These maple apple steel cut oats have the perfect texture: with a bit of a chew, they are never mushy. Loaded with apples and easy to reheat through the week, they are perfect for meal prep!
Steel-cut oats are my favorite meal prep breakfast: they are nutritious, delicious, and super easy to make! I have step by step photos and 7 steel cut oats flavors on the blog.
Maple apple steel cut oats are loaded with chunks of apple, with a hint of maple and cinnamon. They are tender, but not mushy, and keep great for up to 4 days.
Top with toasted pecans for a breakfast that will warm you up and fuel your body for the day!
Reasons you'll love this apple steel cut oat recipe
- they are vegan, gluten-free and kid-friendly
- healthy meal prep friendly breakfast
- they store well in the fridge or freezer for later
Let's Talk Ingredients!
For this apple cinnamon steel cut oat recipe you'll need:
- steel-cut oats: not to be confused with rolled or instant oats- they are minimally processed and denser than processed oats which means they have a longer cook time (and a less mushy texture)
- apples: 1-2 apples cut into large chunks. Peel if you'd like.
- spices: cinnamon + cardamom (optional)
- to serve: maple syrup + seeds
Meal prep tips
- cooking: steel-cut oats take a longer time to cook than regular oatmeal but you are rewarded with amazing texture
- cooking: keep an eye on it during the last 15-20 minutes of cook time and stir frequently so it doesn't stick to the pot
- storage: keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 3 months
- to reheat: heat in the microwave until steaming hot, stir in some almond or oat milk to loosen it up and load it up with your favorite toppings
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FAQ's
Does sauteeing the oats give extra flavor?
Sauteeing the oats can add depth of flavor and a 'nuttiness' to the oatmeal. To do this, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan, add the oats, and toast for 5 minutes, until golden. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, and cook as directed.
Does cooking in milk or almond milk make them creamier?
No, it does not, and it actually makes the oats more bubbly and prone to boiling over. These apple steel-cut oats are plenty creamy as written.
Can I cook these in the instant pot?
Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes + full pressure release (20 or so minutes). This is actually my favorite way to cook them as you don't need to stir or watch the pot.
Can I swap the apples for anything else?
Yes, swap for pears, peaches, cherries, bananas or berries. Check out these spiced pumpkin steel cut oats for another alternative.
More healthy & delicious breakfast recipes!
- 49 Make Ahead Breakfast Recipes
- Fruit On The Bottom Overnight Oats
- How to Make Overnight Steel Cut Oats
- Peach Baked Oatmeal
- Easy Baked Oatmeal Muffins (+7 Flavors!)
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Maple Apple Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats (NOT instant steel cut oats)
- 3 cups water
- 2 apples (peeled + cut into chunks)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
After cooking
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or more to taste
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized pot and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally for 20-35 minutes. I pulled mine off after 25 minutes, and the oats were 'al dente'. For softer oatmeal, cook longer, adding additional cooking liquid if desired.
- To Re-heat: Add milk or additional liquid, if desired. Heat in the microwave until lightly heated (80% for 1 minute on my microwave).
Tips:
- melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan
- add the oats, and toast for 5 minutes, until golden
- add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, and cook as directed
Nutrition Information
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Cynthia Mendoza says
Wow this is deeeelish!! My husband and I love this oatmeal. Can't believe their are only 295 calories in this gigantic portion. I was only able to eat 1/2 portion. Will be a favorite in our home.
Denise says
Hi Cynthia! So happy you enjoyed. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review <3
Irma says
Made this today for my twin babies. Didn't have applesauce so just puréed fresh apples with frozen cherries and mangoes. Tastes really good. Thank you!
Denise says
Yum! That sounds delish! Glad you enjoyed!
Karen Day-Lyon says
I, too, am a stubborn, well educated oatmeal hater, merely because my mother did not know how to prepare it properly, and she made it EVERY day. But I'm going to try this. May e you can make a convert out of me.
Denise says
LOL! I hope I can convert you 😀
Darlene says
I have been cooking steel cut oats in a slow cooker for years.. if I may.. Frozen Mangoes, and or blueberries are the fruit I add to them, when I put it all together. Though a layer of chopped apple and brown sugar tastes wonderful too. I love your blog , such great recipes!
Denise says
Oh I have to try it with mango! Yum!
Perla M. says
Can you use rolled oats?
Denise says
This recipe is specific to steel cut oats, the cook time and potentially liquid content would be very different for rolled oats I believe?
Denise says
Hi Brittany! I have this set from Kinetic...I really like them! There's a variety in size but the smallest are perfect for these oats.
Patti says
This is how I fix oatmeal in the slow cooker:
8 cups water; 2 cups steel cut oats; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Put all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Makes 10 servings.
Denise says
Hi Patti thanks so much for your note! I have tried making steel cut oats 4 times using the 4:1 ratio of water: steel cut oats and each time it sticks horribly (even with spraying it and adding extra liquid). I think it's probably my slow cooker model...it tends to cook hot.
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
Mmmmm this is the type of breakfast I crave of chilly fall mornings! Love steel cut oats and all things apples!
Ashley - The Recipe Rebel says
See, I am with you on the oatmeal. I HATE mushy oatmeal. When I discovered baked oatmeal it changed my life. We LOVE oatmeal now! Lol. I'll make a 9x13" pan of it most weeks and it's gone by Wednesday. We can't get enough! I've never tried steel cut oats though -- maybe that is what I need next!
Denise says
Well sounds like I definitely need to try baked oatmeal! Anything that makes the mornings a little easier is awesome in my book 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This oatmeal is so perfect for this fall. It looks so warm and comforting...perfect for the rainy days you're starting to get up there, haha! I want a big bowl of this 🙂
Denise says
Wahhh it was so cold and rainy on my holiday! Luckily it's warm for now back at home, but the leaves are starting to fall. It feels early this year!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my gosh, yes!!! This oatmeal is like everything I could ever ask for in the morning! Love the twist of fall ingredients and seriously want this to be my breakfast right now!
Denise says
Thanks Sarah! It is feeling very fall-ish here these days. Feels early but I think I'm ready!
annie says
I used to hate oatmeal as well! So boring. But now I'm eating my words....pretty much everything you said is how I feel about oatmeal. This sounds like a fall morning dream!
Denise says
I'm glad I'm not alone in my feelings about oatmeal! Thanks, Annie!