There’s just something about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and warm oats that makes you feel like fall is in the air (even when it’s…not even close—sigh). This apple pie oatmeal is one of my favorite ways to bring that cozy, autumn vibe into my kitchen, no matter the season.

This oatmeal is like a little taste of fall that you can enjoy any time of the year. It’s is my go-to for those moments when I want to indulge in that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and everything nice. Haha!

Two bowls of apple pie oatmeal with spoons in them and an apple sitting next to them.

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The Apple Pie Vibe, but in a Bowl

Imagine the smell of freshly baked apple pie wafting through your kitchen on a chilly fall afternoon. That’s what this recipe is all about—the perfect blend of cozy and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice to make breakfasttime something to really look forward to.

But, this apple pie oatmeal isn’t just about its amazing flavor; it’s also about simplicity. This is a one-pot wonder that takes minimal effort and time. In fact, it’s fully cooked and ready to eat in under 15 minutes. Talk about a winner!

Cooked apple pie oatmeal in white bowls with spoons laying next to them.

Ingredients That Bring It All Together

Rolled Oats: The base of any good oatmeal, rolled oats provide the perfect texture—soft but still a bit chewy. They’re also a great source of fiber, which keeps you full and satisfied.
Apples: I recommend using Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apples for this recipe. Honey Crisp brings a natural sweetness, while Granny Smith adds a lovely tartness that pairs beautifully with the spices. For this recipe, I like to leave the skin on the apples. It adds color and a crunchy texture to the oatmeal, but you can peel them first if eating the skin isn’t your jam. Chop the apples into small-ish 1/2-inch chunks, so they’re bite-size.

Tip

How To Chop Apples

Use a Sharp Peeler: A sharp vegetable or potato peeler makes quick work of removing the skin if you don’t like to eat it.
Core Before Chopping: Use an apple corer before chopping the apple into chunks.
Slice in Halves or Quarters: After peeling and coring the apple, cut it into halves or quarters.
Cut All at Once: Stack apple halves or quarters on top of each other and cut them into 1/2 inch chunks all in one go.

Milk and Water: A combination of milk and water creates a creamy consistency (read all about perfecting creamy oatmeal here) without being too heavy and sticky. You can use any milk you want—dairy, almond, oat, or even coconut milk will work beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Just two tablespoons are enough to sweeten the oatmeal without overpowering the natural sweetness of the apples. It also adds a depth of flavor that white sugar just can’t match.
Apple Pie Spice: This stuff is pure magic. A teaspoon of apple pie spice brings all those warm, cozy flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger—together.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the apple pie flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness. This is an important step—don’t skip it.

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How to Make Apple Pie Oatmeal

Core and Chop the Apple: I leave the skin on for this recipe, but if you don’t want to eat the skin, start by peeling the apple. Then core and chop the apple into 1/2-inch bite-size chunks.
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 chopped apple, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 (heaping) teaspoon of apple pie spice. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Cook the Oatmeal: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Chopped apples, oats, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla in a saucepan ready for cooking.

Check the Consistency: After about 8 minutes, check the consistency of the oatmeal. If you like it thicker, let it cook a little longer. If you prefer it a bit runnier, you can add a splash of extra milk or water to thin it out a little. Don’t overcook it though or it’ll be gummy and lumpy and no-one wants that.

Cooked apple pie oatmeal in a saucepan with a spoon in it.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately. I love topping mine with a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and an extra splash of milk or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and recipe instructions below.

A bowl of apple pie oatmeal with chopped pecans on top.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Oatmeal

Make It Fancy: Add a spoonful of almond butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra richness, both flavors work really well in this oatmeal. You can also throw in some dried cranberries or raisins for a bit of chewiness.
Storage and Reheating: This oatmeal stores great, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch. Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture, and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Make it Creamy: This oatmeal is delicious on its own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt (or even Greek yogurt—my fave) on top. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but in the best possible way.

Tip

Don’t have any apple pie spice on-hand? Here’s my quick and easy homemade recipe that’s even tastier than store-bought, and it’s made with everyday spices you probably already have in your kitchen.

A bite of apple pie oatmeal on a spoon with another bowl and a pan in the background.

Questions About This Recipe

Yes, but the texture and cooking time will differ. Quick-cooking oats will result in a creamier consistency and cook much faster, while steel-cut oats will take longer to cook and have a harder, chewier texture. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

To make the oatmeal sweeter, you can add more brown sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or honey while cooking or when serving.

If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe, or omit it altogether and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples.

Try adding a scoop of protein powder, stir in some Greek yogurt, or mix in a tablespoon or two of nut butter like almond or peanut butter.

You can also sprinkle in some chia seeds or flaxseeds, or top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, or a spoonful of cottage cheese for an extra protein punch.

To add more flavor, simply increase the amount of apple pie spice. You can start by adding an extra half teaspoon.

There you have it my friend, this apple pie oatmeal is a comforting and flavorful way to start your day, bringing together the classic tastes of apples and warm spices in a simple, satisfying meal (that’s reminiscent of a warm, fresh apple pie).

This oatmeal is a great go-to for a cozy breakfast that’s easy to make and full of flavor and it’s on the table in minutes. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something fall, give this apple pie oatmeal a try, and don’t forget to let me know what you think!

Get You Some…Oatmeal

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Name: Apple Pie Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 apple (Honey Crisp or Granny Smith, chopped into 1/2 inch chunks); 1 cup milk (any kind); 1 cup water; 2 TBS brown sugar; 1 tsp apple pie spice (more or less to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp sea salt

By: Kristine Underwood

This apple pie oatmeal is the coziest breakfast, combining the flavors of warm apples, cinnamon, and creamy oats. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and perfect for those crisp mornings when you crave something comforting, nutritious, and delicious. Top it with nuts or a splash of milk for an extra indulgent and filling breakfast.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Breakfast & Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 2 bowls

Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup rolled oats
▢ 1 apple (Honey Crisp or Granny Smith, chopped into 1/2 inch chunks)
▢ 1 cup milk (any kind)
▢ 1 cup water
▢ 2 TBS brown sugar
▢ 1 tsp apple pie spice (more or less to taste)
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, chopped apples, milk, water, brown sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt, and apple pie spice. Stir well to combine.
1 cup rolled oats, 1 apple, 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 2 TBS brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp apple pie spice
Heat oatmeal over medium heat until it boils, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve immediately with chopped walnuts or pecans and a splash of milk or cream.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add a splash of milk or water when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Notes

The nutritional information does not include toppings. It’s only for the prepared oatmeal.

**The nutritional information was calculated using 2% milk.

***You can use 2 cups of milk instead of 1 cup milk and 1 cup water if you prefer. Using all milk will yield a thicker and stickier oatmeal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bowlCalories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 359mgPotassium: 435mgFiber: 6gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 172IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 189mgIron: 2mg

Breakfast & Brunch

August 12, 2024 – Updated September 4, 2024

Apple Pie Oatmeal

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