Craving more oatmeal recipes? Try my protein oatmeal or blueberry oatmeal. We never tire of eating oatmeal in my house. It’s the perfect quick breakfast that keeps me full for hours, and it’s endlessly customizable (hello, chocolate oatmeal and cinnamon roll oatmeal!). For this recipe, I took inspiration from my healthy apple pie recipe. With a handful of simple ingredients, this oatmeal is creamy, full of warming spices, and topped with a sticky apple topping.
Why I love this recipe
Takes just like apple pie. If you love apple pie as much as I do, then I can guarantee you’ll love this easy oatmeal recipe. Super healthy. The oats and apples make a fiber-packed breakfast, and I even add some protein powder for an extra protein boost. Quick and easy. As much as I love overnight oats, I love warm, steamy oats just as much. This one-pot oatmeal recipe makes ultra-thick, buttery oats that taste as if they’ve been simmering away for hours. Multiple cooking methods. I prefer the stovetop method personally, but I also included both slow cooker and microwave instructions.
Ingredients needed
Rolled oats. AKA old-fashioned oats. Use gluten-free oats if necessary. Salt. Just a pinch brings out the sweetness of the oats. Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk to keep this oatmeal vegan, but any milk will work. Apple pie spice. If you don’t have an apple spice blend, just use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Sugar. I used brown sugar, but any type of sugar will do, including liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Coconut flour. My secret ingredient! Coconut flour gives the oatmeal extra thickness. Protein powder. Optional, but gives a huge protein punch to them!
For the apple topping
Apple. I used Honeycrisp apples because that was what I had on hand, but you can use any type of apples. For a more tart topping, I suggest Granny Smith apples. Cinnamon. The flavor shines through, especially when mixed with the warm apples. Brown sugar. Adds extra sweetness.
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the oats, salt, cinnamon, sugar, and milk. Simmer on medium heat until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add the protein powder and stir well. Add the coconut flour and continue stirring until a very thick batter is formed. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Step 2- Make the apple topping. In a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan, heat the apple with the spices and sugar until caramelized. Remove from heat or microwave and top your oatmeal with it.
Arman’s recipe tips and variations
Choose the best protein powder. I prefer casein and brown rice protein over other protein powders when it comes to baking. I find they absorb moisture the best and don’t overpower the other ingredients. Taste as you go. And adjust any sweeteners or spices as needed. Add mix-ins. Like peanut butter, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or dried apple chips. Switch up the toppings. Once you’ve microwaved the apple topping, fold in some toasted walnuts, pecans, or healthy granola for an added crunch factor.
Storage instructions
To store: If you prepare multiple batches of this oatmeal, store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week. You will need to thin it out with extra milk before reheating. If you prefer to make slow-cooker apple pie oatmeal, you certainly can. Simply add your oatmeal ingredients to the slow cooker, stir to combine, then let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 1 hour. Give it a stir, add your apple topping, and enjoy! To freeze: Place single portions of the oatmeal in freezer friendly containers. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat: Either stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to add extra milk, as the oatmeal will have thickened up considerably.
More oatmeal recipes to try
Brownie baked oatmeal Baked oats Blueberry baked oatmeal Instant pot oatmeal
