While most of my breakfasts these days are savory, I still enjoy a little oatmeal in the morning, on occasion.
Oatmeal offers up a hearty breakfast and is loaded with soluble fiber, antioxidants and whole grains. If you can tolerate oats, adding them to your breakfast will help fill you up and keep you warm.
But this is no ordinary oatmeal. Not a chance. This recipe is for a gluten-free apple pie oatmeal.
Yes, you heard me right. I’m going to show you how to make apple pie oatmeal that’s loaded with fiber, healthy fats and, of course, apples!
I must admit, I felt a little guilty eating it because it tastes like dessert. It’s sweet (without added sugar) and has the texture of apple pie filling. I suppose you could make this breakfast dish as a healthy dessert option too!
What You Need
You’ll need a few items to make this gluten-free apple pie oatmeal shine.
(1) Oats: I know a lot of people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities cannot tolerate oats, but I can and I love them.
Oats are tricky for us gluten-free folk. While oats are naturally gluten-free, oats are notoriously cross contaminated with wheat. They are grown in rotation with wheat, and farmers use the same manufacturing equipment to harvest and store oats as they use with wheat. Therefore, because of the way oats are grown and manufactured, most oats contain pieces of wheat. (Read Are Oats Gluten-Free?)
Again, it’s essential to only consume gluten-free oats if you’re serious about being gluten-free (this goes for anyone who has celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity). I buy my gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats by Bob’s Red Mill. It’s a brand I know and trust when it comes to creating safe, gluten-free products.
(2) Apples: Apples are the star of the dish, so you’ll want to use a crispy apple you like most. I prefer a sweeter apple, like a Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, but if you like your apples tart, by all means choose a different apple breed. I peeled the apple to get the softer all-around texture, however you could just as easily leave the skins on. Up to you.
You’ll also need some unsweetened applesauce to make this recipe. This will really help amp up the apple flavor of the dish!
(3) Chia Seeds: A lot of people have heard of chia seeds, but few have had the opportunity to try them. I love the texture of chia seeds. When combined with water or a liquid, they bulk up and become gel-like. The texture is fun… I like it!
Chia seeds are most notable for their health benefits. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats your body needs to thrive), and they are also rich in antioxidants and fiber. I personally use Salba Chia Seeds, but any brand will work (just check labels to ensure your chia seeds are GF).
(4) Non-Dairy Milk: You’ll want to have your favorite non-dairy milk on tap to make this apple pie oatmeal recipe. I recently started buying Silk Cashew Milk and really love it. You could use cashew milk, almond milk, soy milk or even plain ole’ milk if you consume dairy.
(5) Flavors: What makes this apple pie oatmeal special is that it’s loaded with delicious apple pie flavors like cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract and maple syrup. All of these flavors come together to complete this wonderful apple pie oatmeal breakfast.
(6) Walnuts: You can top your finished oatmeal with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts (or any nut of choice). I personally love walnuts as they are known as “brain food.” Just look at the shape of a walnut. It looks like a brain and it’s full of healthy fats your brain needs to function properly.
Walnuts also add crunch to the apple pie oatmeal, and the layered textures really take this dish to a new level!
How to Make Apple Pie Oatmeal
In a small saucepan, you’ll combine the oats, apples, chia seeds, applesauce, milk, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Once it’s cooked to a wonderful smooth creamy texture, you’ll add the vanilla extract and maple syrup. You can then top it with chopped walnuts and another sprinkle of cinnamon to taste.
Yes, I give you permission to eat apple pie [oatmeal] in the morning. It’s full of fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats and so much more!
Please note this recipe is inspired by the Oh She Glows cookbook, which I highly recommend as she makes amazing recipes that inspire many of my own recipes.
Gluten-Free Apple Pie Oatmeal Recipe
This delicious and totally gluten-free breakfast offers a whole new take on your morning oatmeal! With delicious chunks of apples and sweet flavors of applesauce and maple syrup, this heart-healthy breakfast will start your day off with a bang!
- 1/3 cup certified gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple (or apple of choice)
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup almond or cashew milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon plus more for serving
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 8 walnuts chopped into small pieces
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In a small-medium saucepan, heat oats, apples, chia seeds, applesauce, milk, cinnamon, ginger and salt over medium-high heat.
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Bring mixture to a low boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
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Once mixture is cooked (all liquid absorbed by oats and chia), remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and maple syrup.
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Top with chopped walnuts (optional) and a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional). Serve immediately.
This recipe inspired by the Oh She Glows cookbook.
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