THE BEST Spiced Apple Cider Oatmeal

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This spiced apple cider oatmeal smells and tastes like apple cider! It is SO delicious and cozy for the cooler months. Apples and pie spices are simmered together with sprouted oats + a touch of vanilla. Sweeten with your choice of sweetener. I’m so serious…it’s like being at an apple orchard — but in a bowl!

Personally, I gravitate towards apple spice over pumpkin spice during the fall months (though I do enjoy both…like in my Fudgy Almond Butter Pumpkin Bars!) I think it’s because I’ve always loved going apple picking and then baking delicious apple desserts like Simply Delicious Apple Crisp or my Homestyle Apple Turnovers.

And of course, one of the best parts of going to the apple orchard is enjoying the apple cider doughnuts!

This Spiced Apple Cider Oatmeal captures all of the nostalgia of a fall day at the apple orchard. It’s full of soft apples, vanilla, and a yummy homemade apple pie spice blend.

You can make this scrumptious spiced oatmeal either on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Smells like APPLE CIDER! – There is no actual apple cider called for in this recipe, but the chunks of apples + the spices and vanilla create this wonderful aroma of apple cider that will transport you to an apple orchard on a breezy October day. A magical breakfast for a fall morning!
• Easy Healthy Breakfast – Oats are a complex carbohydrate that will energize your body over a longer period of time (as long as you don’t put a ton of sweetener in them of course…thennn you might have a sugar crash ). Topping oatmeal with nuts and seeds provides you with healthy fats, some protein, and micronutrients to keep you feeling satisfied longer.
• Seasonal Ingredients – it’s that time of year when apples of all kinds are readily available and pretty affordable! Since apples are typically available any time of year in the US, you can enjoy this recipe throughout the year.

Tips

• I like to chop the apples in hearty chunks for flavor and texture. The apples soften in the cooking process. Oh, and keep the skins on for beautiful color and a little added texture.
• How you top your oatmeal dictates a part of how it will taste. I highly recommend topping your serving with some butter, brown sugar or maple syrup, and walnuts! The butter is a must!
• This is a great recipe to make ahead and store in the refrigerator for an easy breakfast you can heat up in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, chopped (I like honeycrisp, gala, pink lady…apples that are crisp and flavorful)
• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant or steel cut)
  • I use Organic Sprouted Rolled Oats to avoid glyphosate and also because the flavor and texture of sprouted rolled oats is so good!
• 4 cups of filtered water
  • you can also use a milk of choice if you prefer
• 1-2 tsp. apple pie spice recipe (see next section)
  • you can add as much or as little as you like
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt
• Optional – 1/4 c. raisins or dried cranberries

Toppings

These are my favorite toppings for spiced apple cider oatmeal!

• butter
• brown sugar (I make my own…here’s how! ) or maple syrup
• walnuts or pumpkin seeds

Other Topping Ideas:

• granola
• yogurt
• dried cranberries or raisins
• Slivered almonds
• Chopped Pecans/candied pecans

How to Make Apple Pie Spice Blend

• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom

Mix the spices together and store in a spice jar or container with a lid.

Ways to Enjoy Spiced Apple Cider Oatmeal

I love a bowl of this delicious spiced fall oatmeal for breakfast topped with a pat of butter, some brown sugar (I like to make my own brown sugar for the best flavor), and chopped walnuts –it tastes SO divine!

Sometimes I will make myself a side of eggs to go with it. Breakfast sausage would also be a great flavor pairing and source of protein.

Try this oatmeal cold if you’re in the mood for something cold and sweet!

How to Make Spiced Apple Oatmeal on the Stovetop

First, chop your apples into hearty chunks (leave the skins on for that beautiful color!).

Fill a pot with 4 cups of water. Add the chopped apples, apple pie spice, sea salt, and vanilla, and bring to a boil over high heat. (Optional: Add in the raisins or cranberries now if you wish to do so).

Once the water is boiling, add in the 2 cups of rolled oats. Stir, and turn down the heat to medium/low. Cover with a lid, and let simmer for 10 minutes until the oats have thickened.

Once the oats have thickened to your liking, turn off the heat.

Top each serving of this spiced apple cider oatmeal with a pat of butter, brown sugar (make your own!), and chopped walnuts.

Enjoy the aroma and flavor of fall!

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Oatmeal in the Instant Pot

Add the chopped apples, oats, water, apple pie spice, vanilla, and sea salt to the Instant Pot insert. (Optional– add in the raisins or dried cranberries now if you wish to add those).

Stir well.

Lock the lid on, and select the “Porridge” function for 5 minutes.

Once the 5 minutes have elapsed, release the pressure.

Top each serving with yummy toppings like butter, brown sugar, and walnuts.

Enjoy!

Want More Easy and Delicious Breakfast Recipes?

• The BEST Banana Nut Pancakes
• Healthy Blueberry Muffins (with Whipped Lemon Honey Butter)
• Buttery Biscuits
• Easy Sheet Pan Potatoes with Bacon and Asparagus (great breakfast hash!)
• Baked Sprouted Oats with Apples and Cranberries

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• Organic Sprouted Oats
• Instant Pot

Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. Give this recipe 5 stars if you try it and love it!

Wherever you find yourself today…take time to nourish yourself — body, mind, and soul <3

Warmly, Caroline