How do you like the sound of starting your morning with the warming taste of apple pie, but much lighter? It sounds good to me! This Apple Pie Porridge is a delicious vegan breakfast made with almond milk, shredded apple, cinnamon and some maple syrup for extra sweetness. It makes getting out of bed on a cold morning that little bit easier!
Just 6 ingredients go in to making this delicious porridge and it is ready in under 10 minutes. Breakfast doesn't have to be complicated and it's a great recipe for kids too!
If you are looking for other ways to use apples, then why not try our Apple Turnovers, Cinnamon Baked Apples or Apple Cinnamon Pancakes.
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Why you will love it
- So easy to make - It's as simple as mixing everything together in a saucepan and heating through.
- Ready in under 10 minutes - A quick and easy breakfast.
- Creamy and comforting - It doesn't get more comforting that a bowl of warm porridge.
- Kids love it - Kids usually love anything sweet, so this will go down well! It's also a great opportunity to get kid's to eat apples, if they aren't usually a fan.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Oats - We used rolled oats as we find that they are the best for porridge and for the quickest cooking time. If you use other oats, then cooking times will vary.
- Almond milk - This is a controversial one (more on that below), as a lot of people make porridge with just water. But we love ours with milk to get it super creamy. We have used almond milk, but you could use skimmed, semi-skimmed milk or full fat.
- Apple - Any apples will work here and it's a great way to make a budget friendly breakfast.
- Maple syrup - The apples add lots of sweetness, but we like to add some more with a little maple syrup. You could use honey too, but it wouldn't be vegan.
- Cinnamon - Just a little bit adds so much flavour, without adding lots of extra calories and it's also seen as a superfood. A whole tablespoon (not that you would want to eat that much in one go) has under 20 calories in it and it is also high in calcium, fibre and magnesium. It is also anti inflammatory and helps to lower cholesterol too. Win!
- Pecans - These add a nice crunch on top. They can be swapped for any other nut though.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make apple oats - Step by step
One: Grate the apple using a coarse grater.
Two: Put the oats, almond milk, shredded apple, maple syrup and cinnamon in to a pan and gently head for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
Three: Serve in bowls with apple slices and pecans on top.
Health benefits
When we want a healthy and filling breakfast, porridge is always our go to. Porridge is a great way to start the day because oats are a complex carbohydrate, which provide slow-releasing energy throughout the morning and keep you going until lunch.
Porridge made with milk is a good mix of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. If you are making it with water, then this will lower the fat and sugar, but also lower the protein.
Oats contain a type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which studies have shown can help to lower your cholesterol. They also contain iron, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. If you are making this porridge with milk like we have, then the vitamin and mineral content increases, as does the calcium content.
Apples are a good source of fibre, potassium and vitamin C and K. Apples have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. One reason for this may be that apples contain soluble fibre, and this can help lower your blood cholesterol levels.
Apples also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. However, many of these are in the peel, so if you peel the apples they they won't have the same benefits.
Porridge toppings
Porridge is all about the toppings. We have added some extra apple slices and crushed pecans on top, but here are some other toppings that work well in this porridge:
- Flaked almonds
- Homemade Nutella
- Berries
- Chia seeds
- Homemade Almond Butter
- Homemade Peanut Butter
- Dried fruit
- Chocolate chips
Storage
This is best eaten straight after cooking it and if you follow this recipe, then you should have enough for 2 portions. However, if you do find yourself with leftover porridge then did you know that you can use it to make pancakes? If you had 80g of porridge, you can add 80g of self raising flour to it, along with an egg, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 50ml of milk and whisk it up to make pancake mixture.
Frequently asked questions
Well, yes and no. When it comes to this recipe, yes it is the same thing. Oatmeal is a type of porridge, but porridge isn't always made of oats. It can be made of a variety of grains or legumes.
This really is a personal preference. Technically, traditional porridge is made with just water and it is still creamy. But, we like ours super creamy and that's why we use milk.
No, you don't have to. But, adding some at the beginning of cooking can help add a nice nutty flavour. Don't add it at the end, otherwise it will just taste salty. You only need a tiny pinch.
Yes, this can be made in the microwave if you would prefer. You won't need as much milk and it will only take 3 minutes, stirring half way through.
More oat recipes
If you’ve tried this apple cinnamon oatmeal, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Apple Pie Porridge
Ingredients
- 60 g (0.75 cups) Oats
- 350 ml (1.5 cups) Almond milk
- 1 Apple - grated
- 2 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon (0.) Cinnamon
- Apple slices and pecans - for serving; optional
Instructions
- Grate 1 Apple using a coarse grater.
- Put 60 g Oats, 350 ml Almond milk, grated apple, 2 tablespoon Maple syrup and 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon into a pan and gently head for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve in bowls with Apple slices and pecans on top.
Notes
- pecans on top when serving for some extra crunch.
- Want more spice in it? Add some nutmeg and ginger too.
- You could swap the apple for pear, or use a mixture of them both.
- Want this on a warm day? Make it as overnight oats. Just mix everything together the night before and put in the fridge overnight. Top with extra apple and pecans before serving.
- You can use any milk to make this porridge, or even swap it for water.
- The cooking time for this recipe is for using rolled oats. If you use steel cut oats, then the cooking time will vary.
Anna
Does this work with oatmilk? Thanks!
Dannii
There is no reason why not. It might be a bit thicker, so add a little more milk.
Fiona Manoon
Thank you so much for sharing recipes.Great blog!!!
Cliona Keane
I've definitely got to get myself some Blue Diamond Almond Milk, it sounds like the perfect thing to make my overnight oats! This recipe is to die for!
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog
Lovely breakfast idea! And your serving suggestion makes it so appealing!
Doyle
Wow it is like the China's food. It' s made with the protein and the other elements who we need for our good health and strong body. Thank you for your good recipe.
Pat C.Wilson
nice recipe in apple season :) I always love healthy dishes and I love this, too. thanks for sharing, friend.