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I love steel cut oatmeal, but I must confess that I typically consume oatmeal of the Maple and Brown Sugar packet variety. These tend to be a quick on the go breakfast that I can make and eat right at my desk. However, on the weekends I love whipping up a batch of delicious, nutty steel cut oatmeal.

Making your own steel cut oatmeal allows you to customize your flavor combinations, which are endless, and control the amount of sugar you use. Last Sunday, I made a delicious batch of Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats with pure maple syrup. These oats really hit the spot on a crisp, fall morning.

I served up the Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal in hollowed out apples, although this step is definitely not necessary, it certainly is fun, adorable and the perfect use for the abundance of fresh picked apples I have on hand. I adorned mine with a few chopped walnuts and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. This recipe makes about four servings, which is great because I was able to store the rest in portioned containers and eat them for breakfast for the following two days.

Now I’m going to keep it real here for a second. I loved these, the texture and flavor was perfect for me, but Brian hated them. I think he was expecting the texture and flavor of his packaged variety and these are pretty much the complete opposite. Take his review with a grain of salt because he’s not so much a fan of healthy eats. I thought they were fab and I hope you do to! Have a great weekend!

Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

with maple syrup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup steel cut oatmeal
4 cups hot water
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chopped apple (I used honey crisp)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup chopped walnuts for garnish; if desired
1/4 cup chopped apples for garnish; if desired

Directions:

1. Heat butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat until melted. Add in the steel cut oats and toast until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

2. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and salt.

3. Add hot water, stir and bring to a boil. Cover and turn heat down to low; allow the oats to cook for 20 minutes.

4. Remove lid and stir in chopped apples and maple syrup. Continue cooking, uncovered for 10 minutes, or until oats reach your desired texture.

5. Serve in a bowl or hollowed out apple and garnish with walnuts, fresh chopped apples and a drizzle of maple syrup.

All images and text ©

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50 Comments

  1. Nancy @ The Sensitive Pantry says:

    Hmmm. I think I may have said genius on your last post. So, this time I’m going to say – fabulous! Perfect fall breakfast. And beautiful.

  2. Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy. says:

    What beautiful presentation for the oatmeal inside the apple! I have never tried steel cut oats, where can you find them? I do love oatmeal so I’m sure I would like this type as well! Your recipe sounds yummy!

    1. Jamie says:

      Lauren-
      You can get Steel Cut Oats at almost any store. Quaker makes them now, also look for Bob’s Red Mill.
      -Jamie

  3. Megan says:

    That’s the prettiest breakfast I’ve ever seen. I want some!

  4. Christina says:

    I’m loving all the fall recipes! I can’t wait to make all of these. I made banana walnut and cinnamon oatmeal a lot this past winter. Can’t get enough.

  5. Joanne says:

    The presentation of these babies is so cute! How could anyone not fall in love with them! I’m a steel cut oat girl myself. I try to avoid the packaged mixes (more for expense purposes than anything else) but I love adding flavors to my oats. Apple cinnamon maple sounds divine!

  6. Amalia says:

    Oatmeal is my faaaavorite breakfast of all times! And my mom just bought steel cut oats so Yum! I’ll be trying this out (:

    -Amalia

    http://buttersweetmelody.wordpress.com/

  7. Sara says:

    How beautiful! This would be perfect to serve for a fancy brunch. I’m a huge fan of oatmeal too–especially on chilly days.

  8. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says:

    I love your oatmeal in an apple! I would also love a crisp fall morning, but I haven’t had one yet here. Steel cut oats are my favorite- the instant ones just don’t have enough texture for me. These sound wonderful!

  9. Michelle says:

    When I first saw the picture, I thought the oatmeal was inside of a baked apple. That would taste sooo good, but probably wouldn’t be very sturdy. I’m with you on the maple/brown sugar packets, though. :)

  10. Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says:

    This looks beautiful Jamie and so how I love oatmeal. I don’t typically add fruit…now thinking apple is a must try.