Spiced Gingerbread Oatmeal with Easy Caramelized Apples
This quick and easy spiced gingerbread oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to warm up on a cold December morning. This oatmeal combines classic gingerbread spices with rich maple syrup and caramelized apples for a hearty and decadent breakfast.
The weather has turned chilly here, and although I always hate to see summer go, my mind immediately starts turning into full on holiday mode. The last few months of the year always seem to fly by, but boy are the packed with all kinds of fun (and delicious!) things.
Ahem, may I introduce you to gingerbread oatmeal?
Spiced with warm flavors, it makes the perfect breakfast on any cold December morning. It would also make a delicious and easy Christmas morning breakfast.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
TOTAL TIME: Who doesn’t love a quick and easy breakfast? This recipe takes about 15 minutes.
SERVES: 1-2, depending on serving size.
STORAGE: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
BEST SERVED WITH: An extra drizzle of maple syrup and a swirl of Greek yogurt for some extra protein!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oats: I used rolled organic rolled oats in this recipe. You can use rolled, old fashioned, or quick oats. Cooking times will vary.
- Spices: This recipe calls for a combination of spices to get that classic gingerbread flavor, similar to a gingerbread cookie. You’ll need cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Milk: I used 2% reduced fat milk in this recipe. Whole milk would also work great. You could also substitute oat milk or almond milk for a dairy free option.
- Maple Syrup: An absolute must in this recipe, for both the apples and the oatmeal.
- Apples: Use whatever you like or have on hand. Today I used my favorite honey crisp apples.
- Garnishes: I always like to garnish my oatmeal with a little extra something. An extra drizzle of maple syrup, sprinkle of cinnamon, and dollop of vanilla yogurt are all yummy (and recommended!) options.
Tips for Preparing to Make This Recipe
- Keep a close eye on the oatmeal as its cooking. The oats can easily burn on the bottom of the pan if the temperature is too high and its not stirred frequently.
- Cooking times will vary if using quick oats. They will cook much faster than old fashioned or rolled oats.
- If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe easily doubles.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below!
How to Make Gingerbread Oatmeal
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, spices, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine and then bring to a boil over high heat. Once the mixture begins to boil, add the oats, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently so the oats don’t burn.
- While the oatmeal is cooking, begin slicing the apple thinly, or dice into small cubes if preferred. Add 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup to a small pan, heating on medium-low. Place the apples directly onto the maple syrup, swirling them around to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are completely coated and caramelized. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Remove cooked oatmeal from the heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Add in 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup, stirring to combine. Taste the oatmeal and adjust the flavors to your liking. You may decide it needs more maple syrup, another splash of milk, or extra cinnamon.
- Serve the cooked oatmeal with a splash or two of additional milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla yogurt (my personal favorite!). Place the sliced caramelized apples along the top of the oatmeal. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk Alternatives: I used whole milk for extra creaminess, but you could easily make this a dairy free oatmeal by using your favorite brand of almond, oat, or coconut milk instead.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup is my sweetener of choice in this recipe, but there are many other sweetener options! Honey, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar all work well.
- Add Ins: Stir in chia seeds for added fiber and texture. Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for crunch, or try mixing in dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for sweetness.
- Toppings: Garnish with toasted nuts, an extra drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. I’ve also added a sprinkle of granola and coconut flakes for some extra crunch (and flavor!)
If you do substitute any ingredients, please let us know how they turned out in the comments below!
Try this yummy baked banana bread oatmeal for a fun spin on a classic breakfast. SO good!
FAQs and Storage Tips
Yes! One serving of oatmeal is packed full of calcium, iron, and fiber, among other things.
Oats are naturally gluten free. Make sure to check for a certified gluten-free label, as they can come into contact with gluten during processing.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Spiced Gingerbread Oatmeal
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
This quick and easy spiced gingerbread oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to warm up on a cold December morning. This oatmeal combines classic gingerbread spices with rich maple syrup and caramelized apples for a hearty and decadent breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- Extra cinnamon (maple syrup for garnish)
Caramelized Apples
- 1 apple (diced or sliced thin)
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, spices, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine and then bring to a boil over high heat. Once the mixture begins to boil, add the oats, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently so the oats don't burn.
- While the oatmeal is cooking, begin slicing the apple thinly, or dice into small cubes if preferred. Add 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup to a small pan, heating on medium-low. Place the apples directly onto the maple syrup, swirling them around to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are completely coated and caramelized. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Remove cooked oatmeal from the heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Add in 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup, stirring to combine. Taste the oatmeal and adjust the flavors to your liking. You may decide it needs more maple syrup, another splash of milk, or extra cinnamon.
- Serve the cooked oatmeal with a splash or two of additional milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla yogurt (my personal favorite!). Place the sliced caramelized apples along the top of the oatmeal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the oatmeal as its cooking. The oats can easily burn on the bottom of the pan if the temperature is too high and its not stirred frequently.
- Cooking times will vary if using quick oats. They will cook much faster than old fashioned or rolled oats.
- If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe easily doubles.
- Storage: Leftovers will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Recipes
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