I first discovered oatmeal when I moved to England in 2009. Being French, I had never eaten it before—it’s just not something we typically have for breakfast in France! My first attempts were pretty basic, just a bowl of oats with a drizzle of honey. Not bad, but definitely not that exciting.
Over time, I started experimenting with different toppings and ways to jazz it up. And let me tell you, I’ve had so much fun turning oatmeal into something delicious! My ultimate favorite? Maple-glazed stewed apples. The warm, caramelized apples coated in rich maple syrup make every spoonful feel so cozy on a winter day. When the colder months roll in, I can’t wait to whip up a big bowl and dig in!
Why you’ll love this recipe
If you think oatmeal is boring, this recipe will change your mind! Creamy, comforting oats topped with warm, maple-glazed stewed apples—it’s like eating dessert for breakfast (but totally acceptable and I’d argue even healthy). The apples become irresistibly soft and caramelized, with just the right touch of maple sweetness. Plus, it’s super easy to make, perfect for chilly mornings, and fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma. One bite, and you’ll be counting down the days until your next bowl!
Notes on ingredients
- Oats – Rolled oats work best for a creamy yet slightly textured bowl, but you can use quick oats for a softer consistency or steel-cut oats for a heartier bite.
- Apples – Choose sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady for the best flavor. In France, the best apples would be the Reine des Reinettes as they have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup adds a deep, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples. If needed, you can swap it for honey or brown sugar.
- Spices – Feel free to add a dash of cinammon, nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Butter – Helps caramelize the apples and enhances their flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead.
- Toppings – Want to take it to the next level? Add almond flakes or chopped nuts for crunch or even a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.
Tips for for making the best oatmeal
- Choose the right oats – Rolled oats give you the perfect balance of creaminess and texture, while steel-cut oats are chewier and take longer to cook. Quick oats work in a pinch but can turn mushy.
- Cook low and slow – Letting the oats simmer gently prevents them from becoming gluey. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to keep them from sticking.
- Add a pinch of salt – It might sound strange, but a little salt enhances the flavor and keeps your oatmeal from tasting bland. Paired with maple syrup it’s a match made in heaven!
- Boost the flavor – Stir in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom while cooking for extra depth. A splash of vanilla extract also works wonders.
Maple-Glazed Stewed Apples with Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 40 g (1/2 cup) rolled oats/old fashioned oats
- 250 ml (1 cup) milk or non-dairy milk
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- knob of butter
Instructions
- Slice the apple in half, remove the core and stem, then cut into 8 even quarters.
- In a saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the oats and milk. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon until the oats are creamy and fully cooked.
- In a separate pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Place the apple quarters cut-side down and cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Flip and cook the other side until softened and caramelized (another 5 minutes).
- Reduce the heat and pour in the maple syrup, coating the apples evenly. Let the syrup thicken and caramelize for 3-4 minutes without stirring.
- Transfer the cooked oatmeal to a serving bowl. Spoon the stewed apples and maple syrup over the top.
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