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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. Leigh-Ann L. says:

    I made this this morning for breakfast! Sooooo delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

  2. Deb says:

    I make my SC oatmeal by soaking it overnight in my rice cooker and then turning the rice cooker on for 15 mins in the morning. I LOVE it -I eat it every morning for breakfast because it is sooo easy. Now I see yours is much more decadent – I may try to combine yours and mine -maybe toast first add the water, soak over night and the chopped apple in the morning. Yumm!!

    My personal fav oatmeal is orange-cranberry with walnuts though. I use low-sugar orange marmalade for the orange flavor.

  3. naomi says:

    I love this! Steel cut oats are one of my favorite breakfast meals. Loving the presentation-cute and clever!

  4. Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer says:

    We love steel cut oats too and I love finding a recipe for them, we will try this tomorrow AM, thanks!

  5. Alexa @ Sohdalex says:

    This looks delicious, I feel like I need to start eating more steel cut oats ;)
    And I love how you put the oatmeal inside of the apple, how creative!

  6. Elle @ Kitchen Gifts says:

    Oatmeal–and Red River Cereal–is a staple for me once the weather gets colder, but I too tend to be lazy and make the instant packs.

    However, this recipe certainly looks like it’s worth the extra time. Thanks!

  7. Maria says:

    LOVE the presentation! Steel cut oats are one of my favorite breakfasts. So good and good for you too!

  8. Eliana says:

    WOW – this looks incredible. And the presentation is killer Jaime.

  9. Julie (Bananas for Bourbon) says:

    Beautiful shot! I love steel cut oatmeal. I don’t make it enough. This recipe sounds like a darn good way to eat breakfast. :)