Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Simple apple oatmeal recipe made with steel-cut oats! The oats and apples cook together in the same pot. It's a healthy and delicious fall breakfast.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best, and this oatmeal is one of them. I’m on a seasonally-appropriate apple kick, you see. When I was trying an applesauce filling for last week’s apple tart, I wondered if I could cook homemade applesauce and steel-cut oats in the same pot at the same time.
Their cooking methods and timing are similar, so why not? That was a very good question, and the result was so delicious that I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it before.
Why didn’t I think to cook apples in my oatmeal before I added orange zest and a swirl of cranberry sauce? Or carrots?
You really think I would have come up with the concept when I featured my maple cinnamon applesauce on steel-cut oatmeal nearly four years ago. Head smack.
We finally have apple steel-cut oats on the blog today, in 2016, and I believe they are worth the wait. First, you’ll toast the oats to enhance their flavor (in a little butter, if you want to make them really luscious). Then, add apples (I didn’t peel mine, since the skins get super soft during cooking), water and a pinch of salt. Cook until the mixture is ultra creamy and the apples are so tender that they almost disappear into the oats.
It’s nearly perfect after a 5-minute rest, but I liked mine even more after I added a little maple syrup and a swirl of almond butter. Pecans are great, too. I almost always add cinnamon to apple/oat combos, but I preferred the clean taste of sweet fall apples this time around.
What fall recipes do you guys want to see next? I’m working on a savory recipe for later this week, but here are more apple recipes if you’re on an apple kick like me.
Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Meet my favorite fall breakfast! Apples and steel-cut oats cook together in the same pot until they are creamy, delicious perfection. It’s a hearty, healthy and delicious fall breakfast that reheats well for busy weekday mornings. Recipe yields 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 3 medium-to-large apples (I used 2 Granny Smiths and 1 Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into 1-to-2″ chunks
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- Maple syrup or honey, to taste (optional)
- Optional toppings: swirl of nut butter (pecan butter, almond butter or peanut butter), toasted pecans or pepitas, chopped fresh apples, dried cranberries, drizzle of additional maple syrup or honey, light sprinkle of ground cinnamon…
Instructions
- In a medium Dutch oven or large saucepan (around 3.5 quarts), melt the butter over medium heat (if you’re not using butter, just warm the pan). Add the steel-cut oats and cook until fragrant, stirring often, about 2 minutes (this step enhances the flavor of the oats).
- Add the apple chunks, water and salt. Stir to combine, and raise the heat to high to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 35 minutes, until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed and the oats are nice and creamy. Stir every five minutes in the beginning, and more frequently as time goes on (you might need to dial down the heat as well).
- Remove from heat and let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes before serving so it has more time to thicken up. Carefully taste (it’s hot!) and add maple syrup or honey if you’d like sweeter oatmeal (I used tart apples, so I added 1 tablespoon).
- Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with any toppings you’d like. If you’re saving extra portions for later, let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave, and would likely reheat well on the stove if you add some extra water to loosen them up.
Notes
Recipe inspired by my perfect steel-cut oats and maple cinnamon applesauce recipes.
Make it gluten free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free steel-cut oats.
Make it dairy free: Omit the butter and dry-toast the oats instead.
Make it vegan: Omit the butter and dry-toast the oats instead, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Make it nut-free: Don’t top with nuts or nut butter! You might enjoy some toasted pepitas on top.
Slow cooker option: I haven’t tried this, but commenter Kathy says that she uses 1 cup oats to 4 cups water, adds apples and cooks on low overnight.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
I just made it this morning and it was wonderful! This will definitely be my go-to recipe for steel cut oats. Thank you so much for all your great recipes.
Great to hear, Alice!
The apple steel cut oatmeal was delicious and a great warm way to start the day. I did add more salt to the recipe but aside from that it was delicious and easy to make. Steel cut oats have such a nice nutty like taste and texture. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
You’re welcome, Aileen! Thanks for your review.
This is great. I did add some pumpkin pie spice and a bit of maple syrup while it was cooking. Walnuts on top!
I love your site and cookbook.
Sounds delicious, Christen! Thanks for sharing and for your review!
Should you cover the pot during the 35 minute cook period? Thanks!
Uncovered for this recipe!
Hi, When I saw this, I thought about returning to steel cut oats. Then I wondered if it would work in my rice cooker…. We have a small one I frequently use for smaller amounts of rice, but have also used it for quinoa, oatmeal, other hot cereals, rice pilaf etc. I made a half batch, put the butter in on “cook” added the oats when melted, and waited until it switched to “warm”, about 5 minutes. Then I added the water (only 3x the oats), the apples, and a pinch of kosher salt. I added maple syrup and apple pie spice when it turned itself off. I just tasted it and it is heaven! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing!
Easy and soooo delicious! I added some cinnamon and a splash of vanilla. Ridiculously delicious. Thank you!
Thank you! I love the add-ins. Thank you for sharing, Michelle!
Such a perfect, cozy way to start the day- yum! Thanks Kate!
You’re welcome, Rosie! I agree. A great way to start the day.
