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Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of Apple Pie Oatmeal, where the heartwarming flavors of a classic apple pie meet the wholesome goodness of oatmeal. This easy, single serving recipe combines creamy oats with tender, spiced apples, creating a breakfast that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for when you want a comforting start to your day, this oatmeal is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a dessert-like treat without any fuss.
Craving more delicious single serving breakfast ideas? Try a tender French Breakfast Puff, rich Chocolate Banana Bread, spiced Baked Apple Cider Donuts, or savory Crustless Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Quiche.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy mornings.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Made with whole oats and a fresh apple, it’s a wholesome breakfast that keeps you full and energized.
- Dessert-Inspired Flavor: Enjoy the comforting taste of apple pie in a satisfying breakfast, without the guilt.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create a delicious meal.
- Perfect for One: No leftovers or waste—this recipe is designed to make just enough for one serving.
This Apple Pie Oatmeal recipe is perfect for those who love the comforting flavors of apple pie but want a quick and easy breakfast option. The combination of creamy oatmeal and warm spiced apples makes it feel like a treat, yet it’s simple enough to make any day of the week. The single serving portion ensures there’s no waste, making it ideal for anyone cooking for themselves.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve apple oatmeal recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the oatmeal a hearty texture, making them the best choice for this recipe. While you can use instant oats if needed, I prefer old-fashioned oats for their consistency. Instant oats will cook faster, but the texture may turn out softer and less substantial. Extra oats can be used to make an Apple Crisp, Oatmeal Cookies, Butter Pecan Granola, or Overnight Oats.
- Water and Milk: The combination of water and milk gives the oats a creamy, rich consistency, making the dish feel more indulgent. If you prefer a lighter option, using all water is a good alternative.
- Apple: I prefer using a sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Gala to balance the spices. You can use any variety, but a sweeter apple complements the cinnamon and nutmeg well. Got extra apples? Use them to make a mini Dutch Apple Pie, Apple Fritters, Applesauce, or an Apple Dumpling.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness. For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. Maple syrup can be used as an alternative if you prefer. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, consider making a small batch with our homemade brown sugar recipe.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are essential for creating that classic apple pie flavor.
Recipe Variations
Looking to customize your Apple Pie Oatmeal? Here are some variations that cater to different tastes and preferences:
- Raisin Apple Oatmeal: Add a handful of raisins to the apple mixture while it cooks. The raisins will plump up and add a natural sweetness that complements the spiced apples.
- Caramel Apple Pie Oatmeal: Drizzle a tablespoon of caramel sauce over the finished oatmeal for a rich, dessert-like twist. This variation is perfect for those who love the combination of apples and caramel.
- Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal: Stir in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter after the oatmeal is cooked. The peanut butter adds richness and pairs surprisingly well with the apple and spice flavors.
- Pear Oatmeal: Substitute the apple with a ripe pear for a different take on the recipe. Pears soften nicely and provide a subtle, sweet flavor that’s slightly different from apples.
- Crunchy Apple Pie Oatmeal: Top your oatmeal with a handful of maple granola or crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans. This adds a delightful crunch and makes the oatmeal more filling.
How To Make Apple Pie Oatmeal For One
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this easy apple oatmeal recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a 1-quart saucepan, bring the milk, water, and salt to a boil over high heat.
- Stir in the oats and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid. Once done, remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
- In an 8-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and spices, cooking for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the chopped apples and stir to coat them evenly.
- Cook the apples, stirring frequently, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they have softened. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your apple pieces.
- Finally, stir the apple and brown sugar mixture into the oatmeal, mixing well before serving.
Expert Tips
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned oats. They provide a hearty, satisfying base that holds up well with the apple topping.
- Cut Apple Evenly: Cutting the apple into small, even pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly, blending seamlessly into the oatmeal.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter helps caramelize the apples, adding a rich flavor that enhances the overall dish. If you’re looking for a richer taste, this step is essential.
- Stir Occasionally: Regularly stirring the oats while they cook prevents them from sticking to the pot and ensures they absorb the liquid evenly for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to give the oatmeal a dessert-like feel.
- Add a Drizzle of Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness and a classic breakfast touch, drizzle maple syrup over the oatmeal.
- Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn your breakfast into a treat by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—perfect for a weekend morning.
- Pair with Greek Yogurt: Serve the oatmeal with a side of Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced apples.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the apple topping in advance and quickly reheat it when ready to serve.
Absolutely, just replace the milk with water or a non-dairy alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter.
If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes, it’s gluten-free.
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two servings. I recommend using a 2-quart saucepan and a 10-inch skillet.
While oatmeal is best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated with a little extra milk or water.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this spiced apple oatmeal recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Apple Pie Oatmeal For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup milk (use whole or reduced fat)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 medium apple -peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan, bring the water, milk, and salt to a boil over high heat.
- Stir in the oats and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid. Once done, remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
- In an 8-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and continue stirring as it cooks for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped apples and stir to coat them evenly.
- Cook the apples, stirring frequently, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they have softened. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your apple pieces.
- Finally, stir the apple and brown sugar mixture into the oatmeal, mixing well before serving.
Notes
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned oats. They provide a hearty, satisfying base that holds up well with the apple topping.
- Cut Apple Evenly: Cutting the apple into small, even pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly, blending seamlessly into the oatmeal.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter helps caramelize the apples, adding a rich flavor that enhances the overall dish. If you’re looking for a richer taste, this step is essential.
- Stir Occasionally: Regularly stirring the oats while they cook prevents them from sticking to the pot and ensures they absorb the liquid evenly for a creamy texture.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Fall 🍁just rolled in Chilly Mornings. Huge fan of Oatmeal. This was delicious! Chunky bits of apples with yummy spiced warm oats. Perfect with my morning tea. I will make this version often. Thank you! 😊
I am excited to try. I have made chunky applesauce like my grandma made and frozen it. A great way to use my applesauce!
Very easy, & good for you
Great recipe.