Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats
A cozy stovetop oatmeal loaded with sweet apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and toasted walnuts, no salt needed for great flavor.
Sodium note
Steel-cut oats and fruit are naturally sodium-free; this recipe has roughly 10 mg sodium per serving. Watch out for instant flavored oat packets, which can carry 150–250 mg each.
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 1/2 cups unsalted water or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large apple, cored and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Method
- 1
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and add the diced apple. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple begins to soften and lightly caramelize.
- 2
Stir in the steel-cut oats and toast them with the apple for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen their nutty flavor.
- 3
Pour in the water or almond milk, then add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- 4
Simmer uncovered for 25-28 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the oats are thick and creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 5
Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and raisins if using.
- 6
Divide among four bowls and top each with toasted walnuts before serving.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories
- 270
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbs
- 45 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Sodium
- 10 mg per serving
Nutrition and sodium information is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredients, brands, serving sizes and preparation methods. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
Substitutions
- Use quick oats instead of steel-cut for a faster 10-minute version, reducing liquid to 2 cups.
- Replace walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
- Use oat milk in place of almond milk for a nut-free option.
Tips
- Cook a double batch and refrigerate for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk to loosen it back up.
- Swap the apple for pear or diced banana for a different fruit note.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes to bring out more flavor without any added salt.
New to cooking without salt? Start with our beginner guide and 25 ways to add flavor without salt.
