Vegan Basic Oatmeal with Apples Recipe

Overview

Start your day with a wholesome, nutrient-dense, and comforting bowl of Vegan Basic Oatmeal with Apples. This simple yet satisfying breakfast is the perfect way to fuel your body and enjoy the natural sweetness and warmth of oats combined with the tartness of apples. Whether you’re new to a vegan diet or a seasoned plant-based eater, this recipe is adaptable, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor.

Made with basic ingredients that are typically pantry staples—old-fashioned rolled oats, fresh apples, and a touch of natural sweeteners—this oatmeal recipe is a delicious, heart-healthy way to start your morning. It’s gluten-free, full of fiber, and provides long-lasting energy to get you through your day. Not only is it a nourishing breakfast, but it’s also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the full recipe, explain the health benefits of each ingredient, provide tips on customizing your oatmeal, and share some helpful insights for making the best vegan oatmeal that’s both creamy and filling.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk, such as oat milk or coconut milk)
  • 1 medium apple (preferably organic, peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds (for extra fiber and omega-3s)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or another sweetener of your choice, such as agave syrup or coconut nectar)
  • Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch)
  • Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
  • Shredded coconut (unsweetened)
  • Chia seeds
  • Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
  • Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or dates)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oats

  1. Choose the Right Oats
    Begin by choosing old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. Rolled oats are ideal for oatmeal because they cook up to a creamy texture while still retaining their individual shape. If you’re gluten-sensitive, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. Steel-cut oats or instant oats can also be used, but steel-cut oats will require a longer cooking time, and instant oats may result in a less hearty texture.
  2. Measure the Oats and Liquid
    For a single serving of oatmeal, we recommend using a 1:2 ratio of oats to liquid. In this recipe, we use 1 cup of oats and 2 cups of plant-based milk. You can adjust the liquid depending on your desired consistency. For thicker oatmeal, use less milk; for a creamier texture, add a bit more. If you prefer a lighter, more porridge-like texture, consider adding a splash of water or more milk as the oats cook.
  3. Combine Oats and Almond Milk
    In a medium-sized pot, combine the oats and almond milk (or other plant-based milk). Stir to ensure the oats are evenly distributed in the liquid. You can use other types of plant milk, such as coconut milk or oat milk, depending on your personal preference. Coconut milk will add a richer, creamier texture, while oat milk provides a naturally sweet flavor that complements the apples and spices.
  4. Bring to a Boil
    Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once it begins to bubble, lower the heat to a simmer. At this point, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a slow simmer.

Step 2: Add the Apple and Spices

  1. Prepare the Apple
    While the oatmeal is simmering, take the apple and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great for this recipe. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of maple syrup, while Honeycrisp apples offer a natural sweetness and crisp texture.
  2. Cook the Oats
    As the oatmeal cooks, stir it every few minutes to ensure the oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes for the oats to become tender but still maintain a bit of texture. The consistency should be creamy but not too thick. If the oatmeal begins to thicken too much, add a bit more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
  3. Add the Apple and Cinnamon
    Once the oats are cooked to your liking, stir in the chopped apples and ground cinnamon. The apples will soften as they cook in the oatmeal, releasing their natural sugars into the porridge, while the cinnamon enhances the flavor and adds warmth. You can also add a pinch of salt at this point to balance out the sweetness of the apples and syrup.

Step 3: Add Sweetener and Flaxseeds

  1. Add Sweetener of Choice
    To sweeten your oatmeal, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Maple syrup is a popular choice for vegan oatmeal because it’s naturally derived and imparts a rich, caramel-like flavor. If you prefer a different sweetener, feel free to substitute with agave syrup, coconut nectar, or even mashed bananas. Alternatively, for a sugar-free option, you can use a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Stir the sweetener into the oatmeal, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  2. Stir in Ground Flaxseeds
    Add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds for an extra boost of fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds are known for their numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health and digestive function. Stir the flaxseeds into the oatmeal, allowing them to absorb some of the liquid and thicken the texture.

Step 4: Simmer and Final Touches

  1. Simmer for 2-3 More Minutes
    Allow the oatmeal to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the apples and flaxseeds. This gives the apples a chance to soften further and release their natural sweetness into the oatmeal. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure everything is evenly combined.
  2. Taste and Adjust
    Once the oatmeal is finished, taste it and adjust the flavor if needed. You may want to add a little more maple syrup for sweetness or a dash more cinnamon for spice. If you prefer a creamier oatmeal, feel free to add an extra splash of plant-based milk.
  3. Remove from Heat and Let Sit
    Remove the pot from the heat and let the oatmeal sit for 1-2 minutes before serving. This allows it to thicken slightly and gives you time to prep any additional toppings.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Serve in Bowls
    Spoon the oatmeal into bowls, making sure to evenly distribute the apples and flaxseeds. You’ll notice that the oatmeal has a lovely creamy texture, with soft chunks of apple throughout.
  2. Add Toppings
    Now for the fun part—toppings! You can make your oatmeal even more delicious and nutritious by adding a variety of toppings. Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Chia seeds or hemp seeds are great additions for extra fiber and protein. If you’re a fan of coconut, a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut can add a tropical touch. For an extra creamy finish, drizzle some nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.) on top for added richness and healthy fats.
  3. Garnish with Fresh Fruit
    For a fresh, vibrant touch, garnish your oatmeal with fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. This not only adds color but also a burst of antioxidants to your meal.
  4. Enjoy!
    Your vegan oatmeal with apples is now ready to enjoy! It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor. This hearty breakfast will keep you satisfied all morning long and is a perfect way to start the day on a nourishing note.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Net Carbs: 42g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Potassium: 375mg
  • Calcium: 20% DV
  • Iron: 15% DV

Benefits of Vegan Oatmeal with Apples

  1. High in Fiber
    Oats and apples are both excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber helps support digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote satiety,