If you’re looking for a healthy and filling breakfast, try apple steel-cut oatmeal. This tasty Steel Cut Oats Apple Crisp recipe uses local apples and is a great option for the whole family.
As a father of two young daughters, I know how hard it can be to get them to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning. Like most kids, my girls love sweets and would happily eat chocolate chip pancakes and ice cream for breakfast every day if my wife and I let them. However, as a dad I want to make sure they start their day off right with a nutritious meal to fuel their growing bodies and minds.
That’s why I was so excited when I came across this recipe for Steel Cut Oats Apple Crisp. It feels like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, but it’s actually made with whole grains and fresh fruit! The crisp with steel cut oats are so hearty and filling, while the cinnamon apples on top remind me of the apple crisp my grandmother used to make. Every bite takes me back to childhood visits to her farmhouse.
As someone who works in the food industry, I’m always trying out new recipes and techniques. Cooking is more than just a job for me – it’s my creative passion. There’s something so rewarding about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something delicious that my family and I can share together. My daughters still have a major sweet tooth, but recipes like this steel cut oats apple crisp allow me to cater to their tastebuds while still keeping things relatively healthy.
The best part is that this recipe is so quick and easy to make, even on busy weekday mornings. Once the oats are cooked, you just mix in some fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg before topping with sautéed apples and crunchy granola. It’s the perfect sweet and comforting way to start our day! I have a feeling this will become a go-to breakfast staple for my family this autumn and beyond. The combination of textures and flavors is just too good to resist!
Steel Cut Oats Apple Crisp Recipes
Apple steel cut oats are a healthy, delicious breakfast option. The cereal is made with local apples and is rich in nutrients and fiber. It can also be a convenient, nutritious way to start the day. You can find them in specialty stores and supermarkets. You can add roasted sunflower seeds and apple slices if desired. They also taste great when mixed with a cup of milk.
Apple Steel Cut Oats by Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups water
- 1 and ½ cups coconut milk
- 2 apples cored, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- ¼ teaspoon allspice ground
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom ground
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed ground
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons stevia
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray your air fryer with cooking spray, add apples, milk, water, cinnamon, oats, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, vanilla, flaxseeds and stevia, stir, cover and cook at 360°f for 15 minutes
- Divide into bowls and serve for breakfast.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Preparation Method: Steel Cut Oats Apple Crisp in a Slow Cooker
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker with a small amount of cooking spray or butter. This will make cleanup easier.
- In the slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats, water, milk, chopped apples, honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and let it cook for about 7-8 hours. If you prefer a shorter cooking time, you can set it on high for approximately 3-4 hours. The oats should be tender, and the apples soft when it’s ready.
- Once cooked, give your crisp with steel cut oats a good stir to mix everything one final time. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as extra apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey.
Steel Cut Oats with Apples in Crock Pot Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3½ cups water (or a mix of water and milk for creaminess)
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: raisins, nuts, maple syrup, additional milk or cream for serving
Instructions:
- Preparation: Before going to bed, I like to take a few moments to appreciate the simple act of preparing the ingredients. There’s something meditative about peeling and chopping the apples, measuring out the oats, and imagining the delicious breakfast that awaits.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crock pot, mix together the steel cut oats, water (and milk if using), apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. If you’re feeling adventurous or want some extra texture, toss in a handful of raisins or nuts as well.
- Cook: Set your crock pot to low and let the magic happen overnight. The oats need about 7-8 hours to become tender and creamy, so it’s perfect for setting up right before you tuck yourself into bed.
- Morning Aroma: Waking up to the smell of cinnamon and apples is truly delightful. It’s like the house itself has embraced the spirit of a rustic, country morning. Give everything a good stir, as the oats will have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls. Here’s where you can get creative – top with a splash of cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Each bowl is a canvas for your morning cravings.
- Enjoy: Take a moment to savor the flavors. The apples will have softened into sweet morsels while the oats maintain a pleasant chewiness. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that never fails to start my day on a high note.
