Vegan Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Oats – Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

This is the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel calm and grounded. Warm apples, soft oats, and a hint of cinnamon come together in a bowl that tastes like apple pie but keeps things simple and wholesome. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of time—just a pot, an apple, and a few pantry staples.

It’s plant-based, budget-friendly, and endlessly flexible. Whether you like your oats creamy or a little chewy, this recipe has you covered.

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Vegan Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Oats - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)
• Apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady are great)
• Ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup or another liquid sweetener (optional)
• Non-dairy milk (oat, almond, soy, or cashew)
• Water
• Vanilla extract (optional but lovely)
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut oil or vegan butter (optional, for sautéing)
• Optional toppings: chopped walnuts or pecans, chia seeds, hemp hearts, raisins, almond butter, extra cinnamon

Instructions

• Prep the apple. Core and dice one medium apple into small cubes.No need to peel unless you prefer it. Smaller pieces cook faster and soften nicely.
• Warm the pan. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or a splash of water for an oil-free option.
• Sauté the apple. Add the diced apple and a pinch of salt.Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to soften. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and stir to coat.
• Add liquid and oats. Pour in 1 cup water and 1 cup non-dairy milk. Stir in 1 cup rolled oats.Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer and stir. Reduce heat to low and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring every minute or so. The oats should thicken and the apples will turn tender. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.
• Sweeten and scent. Stir in 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.Taste and adjust cinnamon or sweetness as needed.
• Serve with texture. Spoon into bowls and top with a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. Add chia or hemp seeds for protein, and a drizzle of almond butter if you want extra richness.

What Makes This Special

These oats bring together classic flavors with a clean, vegan twist. The apples are gently sautéed until tender, then simmered with oats for a naturally sweet, fragrant bowl.

A splash of non-dairy milk keeps things creamy without feeling heavy. It’s quick enough for weekdays and cozy enough for slow weekends. Plus, everything happens in one pot, so cleanup is easy.

Shopping List

• Old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)
• Apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady are great)
• Ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup or another liquid sweetener (optional)
• Non-dairy milk (oat, almond, soy, or cashew)
• Water
• Vanilla extract (optional but lovely)
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut oil or vegan butter (optional, for sautéing)
• Optional toppings: chopped walnuts or pecans, chia seeds, hemp hearts, raisins, almond butter, extra cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the apple. Core and dice one medium apple into small cubes.

   No need to peel unless you prefer it. Smaller pieces cook faster and soften nicely.

2. Warm the pan. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or a splash of water for an oil-free option.
3. Sauté the apple. Add the diced apple and a pinch of salt.

   Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to soften. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and stir to coat.

4. Add liquid and oats. Pour in 1 cup water and 1 cup non-dairy milk. Stir in 1 cup rolled oats.

   Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer and stir. Reduce heat to low and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring every minute or so. The oats should thicken and the apples will turn tender. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.
6. Sweeten and scent. Stir in 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

   Taste and adjust cinnamon or sweetness as needed.

7. Serve with texture. Spoon into bowls and top with a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. Add chia or hemp seeds for protein, and a drizzle of almond butter if you want extra richness.

How to Store

Store leftover oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’ll thicken as they sit.

To reheat, add a splash of non-dairy milk and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring until creamy again. If you’re meal-prepping, portion into single-serving containers so mornings are grab-and-go easy.

Why This is Good for You

• Fiber for energy and fullness: Rolled oats and apples are rich in soluble fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you satisfied.
• Steady blood sugar: The combination of fiber, cinnamon, and healthy fats (from nuts or seeds) helps smooth out energy dips.
• Plant power: Using non-dairy milk keeps it fully vegan while adding calcium and vitamin D, depending on the brand.
• Natural sweetness: Apples and a touch of maple syrup make it sweet without overwhelming your palate.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Using the wrong oats: Instant oats turn mushy, and steel-cut oats need more time and liquid. Stick with rolled oats for the best texture.
• Skipping the salt: A tiny pinch of salt boosts the flavor of the apples and cinnamon.

  Don’t skip it.

• Overcooking: Oats go from creamy to pasty quickly. Keep the heat low and stir often.
• Too much sweetener: Start with less maple syrup and add to taste. Apples bring a lot of natural sweetness.
• Not enough liquid: If the oats look dry, add more milk.

  The recipe should be creamy, not clumpy.

Recipe Variations

• Caramelized Apple Oats: Sauté the apples a little longer with an extra teaspoon of maple syrup until glossy and golden before adding the liquid.
• High-Protein Oats: Stir in a scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder at the end with an extra splash of milk. Or add 2 tablespoons hemp hearts.
• Apple Pie Crumble: Top with toasted walnuts, a sprinkle of granola, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Spiced Chai Oats: Swap cinnamon for a chai blend or add cardamom, ginger, and clove for a cozy twist.
• No-Added-Sugar: Skip the maple syrup and toss in raisins or chopped dates while cooking to sweeten naturally.
• Baked Oatmeal Style: Mix oats, diced apples, milk, cinnamon, and a touch of maple in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until set.
• Overnight Version: Combine all ingredients uncooked, refrigerate overnight, and warm in the morning or enjoy cold.

  Use slightly less water and more milk for creaminess.

FAQ

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Yes, but they need more time and liquid. Use 1 cup steel-cut oats with about 3–3.5 cups liquid and simmer for 20–25 minutes. Add the apples early so they soften properly.

Which apples work best?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Softer apples will work too but may break down more.

Is this gluten-free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can happen. Choose certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten.

Can I make this without added sugar?

Absolutely. Skip the maple syrup and rely on the apple’s natural sweetness.

You can add raisins or a mashed ripe banana to boost sweetness without syrup.

What non-dairy milk is best?

Oat and cashew milk give the creamiest results, while almond milk keeps things light. Choose unsweetened to control the sweetness.

How do I scale the recipe?

Double or triple the ingredients and use a larger pot. Stir more frequently to prevent sticking and add extra liquid as needed for a creamy texture.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes.

Cook a big batch, portion into containers, and store in the fridge for up to four days. Add toppings fresh each morning for the best texture.

What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

No problem. It adds warmth, but the cinnamon and apples carry the flavor.

You could swap in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you like.

How can I make it extra creamy?

Use all non-dairy milk instead of half water, and stir in a spoonful of almond butter or a splash of coconut milk at the end.

Can I cook this in the microwave?

Yes. Combine everything in a large microwave-safe bowl, cook on high in 1-minute bursts for 3–4 minutes, stirring between intervals. Watch closely to prevent boiling over.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Oats are simple, cozy, and reliable—like a warm hug at the start of your day.

With a short ingredient list and a relaxed method, it’s a recipe you can make even when mornings are busy. Keep the base the same and switch up your toppings to match your mood. Once you’ve made it a couple of times, it’ll become a habit you look forward to.