.

Is Quaker cinnamon apple oatmeal healthy? ›

Quaker® Apples & Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal

One serving (33 g) of Quaker® instant oatmeal supplies 30% of the daily amount of fibres shown to help reduce cholesterol. Part of a heart-healthy diet.

How healthy is flavored oatmeal? ›

Plain, unflavored instant oatmeal and regular oatmeal are nutritionally very similar. While instant oatmeal offers the same health benefits as regular oatmeal, many instant oatmeal packets come with added flavors and sugars. Some brands and flavors may contain anywhere from 10 to 17 grams of added sugar.

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