Breakfast · Hot oatmeal
Creamy Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon Apples
Sprouted steel cut oats retain a pleasant chew as their cooking liquid turns creamy. The apples cook separately, giving you tender fruit without losing their shape in the long oat simmer.
Jump to ingredients
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 32 min
- Total
- 42 min
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sprouted steel cut oats
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
1 tablespoon maple syrupShady Maple Farms: USDA Organic
1/2 teaspoon cinnamonMorton & Bassett: USDA Organic
Amounts above are for cooking. Products are sold in retail packages; pantry extras may be needed.
Method
Start the water
Bring 1 3/4 cups water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the steel cut oats and reduce to a gentle, uncovered simmer.
Simmer the oats
Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and more often as the mixture thickens. Add hot water a spoonful at a time if the grains stick before tender.
Cook the apples
During the final 8 minutes, put diced apple, butter, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons water in a skillet. Cover over medium-low heat until a fork enters the pieces easily.
Finish with milk
Stir milk into the oats and simmer for 2 minutes. The grains should be tender with a slight chew; follow any longer time required on the oat label.
Serve the bowls
Divide oatmeal between two bowls. Spoon warm apples over the top and drizzle with maple syrup just before eating.
Kitchen tips
A thick-bottomed saucepan makes the final, creamy stage less likely to scorch.
Leave the apples in bite-size cubes so they contrast with the oats rather than becoming sauce.
Substitutions
Use a plain plant beverage and neutral oil in place of milk and butter for a dairy-free variation.
For a gluten-free variation, choose steel cut oats labeled gluten-free and verify all toppings; rolled oats need a different cooking time.
Storage
Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat with extra water until hot throughout.
Serving suggestions
Serve warm in deep bowls with an extra splash of milk available to adjust the thickness at the table.
Make ahead
Cook the oats and apples separately, refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Reheat with water until steaming, stirring frequently.
Allergen details
Contains: milk.
Check each product label for allergen details.
Shop the ingredients
Current retail packages for this recipe. Check quantities and labels before buying.
Add one of each available product. Pantry extras are not included.
- Shady Maple Farms 100 Percent Pure Organic Maple Syrup - 12.7 fl oz × 1 — $19.01
- Morton And Bassett 100% Organic Ground Cinnamon - 2.3 oz × 1 — $12.34
Not included (currently unavailable): 1/2 cup sprouted steel cut oats.
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Read recipe →Frequently asked questions
Can I use rolled oats instead?
Yes, but cook them according to their own package directions. Rolled oats soften much faster and need a different amount of liquid.
Why did my oats turn stiff overnight?
Cooked oats continue absorbing liquid in the refrigerator. Stir in water or milk while reheating to restore a creamy consistency.