Tips for making Apple Steel Cut Oats
Serving Suggestions
This Steel Cut Oats Apple Crisp would pair nicely with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a green salad on the side. The oats and apples make it hearty enough to stand alone as a light breakfast or dessert, but adding a protein source like yogurt or eggs could round it out. For lunch or dinner, serve it alongside simply prepared meat or fish like grilled chicken or salmon. The sweetness of the crisp would balance nicely with something savory. You could also try spooning this apple crisp warm over vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Leftovers, if there are any, would be great reheated the next day and served again with a dollop of yogurt or scoop of ice cream on top. Enjoy this yummy and nutritious apple crisp with steel cut!
Cooking Tips
- For the creamiest texture, consider using a slow cooker liner to prevent any sticking to the pot.
- Don’t reduce the liquid quantity. Steel-cut oats require ample liquid to cook properly, so resist the temptation to cut back.
- Stir your oats occasionally during cooking, especially if using a slow cooker, to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom.
- When adding the apples, cut them into uniform sizes to guarantee that they soften uniformly throughout the oats.
- If your oats become too thick or lumpy, simply stir in a bit more milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs about apple crisp with oat topping
1. Can I use steel-cut oats for overnight oats? Yes, you can use steel-cut oats for overnight oats. Keep in mind that steel-cut oats have a chewier texture than rolled oats, so the overnight soaking time may need to be extended. Experiment to find the consistency you prefer. Read more here
2. Are apple crisp steel cut healthier than old-fashioned oats? Both steel-cut oats and old-fashioned oats are nutritious, but steel-cut oats are less processed and have a slightly lower glycemic index. This means they may provide a slower release of energy and keep you fuller for a more extended period. However, the nutritional differences are minimal.
3. What are easy apple crisp with oat good for? Steel-cut oats are excellent for a hearty, chewy bowl of oatmeal. They work well in recipes where a firmer texture is desired, such as in savory dishes or when used as a base for grain bowls.
4. What’s the difference between rolled oats and steel-cut oats? The main difference is in the processing. Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats that are chopped into pieces, while rolled oats are steamed, flattened with large rollers, and then dried. This process gives steel-cut oats a chewier texture compared to the softer, flatter consistency of rolled oats.
5. Are cooked steel-cut oats supposed to be crunchy? Cooked steel-cut oats should not be crunchy. They are meant to have a chewy texture. If they are crunchy, they may not have been cooked long enough. Continue simmering until they reach the desired tenderness.
6. Can I make Apple Steel Cut Oats in advance and reheat them? Yes, you can make crisp with oat topping recipe in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
7. Can I use instant oats instead of steel-cut oats for this apple crisp recipe? It’s best to use steel-cut oats for this apple recipe. Instant oats may become mushy when cooked for an extended period in a slow cooker.
8. Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this dish? Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free while maintaining the creamy texture.
9. Can I add other spices besides cinnamon? Absolutely! Experiment with nutmeg, cloves, or even a touch of cardamom for a unique twist in flavor.
10. How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator? You can store leftover Apple Steel Cut Oats in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a little milk to restore the desired consistency when serving again.
Conclution
As a busy father trying to feed my family healthy and delicious breakfasts, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that feel indulgent but are secretly nutritious. This Steel Cut Oats Apple Crisp hits the sweet spot! With hearty steel cut oats, cinnamon-y sautéed apples, and a crispy granola topping, it makes us feel like we’re eating dessert even as we get a serving of whole grains and fruit. I love that it reminds me of the apple crisps my grandma used to bake while being so quick and simple to throw together on a weekday morning. This recipe is definitely going into heavy breakfast rotation in my household. I hope it can help other parents who want to get a little more nutrition into their kids’ diets without sacrificing any of the sweet, comforting flavors they crave. Try it for yourself and let me know what you and your family think! Bon appétit!
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.