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Brown Sugar Apple Whole Grain Bowl Recipe

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A warm and hearty whole grain breakfast bowl topped with tender apples caramelized with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Creamy steel-cut oats make this cozy apple-inspired breakfast satisfying and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
  • 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries, optional
  • Additional milk or yogurt, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Add the steel-cut oats, water, milk, and salt to a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
  3. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and creamy. Add a small splash of water or milk if the mixture becomes too thick before the oats are tender.
  4. While the oats cook, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the skillet.
  6. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and coated in a light caramel-like sauce.
  7. Stir the vanilla extract into the apples during the final minute of cooking.
  8. Divide the cooked steel-cut oats among four serving bowls.
  9. Spoon the warm brown sugar apples over the oats and drizzle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture from the skillet over the top.
  10. Finish with chopped walnuts or pecans, dried fruit, and additional milk or yogurt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples all work well because they hold their shape during cooking.
  • For an apple quinoa bowl, replace the oats with properly cooked quinoa.
  • Other whole grains such as barley, farro, or brown rice can be used, but adjust the liquid and cooking time for the chosen grain.
  • For additional protein, top the bowl with Greek yogurt, nuts, nut butter, or seeds.
  • For a maple variation, replace some or all of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
  • For a less sweet breakfast, reduce or omit the brown sugar and rely more on the natural sweetness of the apples.
  • For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened plant-based milk and plant-based butter.
  • Store cooled oats and apples separately or together in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy texture.
  • Cooked oats can be frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months. Add freshly prepared apples and toppings after reheating for the best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/brown-sugar-apple-whole-grain-bowl-recipe/