Apple Cinnamon Plant-Based Oatmeal

Ingredients

Old-fashioned oats - I use old-fashioned oats for this vegan oat recipe.  Steel-cut oats cannot be substituted, the time or liquid ratio are both different. 

If you need a steel-cut oat recipe I have apple steel-cut oats, banana steel-cut oats, and pumpkin steel-cut oats.  They are instant pot recipes that also include stovetop instructions. I haven't tested with quick-cooking oats, I don't normally cook with them.

Apple - I used a honey-crisp apple, but any kind will work in this plant-based oatmeal.  A Granny Smith apple would be a nice touch and it would make the dish a little more tart.  Just use your favorite apple or what you have on hand.

Date-I included a chopped date to add a little sweetness, but a dash of maple syrup would also work. Really any sweetener will work.  

Water or dairy-free milk - You'll need to adjust the water/dairy-free milk to suit your preferences.  Thin or thick oatmeal?   Any type of milk will work or a combination of the two.  Keep in mind the ground flax will thicken up the oats after cooking.

Ground flaxseeds - Chia seeds can be used instead.  Try reducing it to 2 teaspoons of chia seeds, then add more if you want to. For more recipes with ground flaxseeds try flax seed pudding with strawberries or blueberry cheesecake overnight oats.

Lemon juice - The lemon juice will add a little tartness but can be left out.

Ground cinnamon - A dash of cinnamon for some flavor and an almost warming effect.  Add as little or as much as you want.

Tips

• The bowl needs to be large enough for everything to fit and have room for the oats to boil and not boil over.
• The time factor in this recipe is for old-fashioned rolled oats, not steel-cut oats.
• How long it takes to cook will vary depending on your microwave and your desired consistency.
• If you don't want your apple cooked, add it afterward.
• The plant-based oatmeal will be very hot right out of the microwave, so let it cool some and it will thicken a little more as it cools.  I also add ground flax seed after it cooks, which soaks up more liquid.  Then add milk to thin out and make the oats creamy.

How Not to Have Your Oats Boil Over

Use a bowl large and deep enough bowl for the ingredients to be able to boil.  The oats will boil and bubble as they cook.  In the bowls I use, the uncooked oats and liquid take up less than half of the bowl's capacity. 

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Plant-Based Oatmeal

Chop the apples into small bite-size pieces so they cook with the oatmeal in the microwave.  Dice the date (if using) small enough to get lots of little bits throughout the oatmeal.  In a microwave-safe bowl stir together the oats, diced apple, diced date, lemon juice, and dairy-free milk or water.

Heat in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Times will vary depending on your microwave and your desired consistency for the oatmeal.  Let it cool for at least a minute in the microwave.

Then you'll have a delightfully baked apple oatmeal for breakfast.  Stir in ground flaxseed and chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.  If you used water, add a splash of milk after cooking to make it creamy.

More Plant-Based Oat Recipes

• Vegan Pumpkin Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Basic Overnight Oats with Flaxseeds
• Mango Overnight Oats
• Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Bars
• Blueberry Walnut Baked Oatmeal Cups

I hope you enjoy the apple cinnamon oatmeal!