This easy Applesauce Oatmeal is an excellent way to use extra applesauce to upgrade a bland bowl of oatmeal with a sweet, crisp apple flavor and a big boost of fiber.
The best part is this stove-top oatmeal comes together nearly as quickly as instant!
Suppose you’re growing bored with your everyday oatmeal. In that case, there’s an unsuspecting ingredient you may already have in your kitchen to add some excitement to your oatmeal routine and extra nutrients – and that ingredient is applesauce!
These rolled oats are delicately sweetened with natural applesauce, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and allspice, so they are reminiscent of warm and comforting apple pie, without the sugar crash and with all of the feel-good, cozy flavor.
This old-fashioned oatmeal recipe doesn’t take much longer to make than packets of flavored oatmeal – plus, it leaves you in control of every ingredient.
Dairy-free? You can make an insanely rich and creamy bowl of vegan applesauce oatmeal with coconut milk.
Not big on sweets? Adjust the maple syrup or omit it entirely.
Craving something more? Use this applesauce and oatmeal as a canvas for nuts, fresh fruit, fruit spreads, whipped cream, and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are four reasons to try this recipe:
- It’s made with whole grain oats, unsweetened applesauce, and NO refined sugar, yet it tastes like a delicious treat.
- These easy applesauce oats make a perfect healthy breakfast for busy mornings.
- The extra fiber from the applesauce is a great way to power up the day.
- The customization and topping possibilities are endless. Keep reading for tasty and healthy ideas.
Ingredient Notes
Here is a brief overview of the ingredients you’ll need:
- Milk – You can use any cow’s milk or dairy-free milk, but if it’s extra rich and creamy oats you’re after, use whole milk or full-fat almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk.
- Unsweetened applesauce – Making homemade applesauce is an option, but any store-bought unsweetened applesauce works. Many store-bought brands are made with nothing more than apples and water plus ascorbic acid.
- Rolled oats – AKA old-fashioned oats are steamed and flattened oat groats, so they’re much softer than steel-cut oats and don’t take as long to cook.
- Maple syrup – My favorite all-natural sweetener! It adds a festive touch you can’t get from other unrefined sweeteners. That’s not to say you shouldn’t sweeten oatmeal with other sweeteners – honey, date syrup, and agave nectar add their own distinct naturally sweet flavor.
- Cinnamon + allspice – Or any warming spices (nutmeg, cardamom, ginger). Apple pie spice is excellent in this oatmeal if you have it.
- Salt – You will need just a pinch to round the flavors.
How to Make Applesauce Oatmeal
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Combine the ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine rolled oats with milk, applesauce, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch each of allspice and salt.
- Cook the rolled oats: Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until the oatmeal has thickened.
- Let stand: Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let it stand for a few minutes.
- Add toppings and serve: Add thickened oatmeal to a bowl, and serve with your favorite toppings. Keep reading for delicious (and nutritious!) topping and customizing ideas.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best bowl of oatmeal:
- It’s best to cook rolled oats over medium-low heat without letting the mixture reach a full bubbling boil. Instead, gently simmer to thicken the ingredients into a satisfying serving of creamy applesauce oats.
- If you’re unsure about the maple syrup, you can decide whether you want to use it once you’ve given the finished oatmeal a taste. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how sweet oatmeal is with just applesauce and no added sweeteners.
- Feel free to make a larger batch. It’s a nutritious and delicious money-saving meal everyone will enjoy. Cook in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, and be sure the milk doesn’t get too hot and foam over the sides.
Variations
Here are a few ideas to help you customize this recipe:
- Add apples – Simmer the oats and applesauce with chopped apples if you prefer chunks of tender fruit throughout your oatmeal. Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are good options. Baked apples and other winter fruits make a fantastic topping.
- Fruit and nut spreads – Swirl in a spoonful of peanut, almond, or hazelnut butter, or try adding a spoonful of leftover cranberry sauce, blueberry sauce, or mango puree.
- Crunchy toppings – You can’t go wrong sprinkling chopped nuts and/or seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, etc.), sugar-free granola, or toasted unsweetened coconut on top of a bowl of warm and creamy oatmeal.
- Creamy toppings – To make a truly heavenly bowl of homemade apple and cinnamon oatmeal, top with a scoop of Greek yogurt, freshly whipped cream, or coconut cream.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Do not freeze leftovers.
Reheat leftover oatmeal in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk to help the oatmeal bounce back to its original rich and creamy consistency, if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add applesauce to steel-cut oatmeal?
Yes! You can swap rolled oats for steel cut oats in this recipe – but remember, steel-cut oats can absorb more moisture, so you may need to add more milk to the pot if it becomes too thick. They’ll also need more time to simmer, so check the package instructions for the suggested cook time.
Can I make overnight oats with applesauce?
Absolutely. In fact, you can make this stovetop oatmeal recipe into an overnight oats recipe by combining the uncooked oats and the remaining ingredients in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate overnight, and the following morning your oats will be perfect.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
- Apple Crisp without Flour
- Healthy Apple Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Baked Apples with Ricotta Cheese
- Mulled Apple Cider
Applesauce Oatmeal
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Ingredients
- 1⅓ cup milk
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅔ cup regular rolled oats
- ½ Tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch allspice
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine the milk, apple sauce, oats, maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook until the oatmeal has thickened.
- Take off the heat, cover, and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
The nutrition facts are an estimate. Variations in ingredient brands, portion sizes, or substitutions can affect the final nutritional values. For the most accurate information, please use a nutrition calculator or consult with a healthcare provider. Always ensure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.
Meet Maria
Maria Ushakova is a holistic nutritionist and food blogger. She focuses on developing easy recipes using real food ingredients. She believes that healthy food is delicious and anyone can learn how to cook it. Maria’s work has appeared on numerous popular websites as well as in print.
