Name: Delish Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Porridge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups rolled oats (not instant); 2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well); 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp butter (can substitute with coconut oil)

Alright, friends, pull up a wobbly kitchen stool, try not to lean on that pile of clean-ish laundry, and let’s talk breakfast. Because honestly, mornings? They’re a battlefield. Especially if you’re trying to get something remotely wholesome into tiny humans (or even just yourself) before the coffee has fully kicked in. That’s where this Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Porridge swoops in like a superhero in a slightly stained apron. It’s warm, it’s comforting, it smells like a bakery exploded in your kitchen (the good kind, not the burnt kind, mostly), and it’s shockingly easy. Trust me, if I can make it before 7 AM without setting off the smoke detector, you can too.

My husband, bless his heart, is usually a “pour cereal straight from the box” kind of guy. So the first time I made this Apple Cinnamon Porridge, he looked at it suspiciously, like it might spontaneously combust. “Is this… gruel?” he asked, nudging it with his spoon. My kids, on the other hand, immediately decided it was a “dessert for breakfast” because apples and cinnamon mean cake, apparently. After much cajoling and a promise of extra maple syrup, they both took a bite. The husband, I swear, had a moment of pure bliss. He just kept scooping, muttering something about “this is surprisingly good for something healthy.” The kids? They devoured it, then asked if we could have “cinnamon cake breakfast” every day. So, basically, it passed the ultimate litmus test: it tricked my family into eating something nutritious and they actually liked it. My work here is done, folks.

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Why You’ll Love This Delish Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Porridge

It’s basically a hug in a bowl, perfect for those mornings when you accidentally hit snooze seven times and need a pick-me-up.
Your house will smell like a fancy autumn candle, but without the fire hazard (unless you forget it on the stove, which, been there).
It’s ridiculously customizable! Don’t like apples? Use pears! Don’t like fruit? Just eat warm oats, you weirdo!
It’s super satisfying and will actually keep you full past 9:30 AM, unlike that sad piece of toast you usually grab.
Minimal dishes, maximal coziness. It’s the breakfast equivalent of wearing sweatpants all day.

Time-Saving Hacks

Shortcut that keeps you sane: Use pre-sliced frozen apples! Seriously, just dump them in. No peeling, no coring, no tiny apple bits all over your counter.
Hack that saves dishes but still looks like effort: Cook the porridge and the apples right in the same pot. One pot, people! Then serve it directly into bowls – no fancy plating, just real life.
The sneaky “cheat” you always pull when you’re in a rush: If the apples aren’t quite soft enough but you’re literally running out the door, just zap the whole bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. No one will know.

Kitchen Confessions

The disaster story: One time I was making this while simultaneously trying to help with homework, answer an email, and prevent the dog from eating a crayon. I completely forgot the porridge was on the stove. Let’s just say the bottom layer became a permanent fixture on that pot, and the smell was… memorable.
A silly mistake you or your family made with this recipe: My youngest, thinking “cinnamon” was “sugar,” once dumped a solid tablespoon of just cinnamon into his bowl. His reaction was priceless, and he still talks about “spicy porridge.”
Honest admission: the messy part you secretly skip: Peeling the apples. Nah, my friends. The skin has fiber! And it means one less thing to scrub off a cutting board. Rustic chic, right?

What to Serve It With

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Porridge is pretty perfect on its own, but if you’re feeling extra fancy (or have five extra seconds), a drizzle of maple syrup or honey is divine. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are my jam) adds a lovely crunch. And if you’re truly living your best life, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of extra milk on top makes it extra creamy. Chocolate chips? Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.

✔Tips & Mistakes

To avoid gummy porridge, use enough liquid! If it looks too thick, add a splash more milk or water as it cooks. Stir frequently, especially towards the end, to prevent sticking (see my disaster story above). Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the sweetness; some apples are sweeter than others. If your apples are still too firm, pop a lid on the pot for a few minutes while it simmers to help them steam and soften. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t walk away from it for too long!

Storage Tips

Keep it in the fridge… assuming there’s anything left. Midnight cold bites? Honestly better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever—honey ↔ sugar, tamari ↔ soy sauce—or skip a step and call it rustic. Still edible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oats are best for this porridge?

For the best creamy texture, I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats. They cook down beautifully without getting too mushy too quickly. Instant oats can work in a pinch for speed, but the texture won’t be quite as rich or satisfying.

My porridge turned out too thin/thick. How can I fix it?

If your porridge is too thin, let it simmer a little longer, stirring frequently, to allow more liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, simply stir in an extra splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t be afraid to adjust while it’s still warm!

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Porridge ahead of time for busy mornings?

Absolutely! You can cook a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid if it’s thickened up too much.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without it becoming gluey?

To reheat, transfer your desired portion to a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon or two of milk or water, stir it in, and heat gently over low heat on the stove or in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring between each. This helps loosen it up and restore that creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, definitely! While I love a good crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for this, you can use almost any variety. Softer apples like McIntosh will break down more quickly, creating a saucier texture, while firmer ones like Granny Smith will hold their shape better and offer a nice tart contrast.

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