Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s quick to prepare, suitable for all ages, and won’t compromise your health goals? Look no further! Our Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is the perfect solution. This naturally sweetened, plant-based, and vegan delight is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a weight loss and diabetic-friendly option that won’t break the bank. Imagine the cozy aroma of apple pie oatmeal without any added sugars – just the natural sweetness of fresh chopped dates.
Stove Top Oats: What Are They?
Stove-top oats, also known as rolled oats, are whole oat groats that have been steamed and flattened with large rollers. This process retains the oat’s bran and germ, making them a wholesome and fiber-rich option. Unlike instant oats, stove-top oats provide a heartier texture and maintain more of their nutritional value.
Why You Should Make This Recipe?
- Versatile for All Ages: This Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a hit with both the little ones and grown-ups. The naturally sweet flavor appeals to children, while the wholesome ingredients make it a nutritious choice for adults. It’s a win-win for the whole family!
- Effortless Meal Prep: Busy mornings? No problem! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their breakfast routine. With a preparation time of less than 15 minutes, you can easily meal prep the ingredients ahead of time.
- Diabetic-Friendly: For those mindful of their sugar intake, this oatmeal is a sweet delight without the added sugars. Sweetened naturally with fresh chopped dates, it caters to a diabetic-friendly diet, allowing you to enjoy a tasty breakfast without compromising your health.
- Budget and Weight Loss Friendly: Eating healthy shouldn’t break the bank! This recipe is not only diabetic-friendly but also budget-friendly, making it accessible to everyone. Additionally, for those on a weight loss journey, the combination of wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness provides a satisfying breakfast option without unnecessary calories.
Ingredients in Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
To make this delightful breakfast, you’ll need:
- Rolled oats
- Fresh apples
- Chopped dates
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Plant-based milk
How to Make Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- In a saucepan, combine rolled oats, water or plant-based milk, chopped apples, dates, and a dash of cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the apples are soft.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie oatmeal without any guilt.
Recipe Variations and Substitutes
Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, or spices to create your own unique twist on this recipe. Try adding a spoonful of nut butter and an extra splash of plant milk on top for extra creaminess.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
For a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Additionally, consider adding a handful of nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.
How to Store and Shelf Life
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal should stay fresh for up to three days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where to Buy Old Fashioned Oats and Dates? A: You can find old-fashioned oats and dates at your local grocery store or health food store. Popular options include Aldi, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Whole Foods.
Q: How to sweeten oatmeal? A: Opt for natural sweeteners like chopped dates, honey, agave or maple syrup.
Q: Organic or non-organic oats? A: Both are nutritious, but if budget permits, organic oats may be a slightly healthier choice.
Q: Old-fashioned or steel-cut oats? A: Old-fashioned oats work best for this recipe, offering a satisfying texture.
Q: Is oatmeal good for diabetics? A: Yes, especially when sweetened with natural sources like dates.
Q: Is oatmeal good for weight loss? A: Absolutely! It’s a filling and nutrient-packed breakfast option. Consider adding in different nuts and seeds or protein powder for extra protein.
Q: Does oatmeal have gluten? A: Regular oats may contain gluten, so opt for certified gluten-free oats if you have a gluten sensitivity.
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Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Equipment
- Stovetop Pan
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 tart or sweet apples Feel free to leave the peels on or off; apple suggestions in "notes" section
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Dash vanilla extract
Oatmeal
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats GF for gluten-free eaters
- 2 cups dairy-free milk I used 1 cup unsweetened almond and 1 cup oat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 whole dates finely chopped
Instructions
- Chop apples into small cubes. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice over apples. Using a saucepan or your air fryer, slightly cook down your apple mixture in a tsp of coconut oil to soften your apples.
- In a small saucepan over high heat, add oats, pinch salt, dairy-free milk and stir. When it comes to a boil, reduce to low-medium heat and cook until thick and creamy. Once heat is reduced, add the chopped dates (so they can soften and sweeten the oats).
- Once thick, remove from stove top. Add a little dairy-free milk if it’s too thick for your liking.
- Pour your oatmeal into two separate bowls. Top with apple mixture.
- Go crazy with the toppings! Other toppings may include, nuts, nut butters, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or more cinnamon. I prefer mine with a few toasted pecans and more chopped dates.
Notes
- This recipe makes enough for 2 servings!
- Apple Suggestions: sweet apples (honeycrisp, envy, or fuji apples) OR tart apples (granny smith apples)
- Milk: Feel free to use the same kind of dairy-free milk for the entire recipe. I choose to half it up because oat milk is creamier.
Try our Date Sweetened Stove-Top Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal today for a breakfast that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Can water be used?
Hi Rebecca! Yes, water can be used. I will note that it might not be as creamy, however you can substitute it using a 1:1 ratio. So for every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup water. Hope this helps 🙂