Introduction
Welcome to a warm and cozy cooking adventure with our Creamy Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal! As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of comforting oatmeal to start your day on a delightful note. This recipe beautifully combines the sweetness of tender apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the creamy richness of milk or a dairy-free alternative, making it the perfect autumn breakfast.
Not only is this dish simple and quick to prepare, but it’s also incredibly nutritious, offering a hearty serving of fiber and whole grains. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a quiet weekend morning, this skillet oatmeal is sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that embodies the essence of fall.
So grab your skillet and let’s turn wholesome ingredients into a delicious, fulfilling meal that will nourish your body and delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 medium apple, cored and diced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh apple slices and extra cinnamon for topping (optional)
Instructions
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- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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- Add the diced apple to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
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- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well and cook for another minute until the apples are coated and fragrant.
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- Pour the rolled oats into the skillet and stir them into the apple mixture.
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- Add the milk and vanilla extract, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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- Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are creamy and have absorbed most of the liquid.
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- If desired, add in the chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch and extra flavor.
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- Serve warm, topped with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 2
Key Ingredients
- Rolled Oats – 1 cup, preferably old-fashioned for a heartier texture.
- Milk – 2 cups, can be whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk for creaminess.
- Apples – 2 medium-sized, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well).
- Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons, to sweeten and enhance the caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, for warm spice notes.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon, to add depth and flavor.
- Butter – 1 tablespoon, for richness and to help caramelize the apples.
- Salt – A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
- Walnuts or Pecans – ¼ cup, chopped (optional), for added crunch and nutrition.
- Raisins or Dried Cranberries – ¼ cup (optional), for extra sweetness and texture.
These ingredients come together to create a comforting and nutritious breakfast that’s perfect for chilly mornings!
Baking Process
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Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all necessary ingredients. You will need rolled oats, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, milk (or a non-dairy alternative), brown sugar (or maple syrup), butter (or coconut oil), and a pinch of salt. Top it off with chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and sweetness if desired.
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Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and dice your apples into small bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a deeper cinnamon flavor, you can soak the apples in a mixture of lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon for about 10 minutes.
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Heat the Skillet: Place a medium-sized skillet over medium heat and add in a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil. Allow it to melt completely, ensuring it coats the base of the skillet.
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Sauté the Apples: Add the diced apples to the skillet and sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon and brown sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are softened and caramelized.
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Combine the Oats: Once the apples are ready, stir in 1 cup of rolled oats and a pinch of salt, mixing them well with the apple mixture.
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Add the Liquid: Pour in 2 cups of milk (or your chosen non-dairy option) and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir to combine, ensuring all the oats are submerged in the liquid.
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Cook the Oatmeal: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the oats are creamy and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste your oatmeal and adjust the sweetness, adding more brown sugar or maple syrup as desired.
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Serve Warm: Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Spoon the creamy apple cinnamon oatmeal into bowls and top with chopped nuts, raisins, or additional cinnamon. A drizzle of maple syrup over the top can add extra sweetness and decadence.
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Enjoy!: Serve hot and enjoy a delightful, comforting breakfast that exudes the flavors of a warm apple pie!
Feel free to get creative with toppings or mix-ins to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
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Fresh Fruit Toppings: Elevate your skillet oatmeal by adding slices of fresh apple, banana, or berries on top. This not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor profile.
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Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and healthy fats. These additions will give your dish an extra layer of texture.
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Sweetener: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup or honey over your bowl for a sweetness boost. Adjust to your taste preference, as the apples and cinnamon already provide a hint of sweetness.
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Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative adds creaminess and protein, making your meal even more satisfying. Consider a flavored yogurt for an extra flavor dimension.
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Spices: Amp up the warmth with a dash of nutmeg or vanilla extract. These spices complement the cinnamon and enhance the overall aroma and taste of the dish.
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Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, top with a spoonful of coconut cream or shredded coconut. The rich coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon.
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Serving Size: Make this recipe in a larger batch and serve family-style in a big skillet, allowing everyone to customize their own toppings according to their preferences.
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Pair with Beverages: Serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea or apple cider for a cozy autumn breakfast or brunch. The warm flavors will complement your creamy oatmeal perfectly.
Don’t forget to enjoy this dish warm, as the creaminess and spices are best relished when fresh from the stovetop!
Conclusion
Creamy Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is not only a comforting and delicious breakfast option but also a nutritious way to kickstart your day. The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and creamy oats creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that make each bite truly satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want something quick yet wholesome, or it can serve as a cozy brunch dish for family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it a go-to staple in your meal rotation.
So go ahead, embrace the flavors of fall and treat yourself to a bowl of this comforting oatmeal. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Happy cooking!
