1teaspoonof cinnamonor apple pie spice with a little extra cinnamon
1-2Tablespoonsof maple syrupor coconut sugar, brown sugar, finely chopped dates. For sugar-free use your favorite sweetener.
¼teaspoonof salt
1-2Tablespoonsof hemp seeds, or flax meal (optional)
1teaspoonof olive oilor coconut oil/ vegan butter. Use water for an oil-free method.
READ THE BLOG POST ABOVE FOR INGREDIENT NOTES AS WELL AS TONS OF OPTIONAL ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS!
Instructions
In a small pot, heat the oil/butter (or water) over medium heat. Then, add apple cubes and cinnamon. Saute for 2-3 minutes until apple starts to soften and turns golden brown.
Add oats and water and stir. Let cook as directed on package, usually 2-3 minutes until water is absorbed.
Add salt, hemp seeds, and maple syrup (or your sweetener of choice) and stir to combine. Sprinkle top with additional cinnamon if you like and serve immediately.
Notes
Other warming spices: If you don’t have apple pie spice, just a pinch (⅛ tsp) each of ground ginger and nutmeg will pair wonderfully with the apple cinnamon oatmeal.
Vanilla extract: Just a few drops will make for a delicious, enhanced apple pie oatmeal flavor.
Lemon juice: A splash of bottled or fresh lemon juice can help brighten the flavors in the apple pie oatmeal.
Vegan butter: Adding just a tiny pat of butter to the top of the oatmeal when serving makes for an even creamier apple oatmeal recipe.
Crushed nuts/seeds: Chopped pecans or walnuts work particularly well. For a nut-free option, you could use sunflower seeds or pepitas. Toast them first on the stovetop until fragrant for extra flavor. A couple tablespoons should be enough.
Nut butter: Alternatively, for a super creamy addition (and healthy fats!), add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter like peanut butter or almond butter.
Apple juice: For even more flavor, add a large splash of apple juice to the pan when softening the apples.