Can we modify this delicious recipe for InstantPot on the porridge setting?
Hi Elle, I don’t have directions for an instant pot, but I believe others have used it. Search through the comments (crtl + F) to find the specific comments. Hope this helps!
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Thank you!
I don’t know why I didn’t twig before I started cooking that four cups of water is too much for one cup of steel-cut oats, even if there weren’t going to be extra liquid from the apples. The package for the oats suggests three cups of water per cup of cereal. I’m wondering if these are EVER going to cook to cereal consistency. Might leave the pot on the back of the woodstove overnight.
I went apple-picking yesterday, and decided to use some of the apples to make this recipe for the first time! So glad I did, because it’s incredibly tasty! I’ve always been too intimidated to make steel cut oats, but this recipe was so easy and foolproof! I used jonathon apples that I picked, which were perfect! I also added 1 tbsp maple-agave as suggested, and toasted pecans from Trader Joe’s. One of the heartiest and most delicious fall breakfasts I’ve had! Thanks Kate! :)
Fresh apples! Thanks for your review, Samantha.
I made this today and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe! Toasting the oats beforehand made all the difference in the world! I used half water half coconut milk which made it so creamy. Toasted a handful of walnuts to throw on top. I may eat this everyday for months! I think the apples sweetened it plenty so I didn’t add anything to it
I like your variation with coconut milk! Thank you for your review, Heather.
I don’t like cereal and I definitely don’t like oatmeal but DAMN that’s good!! The only thing I added was a tsp of peanut butter and a 1/2 tsp of honey to the bowl before serving. I am putting this recipe in my permanent rotation.
Hi Kate,
I just wanted to take time to thank you for this recipe, I am living with DM2 and have always loved oatmeal but always use the quick oats. I was told that the steel cut was best. Last year I threw out a can of McCann steel cut because it tasted gross when I cooked it. I came across your recipe last week and picked up another can, and made your apple oatmeal yesterday. OMG, even my picky son and husband ate it, and my husband said he wants it everyday. This is so delicious and filling, i will be eating oatmeal meal everyday now. Thank you so muc!
I’m glad you found this recipe and it works for you, Liz!
I’d like to make this with milk and make it, and store it, to eat for a week. Do you think that would work? How about an overnight, not slow cooker, version or instant pot?
Hey Patrick! Sure, milk will work. The oats have some naturally-occurring starches that make it creamy even with water, though. I’m sorry, I don’t have those variations, but you could certainly add apples to any steel-cut oat cooking method.
This oatmeal is so tasty! It was a perfect Sunday morning breakfast that we will surely make again. We were going to take a picture… and then it was gone. Next time. Thank you for sharing! :)
You’re welcome, Hannah!
I amped this recipe up by added chai spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger when I added the water and apples. Next level deliciousness! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome, Kaitlyn!
Kate—this is a great breakfast worth reposting. I have an abundance of apples from the farmer’s market and only steel cut oats (bc roller oats are sold out everywhere). simple and delicious flavors burst after the long simmering of the apples together with the oats. no need to add much sweetener or other flavors on this one.
What a great way to work with what you had, Jay! I’m happy you loved it.
I absolutely love this recipe! I have made it several times and it comes out perfect every single time! It’s a huge hit in my home! Thanks Kate!
You’re welcome, Diti!
Thank you for your ideas! I am trying to assist my husband to try new healthy recipes.( He usually runs out the door with a diet soda!)
Today he sat down for 10 minutes and ate his with me and says he really like it! I made it with Granny Smith Apple and cinnamon .
Thank you again
The toasting really takes it to the next level! I add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg while cooking and sub 2 cups of the water with milk. My fav breakfast these days. Thanks!
My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes, so I’m going to adapt this recipe for the crock pot and make it tonight. I need to make something ahead so he isn’t likely to eat something bad in the mornings before work. Fingers crossed :)
Hi Kate, how can you modify this recipe for oatmeal with a milk base instead of water based? TIA, Neha
Hi Neha! I think you will be surprised just how creamy this one is with water. I don’t have a recipe with milk for it, so I can’t speak to specifics.
Could this be cooked with quick oats?
Hi Prak! That would be a different recipe as you wouldn’t need the same water or cooking time.
Made this today – delicious!
Yum! So good! I topped it with plain yogurt, toasted pecans, and maple syrup. It’s hitting all those Fall flavors.
Will you develop another breakfast cookie? Our family loves the Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies in your book and would love another! Maybe a pumpkin Breakfast Cookie?
Thank you! Love every single one of your recipes❤️
Hi Gwen! I can’t make any promises, but happy you love that cookie. :)
Good! But I used only a granny smith apple because that’s all I had. I cut the recipe in half as well. My apple was pretty tart, so I needed about 2 tbsp of honey. I loved this but, next time, I will have sweeter apples!
Thank you for sharing! That sounds like a great way to adjust, Alene.
I just read through the recipe and I’m wondering if instead of water, milk can be used which I’d prefer for the calcium and other nutrients it contains. Thanks.
