Chai spiced oatmeal with caramelized apples

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.

Ingredients

Full oatmeal recipe with amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Oatmeal. Rolled oats or old fashioned oats are my favorite but this will work with quick-cooking oats and steel-cut oats too.
• Cinnamon stick. 
• Cardamom pods. 
• Nutmeg. 
• Ginger. 
• Cloves.
• Butter.
• Cream. Milk can be used instead.

For the caramelized apples

• Butter. 
• Apples. I used Granny Smith but any apple of your choice can be used.
• Coconut sugar. 
• Coconut milk. 
• Vanilla extract. 
• Salt.

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

1. Make the oats: Add 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.
2. Make the caramelized apples: Melt the butter in a large frying pan set over medium-high heat then add the chopped apples. Cook the apples until golden brown then add the sugar, coconut milk and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt and cook until the sugar has dissolved and formed a thick sauce.
3. Serve: 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:

1. Because they’re gluten free, they’re a great source of fiber for those suffering from Coeliac disease or gluten intolerances.
2. Oatmeal is filled with antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Contains Beta-Glucan (soluble fiber) which reduces LDL cholesterol, blood sugar and keeps you fuller for longer.

Healthy breakfast recipes:

1. Healthy blueberry muffins
2. Easy and healthy banana oat pancakes
3. Healthy Breakfast yogurt fruit cups
4. Easy healthy waffles