This Cozy Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal makes a satisfying whole foods plant-based breakfast. With chunks of apple, sweet dates, loads of cinnamon, and a topping of crunchy walnuts — a hearty way to start the day!
Is Oatmeal a Whole Grain?
Oatmeal makes a classic plant-based vegan breakfast. Yes, oats are whole grains, which means they are an excellent source of gut-boosting soluble fiber. Plus, oats are a whole grain, which means they give you long, sustainable energy…helping you avoid a mid-morning energy crash.
How Can I Add Flavor To Oatmeal?
Oatmeal, on its own, can be quite boring. Some even liken the texture to paste — oats don’t have a chance! However, what’s great about oatmeal is that it’s a blank canvas for adding all types of fruits, nuts, seeds, and delicious flavors.
- Spices: The easiest way to add flavor to oatmeal is with spices. This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal adds lots of ground cinnamon. However, my Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oatmeal adds the classic Pumpkin Pie spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger. My Quick Peach Pecan Spiced Oatmeal adds a dash of nutmeg.
- Fresh and Dried Fruit: Fresh and dried fruit make wonderful whole foods, plant-based flavor boosts to oatmeal. Dried dates or mango add sweetness and serve as a WFPB replacement for brown sugar. You can add sweet peaches, fresh berries, creamy bananas, or poached pears and figs.
- Protein Powder: Protein powder can add flavor and nutritional supplements to oatmeal. I enjoy a scoop of strawberry in my Strawberry and Cream Plant Protein Vegan Oatmeal. However, you can add chocolate, vanilla, even salted caramel.
- Flavored Plant-Based Milk: You can add vanilla-flavored unsweetened plant-based milk to your oatmeal for an instant vanilla kick. Chocolate milk is also fun (especially with kids). Just be sure to choose an option that is “unsweetened” or with minimal added sugar.
- Toasted Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts and seeds add both delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Some fun options include toasted walnuts, crunchy pecans, slivered almonds, superfood chia seeds, and potassium-rich pumpkin seeds.
What is the difference between steel cut oats and old fashioned rolled oats?
Both steel cut oats and old fashioned rolled oats are packed with nutrition. Both are considered whole grains, originating from oat groats that include the a germ, bran, and endosperm. However, the two have different shapes and require different cooking times.
Steel Cut Oats are made by cutting oat groats into 2 or 3 pieces, using a steel blade. Also sometimes called Irish Oats, they retain a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture. In turn, they require a longer cooking and soaking time.
On the other hand, Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are made by flatting and steaming the oat groats. These oats were literally “rolled” out to flatten them, hence the name. Rolled oats have a creamier texture after simmering. Plus, their thinner shape means they take less time to cook. Instant oats, which are even smaller, take even less time to cook.
In addition, rolled oats are the oats most often used for baking. You can soak them to make oat milk. Or, grind them into flour for recipes calling for oat flour. Steel cut oats wouldn’t work for these purposes.
Can I Substitute Old Fashioned Oats for Steel Cut Oats?
Yes! You can easily swap out the steel cut oats in this recipe for old fashioned rolled oats. Use the same measurements. However, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time. Rolled oats usually take just 10-12 minutes to cook. However, consult the cooking directions on the bag for specific guidance.
Are Steel-Cut Oats Budget-Friendly?
Whole grain steel cut oats are one of the most budget-friendly grains. Even organic oats are often cheaper than other grains like quinoa and farro. Plus, you can buy them in the bulk section of most groceries. You can use them in recipes like this creamy vegan pumpkin spice oatmeal. Or, try them in Peach Pecan Oatmeal, make a delicious Berrylicious Overnight Oat Bowl, or bake a Steel Cut Oatmeal dish.
Are oats gluten-free?
Oats are also naturally gluten-free. Therefore, they work for most people eating a gluten-free diet. However, oats are processed in facilities alongside other grains that contain wheat. Therefor, someone with Celiac Disease needs avoid cross-contamination and check for Gluten-Free Certified oats.
Chef Katie’s Whole Foods, Plant-Based Cooking Tips:
No Refined Sugar or Syrup? I’m on a mission to get rid of empty calories. This oatmeal don’t use any refined sugar, maple syrup, or other refined sweetener. The dried dates provide plenty of sweetness, along with healthy fiber and essential nutrients.
Gluten-Free Celiac: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in a facility near wheat. If this is a concern for you, check for “Certified Gluten-Free” Oats and Oat Flour.
Toppings and Mix-Ins: The toasted walnuts in this recipe add a nice crunchy topping. However, you can substitute with other nuts (like cashews, pecans, or almonds), swap with seeds (like pumpkin or hemp), or omit completely. I also love adding fresh and dried fruits to my oatmeal for texture. Diced apple and pears add crunch. Raisins and dried currants add pops of sweetness.
Instapot Steel Cut Oats: You can easily make these steel cut oats in the Instapot. First, combine all of the ingredients in the Instapot (except toppings). Cover and seal the pot. Cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. The pressure will build for about 10 minutes, then the timer will begin. Once the timer elapses, let the pressure release. Carefully, open the lid. They oats may look a bit runny at first, but will thicken as they cool.
Cozy Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal – WFPB Vegan
This is the Best Cozy Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe! It is:
- Whole Foods, Plant-Based, Vegan
- Packed with Fall Apple Cinnamon Flavor
- Easy to make
- Creamy and Satisfying
- Loaded with Healthy Fiber and Heart-Healthy Nutrition
- Kid-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
Pin It to Save It:
Cozy Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 dates pitted and chopped
- 3 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk or other plant-based milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- 2 apples diced and divided
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts* see note
Instructions
To make the Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal:
- In a medium pot, combine the oats, dates, almond milk, cinnamon, salt, and half of the apples. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer until tender and creamy, 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes or so, to make sure the oats aren’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If needed, you can toast your walnuts while the oatmeal simmers.
- To serve, ladle oatmeal into a bowl, top with diced apple, an extra dash of cinnamon, and toasted walnuts. Enjoy!
*Toasting Walnuts:
- For any toasted nuts, you can spread the nuts into a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350F 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and aromatic. Remove from the pan and let cool. Toast a big batch. Freeze the extras. Toasted nuts can last for 6 months in the freezer and make a great addition to oatmeal, salads, and baked fruit desserts.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings 4.0 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| calories 290 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 15 g | 23 % |
| Saturated Fat 2 g | 10 % |
| Monounsaturated Fat 1 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 4 mg | 1 % |
| Sodium 275 mg | 11 % |
| Potassium 362 mg | 10 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 38 g | 13 % |
| Dietary Fiber 7 g | 29 % |
| Sugars 16 g | |
| Protein 6 g | 12 % |
| Vitamin A | 9 % |
| Vitamin C | 8 % |
| Calcium | 37 % |
| Iron | 9 % |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Shopping List
- Bob’s Red Mill Oats Steel Cut Oats
- Made in Nature Organic Sun-Dried Deglet Noor Dates (32 Oz)
- Fisher Chef’s California Chopped Walnuts
Discover more from Plants-Rule
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
