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Apple Pie Oatmeal

Start your day with my warm, hearty Apple Pie Oatmeal. It’s quick to make and packed with the flavors of apples, cinnamon, and pecans.

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A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.

There’s nothing better than starting a chilly morning with a bowl of my Apple Pie Oatmeal. This recipe is like a hug in a bowl—quick-cooking steel-cut oats paired with tender apples, sweet raisins, and crunchy pecans.

Lately, I’ve been using steel-cut oats for our oatmeal, and I love the difference they make. They’re heartier and have a chewiness that makes each bite so satisfying. While traditional steel-cut oats can take up to 40 minutes to cook, I have no problem using a shortcut with Quaker’s 3-minute version. They still give you that wonderful texture, but in just a few minutes.

What makes this oatmeal extra special is the addition of fresh apples, raisins, and crunchy pecans. They bring a rich, apple pie-like flavor that’s naturally sweet and satisfying. While you might not include raisins or pecans in a classic apple pie, I find they add a lovely touch to this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe, making it a well-rounded and filling breakfast that will keep you going long after breakfast time.

Recipe Quick View

Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Total Time: ~ 10 Minutes

Servings: 4
Primary Ingredient(s): Quick-cooking steel cut oats, apple, raisins, pecans, cinnamon
Skill Level: Easy

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

  • You’ll have breakfast ready in under 10 minutes.
  • It gives you a hearty start that keeps you going strong all morning
  • You can add your favorite toppings or spices to make it your own.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …

“This sounds so heavenly…even my kids would like it!”
— Chris

Ingredient Notes

Labeled photo of the ingredients needed to make apple pie oatmeal.
Water, salt, quick-cooking steel cut oats, apples, raisins, pecans, cinnamon, light brown sugar, half-and-half.
  • Steel-cut oats — I use the quick-cooking variety of steel-cut oats to save time while keeping that lovely, nutty and hearty texture.
  • Apples — I prefer a firm apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Raisins — I think raisins are delicious and they give you an added bump of sweetness and texture.
  • PecansPecans are a homegrown Georgia product and my favorite! I do know that they can be a bit expensive in other areas, so feel free to use walnuts if you prefer.
  • Half-and-half or cream — A little half-and-half or heavy cream gives the oatmeal a creamy, rich finish.

The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How I Make Apple Pie Oatmeal

  1. Over medium-high heat, bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the quick-cooking steel-cut oats.
  2. Mix in the apples, raisins, pecans, and cinnamon.
  3. Lower the heat and simmer for 5–6 minutes until the oats are tender and the water is mostly absorbed.
  4. Spoon into bowls and top with brown sugar, cream, and extra apple pieces.
A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.

Recipe Variations

  • Up the spice factor with a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
  • Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the cream.
  • Make it nut-free by skipping the pecans or replacing them with sunflower seeds.
  • Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Menu Ideas

Everyday Breakfast

  • Apple Pie Oatmeal
  • Fresh orange slices
  • Hot tea, coffee, or milk

Weekend Brunch

Special Occasion Breakfast Spread

A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.

Storage Tips

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of milk or water, stirring until smooth, or heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each.
  • To freeze, portion into single servings and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Questions About Apple Pie Oatmeal

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut?

Yes, of course, but be sure to check the cooking time on the package. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have a different texture from rolled oats.

What variety of apples works best for this recipe?

I like to use firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp to keep a somewhat crunchy texture. However, any apple you have on hand will work.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare a batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat with a little bit of added milk or water.

Lana Stuart.

Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Start your day with my warm, hearty Apple Pie Oatmeal. It’s quick to make and packed with the flavors of apples, cinnamon, and pecans.
5 from 3 votes
Print It Rate It Add to Collection
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 531kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ⅓ cup quick-cooking steel cut oats
  • 2 medium apples peeled and diced
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup half and half or cream

Instructions

  • Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Whisk in the oatmeal.
  • Add the apple, raisins, pecans, and cinnamon. Stir well.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook 5-6 minutes or until the water is mostly absorbed and the oats are tender.
  • Serve topped with brown sugar, cream, and diced fresh apples.

Notes

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of milk or water, stirring until smooth, or heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each.
  • To freeze, portion into single servings and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 | Calories 531kcal | Carbohydrates 92g | Protein 12g | Fat 15g | Saturated Fat 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat 3g | Monounsaturated Fat 6g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 186mg | Potassium 342mg | Fiber 11g | Sugar 38g | Vitamin A 88IU | Vitamin C 6mg | Calcium 82mg | Iron 3mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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— This post was originally published on January 15, 2016. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.

A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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10 Comments

  1. Chris @ Celebrations At Home says:

    This sounds so heavenly…even my kids would like it!

  2. Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker says:

    I love oatmeal for breakfast -and lunch- and when you add all the sweet apples to it, it sounds wonderful!

  3. I usually cook regular Quaker Oatmeal (not instant) in the microwave. Have you tried that with the steel cut oats? My mornings are pretty rushed, so out the door with something hot is a great idea!

    Stay warm!

    Miss P

  4. Kim Beaulieu says:

    Perfect choice for breakfast, and your blog. I love apples so this would be right up my alley. I mean apple pie for breakfast…..winning!

  5. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says:

    I love oatmeal in the mornings too! I don’t get hungry afterwards like I do when I have cereal. Love the flavors too!

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      Thanks, Angie. I’m the same – oatmeal keeps me going all morning and most of the afternoon!

  6. Nikki @ Nik Snacks says:

    3 minutes to cook steel cut oats? GETOUT! Quaker is crazy.

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      Well, they are a quick-cooking type but they do take at least 5 minutes, 6 is better, to cook to where I like them :-)

  7. The Food Hunter says:

    This is the perfect thing to wake up to!

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      I think so, too! It’s a great warmer-upper on a cold rainy day.