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.
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 with quick-cooking steel-cut oats and 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, filling breakfast that keeps you going all morning.
Recipe Snapshot: Apple Pie Oatmeal
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Primary Ingredients: Quick-cooking steel-cut oats, apple, raisins, pecans, cinnamon
Skill Level: Easy
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is the perfect thing to wake up to!“
— The Food Hunter
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.
Ingredient Notes
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- Steel-cut oats — I use Quaker’s quick-cooking 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.
- Pecans — Pecans 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.
Recipe Variations
- Add 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 more sweetness.
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How to Make Apple Pie Oatmeal
STEP 1. Over medium-high heat, bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the quick-cooking steel-cut oats.
STEP 2. Mix in the apples, raisins, pecans, and cinnamon.
STEP 3. Lower the heat and simmer for 5–6 minutes until the oats are tender and the water is mostly absorbed.
STEP 4. Spoon into bowls and top with brown sugar, cream, and extra apple pieces.
Menu Ideas
Everyday Breakfast
- Apple Pie Oatmeal
- Fresh orange slices
- Hot tea, coffee, or milk
Weekend Brunch
- Apple Pie Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs with cheese
- Buttermilk biscuits
Special Occasion Breakfast
- Apple Pie Oatmeal
- Sausage patties
- Pumpkin spice cruffins
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 and Answers: 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 apple pie oatmeal?
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 apple pie oatmeal 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.
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Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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Recipe
Apple Pie Oatmeal
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.4 cups water, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 ⅓ cup quick-cooking steel cut oats
- Add the apple, raisins, pecans, and cinnamon. Stir well.2 medium apples, ½ cup raisins, ½ cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 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, half-and-half or cream, and diced fresh apples.½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup half and half or cream
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
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.
This sounds so heavenly…even my kids would like it!
I love oatmeal for breakfast -and lunch- and when you add all the sweet apples to it, it sounds wonderful!
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
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!
I love oatmeal in the mornings too! I don’t get hungry afterwards like I do when I have cereal. Love the flavors too!
Thanks, Angie. I’m the same – oatmeal keeps me going all morning and most of the afternoon!
3 minutes to cook steel cut oats? GETOUT! Quaker is crazy.
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 :-)
This is the perfect thing to wake up to!
I think so, too! It’s a great warmer-upper on a cold rainy day.