Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Embrace Gluten-Free Mornings with Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

Table of Contents

Starting your day with a delicious and nourishing breakfast is key to a successful gluten-free lifestyle. This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to do just that! It's a warm, comforting, and incredibly easy dish that caters perfectly to gluten-free needs while delivering a burst of flavor.

This recipe is more than just a breakfast option; it's a fantastic way to incorporate essential nutrients into your diet. Gluten-free oats provide a hearty dose of fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you feeling full and satisfied for hours. Apples offer natural sweetness and vital vitamins, while cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and a wealth of antioxidants.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing for those following a gluten-free diet is its simplicity and adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your favorite toppings and add-ins, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Plus, it's a great way to use up those extra apples in your kitchen while ensuring a wholesome, gluten-free start to your day. Whether you're new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned pro, this Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal will quickly become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

Let's Make Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal (Gluten-Free!)

Ready to enjoy a warm and comforting breakfast? This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day. It's packed with flavor, naturally sweetened, and super easy to customize. Plus, it's completely gluten-free!

Here's how to make it:

1. Prepare the Caramelized Apple Topping:

In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat.
Add 1 chopped apple (about 1/4 inch thick pieces), 1/2 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the saucepan.
Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the apples become golden brown and begin to soften.
Remove from heat and set aside. (This topping can be made ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.)

2. Make the Oatmeal:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 cups of water or unsweetened almond milk (plus more as needed), 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or pureed apples (optional). Stir until well combined.

3. Thicken and Cook the Oats:

Cook the oatmeal over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 12 to 16 minutes. Continue cooking until the oats thicken and soften to your desired consistency. Add more water or almond milk as needed to reach your preferred texture.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and remove from heat.

4. Serve with Toppings:

Pour the cooked oatmeal into a bowl.
Top with the caramelized apples you prepared earlier.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts and serve with additional milk, if desired.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Oatmeal:

Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free! Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can often be processed in facilities that also handle wheat. Look for oats that are specifically labeled "gluten-free" to avoid cross-contamination.
Prepare Ahead: Both the oatmeal and the apple topping can be made in advance. Store them separately in covered containers in the refrigerator and reheat in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal: A Gluten-Free Delight

Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! This gluten-free and vegan recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a satisfying snack any time of day.

Ingredients For This Apple Oatmeal

For the Oatmeal Base:

1 cup gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2-1/4 – 2 1/2 cups water or unsweetened almond milk plus more as needed
2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or pureed apples
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Caramelized Apple Topping:

1/2 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 large apple , chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

chopped pecans or walnuts
extra almond milk for serving optional

Nutritional Benefits of Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal is more than just a tasty treat; it's a nutritional powerhouse!

Gluten-Free Goodness: Using certified gluten-free rolled oats makes this recipe safe and enjoyable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but it's important to choose certified varieties to avoid cross-contamination during processing.
Fiber-Rich: Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes healthy digestion, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Heart-Healthy Fats: The flaxseeds or chia seeds contribute omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health.

Antioxidant Boost: Apples are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cinnamon also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Natural Sweetness: Sweetened with pure maple syrup and applesauce, this oatmeal avoids refined sugars, providing a more natural and balanced sweetness.
Plant-Based Protein: While not a high-protein meal, the flaxseeds/chia seeds and nuts add a boost of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Substitutions and Variations

Customize this Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal to fit your specific dietary needs and preferences:

Different Sweeteners: Swap maple syrup with coconut sugar, date paste, or a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia for a lower-sugar option.
Nut-Free: Replace the almond milk with oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Omit the chopped nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Add Protein: Stir in a scoop of gluten-free protein powder after cooking for an extra protein boost.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the oatmeal base for a different flavor profile.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with other fruits like berries, peaches, or pears in place of apples.
Extra Boost: Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter for added protein and healthy fats.

Instructions

For the Apple Topping:

In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil on medium-high heat. Add apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon and saute for about 5 minutes or until the apples turn golden brown and begin to soften. Remove from heat and set aside. (You can make this ahead of time and place in a covered container in the refrigerator).

For the Oatmeal:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the oats, flax/chia seeds, apple pie spice, cinnamon, water/milk, maple syrup and applesauce until combined.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often for about 12 to 16 minutes until oats thicken and soften to the consistency as desired, add more water as needed. Stir in the vanilla and remove from heat.
Pour into a bowl and top with caramelized apples. Add chopped pecans and serve with additional milk, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal

Make Ahead: You can make the oatmeal and apple topping ahead of time. Store them separately in covered containers in the fridge and reheat in the morning.
Steel-Cut Oats: If you prefer steel-cut oats, adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
Creamier Texture: For a creamier oatmeal, use more liquid and cook for a longer time, stirring frequently.
Topping Ideas: Get creative with toppings! Add chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of nut butter.

Meal Prep and Storage

Meal Prep: Make a large batch of this oatmeal on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Storage: Store cooked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat the oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Enjoy this wholesome and delicious Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal as part of your gluten-free lifestyle!

Nutrition Facts

Cinnamon Apple Pie Oatmeal
Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/2 recipe))
Calories 289 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 8g32%
Sugar 22g24%
Protein 6g12%

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.