Wake up to a delicious treat with my Cinnamon Apple Crumble Breakfast Bowl! This hearty dish combines sweet apples, warm spices, and creamy oats for the perfect start to your day. It’s easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied. Join me as I guide you through this simple recipe, offering tips and tricks along the way for the best breakfast experience. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To create a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumble Breakfast Bowl, gather these key ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 cup rolled oats
– ½ cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter)
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
– A pinch of salt
– Fresh berries (for topping, optional)
These ingredients blend well to create a warm, comforting breakfast. The apples provide a sweet and tart base. Ground cinnamon adds a warm spice that makes everything feel cozy. Maple syrup brings natural sweetness, while rolled oats offer a hearty base.
You can choose almond milk or any milk you like. Chia seeds boost nutrition and help thicken the oatmeal. The walnuts add a nice crunch, and almond butter gives a creamy touch. Coconut oil adds richness and flavor. Brown sugar enhances sweetness, and a pinch of salt balances the taste. Finally, fresh berries on top add a pop of color and flavor.
This mix of ingredients makes each bite a delightful experience. Enjoy the fun of creating this breakfast bowl!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Apples
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is melted, add 2 large diced apples to the pan. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. This mix gives the apples a sweet, warm flavor. Cook the apples for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them often until they become soft and caramelized. If you want extra caramelization, let them cook a bit longer. Just keep an eye on them!
Preparing the Oatmeal
In another pot, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mix to a gentle boil on medium heat. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. You want the oatmeal to be creamy but not too thick. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash more almond milk.
Making the Crumble Topping
While the oatmeal cooks, grab a small bowl. Mix ¼ cup of chopped walnuts with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This will create a crunchy topping. For the best crunch, use a fork to break up any big clumps of walnuts. You want even bits for the perfect texture.
Assembling the Breakfast Bowl
Once the oatmeal is ready, spoon it into serving bowls. Layer the caramelized apples on top. Then, sprinkle the walnut crumble over everything. For a finishing touch, add a dollop of 2 tablespoons of almond butter on each bowl. If you like, you can also add fresh berries on top for color and flavor. This makes your breakfast bowl look and taste amazing!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Caramelization
To get the best caramelized apples, you need the right heat. Start cooking on medium heat. This will help the apples soften but not burn. Stir them often. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft and golden. If they cook too fast, lower the heat. A gentle simmer works wonders for flavor.
Achieving Creamy Oatmeal
For creamy oatmeal, almond milk is your friend. Use ½ cup for this recipe. If you want thicker oatmeal, reduce the milk slightly. If you like it runnier, add more milk. Stir it while it cooks to keep it smooth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the oats absorb the milk well.
Serving Suggestions
For a pretty breakfast bowl, use rustic bowls. Start with a base of oatmeal. Then, layer the caramelized apples on top. Next, sprinkle the walnut crumble over everything. A dollop of almond butter adds richness. For color, add fresh berries on top. A light sprinkle of cinnamon finishes it off nicely. This makes your bowl not just tasty but also beautiful!

Variations
Healthy Substitutions
You can swap out maple syrup for honey or agave syrup. These sweeteners add a nice flavor. If you have nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter. This keeps the dish safe while still tasty.
Choosing Different Toppings
Try adding sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries on top. These fruits add freshness and flavor. You can also use cashew butter or tahini as different nut butter options. Each adds a unique twist to your bowl.
Making It Vegan or Gluten-Free
To keep it vegan, ensure your milk choice is plant-based. Almond milk works great, but oat milk can be yummy too. For gluten-free options, choose certified gluten-free oats. They are safe and full of fiber, making your breakfast bowl wholesome and hearty.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Apple Crumble Breakfast Bowl fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within two days. This keeps the oats and apples tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing components instead.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, do it gently. Use a microwave or a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of almond milk if it seems dry. Stir often, so it warms evenly. This helps maintain a good texture. You want soft oats and tender apples, not mushy.
Freezing Options
You can freeze both the apples and the oats. To freeze apples, cool them first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. For oats, let them cool too, then store in a separate bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method preserves flavor and texture well.
FAQs
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
I recommend using sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. They add natural sweetness and flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith can work too, but they will give a different taste. Choose based on your preference for sweet or tangy.
Can I make this breakfast bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the apples and oatmeal in advance. Store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just heat them up. This makes busy mornings easier.
How can I customize the flavor of the bowl?
You can add vanilla extract or nutmeg for extra flavor. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a nutty taste, try different nuts or seeds in the crumble.
Is the recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This breakfast bowl is great for meal prep. You can make multiple servings. Just store them in containers. It stays fresh for a few days in the fridge.
Can I add protein to this breakfast bowl?
Yes, you can boost the protein! Add Greek yogurt or protein powder to the oatmeal. Chia seeds also add protein and fiber. This makes your breakfast more filling and nutritious.
This breakfast bowl combines delicious and healthy ingredients, like apples, oats, and nuts. We explored step-by-step instructions to cook the apples, prepare oatmeal, and create a crunchy topping. I shared tips for making your dish perfect and suggested tasty variations. Lastly, we covered storage info to keep leftovers fresh.
Remember, this breakfast is easy to customize. Feel free to switch ingredients and find what you love. Enjoy making this meal your own!
