Chai spiced oatmeal with easy coconut caramel apples is the kind of delicious, healthy breakfast dreams are made of. Great for making ahead as well.
Creamy oatmeal is an absolute joy on chilly mornings when you need something warm and filling to start the day. I love adding spices and flavorings to oats to mix things up and I think I’ve stumbled upon a winner with this Chai spiced oatmeal served with coconut caramelized apples. It is the kind of recipe I can’t wait to eat.
Not only is it so absolutely delicious (I mean, just look at that caramel!) but it’s also filled with goodness. It’s a great, healthy breakfast recipe. I love to make a big pot of oats at the beginning of the week and allow it to cool in the same pot as cooking, before storing it in the fridge as is. Every morning I just spoon out a portion and re-heat with a splash of milk. It’s perfect for meal prep and will guarantee a healthy breakfast with minimal effort on your part.
The coconut caramel apples make a great topping for the creamy oats but can also be served with a dollop of yogurt for an easy grain-free breakfast. I like to leave the skin on the apples as they add great texture but you could also peel them. The caramelized apples can also be made ahead making breakfast assembly easy as pie. Using coconut sugar and coconut milk/cream means this recipe is a little lower in refined sugar and vegan too. But you could definitely substitute brown sugar and heavy/whipping cream if you preferred.
Is oatmeal gluten free?
Oats are naturally gluten free. However, make sure to check the packaging as oats if often processed in factories with other gluten-containing grains thus there is a chance of cross-contamination.
How to make oatmeal
Add old fashioned rolled oats to a pot or large saucepan over medium heat. Pour in boiling water (2:1 water to oats ratio), spices and a pinch of salt. Allow the oats to come up to a simmer then reduce the heat and allow to cook gently with the lid ajar for 7-10 minutes. The oats will have absorbed the liquid and be tender. Add the butter (optional) and coconut milk or cream. Stir and remove from the heat. Cover with the lid and allow to stand for 10 minutes. Serve the oatmeal with caramelized apples and a dollop of yogurt.
Is oatmeal good for you?
Oatmeal is an incredibly healthy food and the perfect thing to start your day with. The soluble fiber slows digestion and feeds the good bacteria needed for a healthy gut. Other health benefits of oats include:
- Because they’re gluten free, they’re a great source of fiber for those suffering from Coeliac disease or gluten intolerances.
- Oatmeal is filled with antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Contains Beta-Glucan (soluble fiber) which reduces LDL cholesterol, blood sugar and keeps you fuller for longer.
Healthy breakfast recipes:
- Healthy blueberry muffins
- Easy and healthy banana oat pancakes
- Healthy Breakfast yogurt fruit cups
- Easy healthy waffles
Chai spiced oatmeal with caramelized apples
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 8 cups water
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter/coconut butter
- ½ cup cream/coconut milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the caramelized apples
- 2 tbsp butter/coconut butter
- 6 apples cored and chopped
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- ½ cup cream/coconut milk
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the oats, spices, water and salt in a medium-sized pot and bring to a simmer.
- Allow the oats to simmer for 15 minutes stirring every few minutes, until the water has been absorbed and the oats are almost cooked through.
- Stir in the butter and cream/coconut milk and turn off the heat. Cover with a lid and allow to steam for 10 minutes.
- For the caramelized apples, melt the butter in a frying pan then add the apples.
- Cook the apples until golden brown then add the sugar and cream/coconut milk and vanilla extract and allow to cook until the sugar has dissolved and has formed a thick sauce.
- Serve the chai-spiced oatmeal with the caramelized apples and a dollop of yogurt.
Where does the Chia come in? I don’t even see it in the ingredient list….
This recipe doesn’t contain Chia seeds, it is Chai-spiced. Chai is an Indian tea made with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, etc and I used that as inspiration for this recipe.
When doyou add the vanilla?
I’ve amended the recipe. 🙂 You add it with the sugar into the apples.
This was the most delicious breakfast. I was getting so tired of standard oatmeal and the spices and apples really made this something special.
That’s good to hear, thanks Hannah!
Most comforting breakfast. Made the oatmeal in my slow cooker and woke up the most delicious smell.
Love the idea of letting the slow cooker do all the work!
Even my non-oats eating husband loved this recipe. This thumbs up!
That’s great to hear! 🙂
This was delicious. Loved the apples.
So happy you loved it Carine! 🙂
Such a dreamy fall breakfast! I love the caramelized apples!
So do I! Thanks Laura.
Decided to make this while cooking dinner tonight and sneaked a taste before putting it all in the fridge. Oh my word! Honestly the yummiest oats I’ve ever tasted and those apples are just so delicious. They would be great over ice cream for dessert.
I’m so happy to hear that Nadia. And yes, those apples would be an awesome ice cream topping.
That looks like the most comforting breakfast. definitely trying this soon.
It is the perfect comforting breakfast. 🙂
Love chai spices! This looks like such a deliciously cozy breakfast Alida!
Thanks Mary Ann!