Hi! This one is meant to be used with water. You can always serve it with some milk or yogurt if you like. Changing the liquid would impact the recipe and require adjustments. If you try it, let me know!
my heart hurts hearing about Cookie. Sending loving vibes that she does well with meds!
Thank you, Gail! I appreciate it.
I’m so sorry to hear of Cookies’ diagnosis.
I know how you must be feeling. Many years ago, one of my dogs had the same thing. Just give her extra hugs & belly rubs.
Thank you, Miriam! I appreciate your kind words. She is getting lots of love. :)
Should this be covered while simmering?
No need to cover Marie!
We are long time cookie and Kate fans.
Renamed this recipe – Apple Pie Oatmeal. We make extra to reheat during the week. Frozen blueberries don’t work. Can you suggest another fruit?
Thanks for great recipes.
Hi! I haven’t tried this with another fruit, sorry. You can add fruit toppings to my Perfect Steel-Cut Oats for something different!
I’ve been enjoying another one of your oatmeal recipes and look forward to trying the Apple Steelcut oats! but where is the ‘Print’ button – usually I see it easily … ? thanks!!
Hi! It wasn’t working, but it is back. Enjoy!
Thank you!!
Looks yummy – I don’t know if I have steel cut so might try with regular rolled oats. I’m wondering why the sodium content is so high with only adding a pinch – is it all just naturally occuring?
Hi Janne, I haven’t tried this with old fashioned. The cooking time will vary. You could try my How to Make the Best Oatmeal. For the nutritional information, please refer to Nutrition Disclaimer
Are Steel cut oats different from normal oats ? Is it something you have only in America?Thanks
Hi Imrana, yes they are more dense and have different cooking requirements.
I’ve been doing this in my small instant pot “zest”. I peel, core, and cube my apple then add it to my oats & water with a sprinkle of cinnamon. I set it up before bed & use the delay feature, then wake up to a delicious breakfast. Also, I just picked up some fresh cranberries today & might throw in a handful tonight to experiment! Love the nut butter suggestion, I usually just add a little ground flaxseed.
Thank you for sharing how you made it, Maribe!
Could this be done in an Instant Pot?
I haven’t tried it, Cara. Sorry!
I love this idea of adding apples to the oatmeal. I never thought about it before… Thanks.
I have not tried it as yet so I will not rate it.
Thank you for sharing, Amy!
Do you leave the lid on to simmer to take it off?
Hi! No need to leave the lid on. I hope you love it!
We made this yesterday morning, I hadn’t made steel cut oats in forever but when I saw the recipe it reminded me of my love for them. We made a few minor changes based on our preferences (adding cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla), but it was good without the additions too. We love sauteed apples on our oatmeal, but cooking them right in was a nice change and really added a lot of nice apple flavor. The 2yo, 6yo, and I all devoured it and this will definitely be a staple for us from now on!
I’m glad everyone loved them, Kayla! I appreciate your review.
Apple Steel-cut Oats — where have you been all my life? I could eat this for breakfast every day — and I actually have for the last week. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort for chilly mornings.
Hooray! I’m glad you loved it, Julie. I appreciate your review.
Hi there!
Just to tell you that I make this recipe regularly and love it and how clever to lightly toast the steel cut oats! The mild aroma of the oats toasting is quite enticing.
Needless to say, stupid query coming up: Does one cover the pot when cooking the mixture? I know this may appear rhetorical since you mention the liquid has to absorb….and maybe the answer is in the many postings below but that would take me forever to scan through them….
Please advise…
and I have been a subscriber for a few years and own one of your cookbooks….Lovely recipes! and thank you..!
Hi Leslie! No need to cover while cooking. Thank you for your support!
I cook my steel cut oats in my rice cooker. It works beautifully and they don’t have to be watched or stirred during the cooking process and the cooker switches to warm once the pats are cooked. Fool proof!
Just made this today, topped with a spoonful of peanut butter and maple syrup as that’s what I had to hand. Also added chia and sunflower seeds and a small handful of peacan nuts. Just delicious! Plenty for the rest of the week too :-) Love your recipes Kate!
I made it and it was delicious.Besides the nuts I drizzled “Pekmez” (Turkish Molasses-made with grapes). Thank you
Does this recipe work with regular old fashioned oats?
Hi Jen, This recipe is best as written. You would need adjustment to make it work. Take a look at my How to Make the Best Oatmeal and add apples. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Steel cut oats are sooo easy in the instant pot. No stirring, no watching the stove. 4 minute cook time- natural release. Perfect.
I’ll add apples the next time I make it and see how it comes out.
Delicious! My first time cooking steel cut oats. We added the cinnamon plus a sprinkle of cardamom. My husband loved these!!!
That’s great to hear, Alyssa!
Hi Kate!
Just wanted to thank you for the recipes you provide for vegetarians. I am SO appreciative of this and I have tried a few of your recipes (can’t remember which ones…so sorry) and they’ve been just wonderful.
I hope you’re doing well since the loss of your beloved Cookie. Take care and thanks MUCH for what you do.
Sincerely,
Kate Nealon-Sands
Indialantic, Florida