Quick Method Cinnamon and Apple Steel Cut Oats

I have shared with you my favorite short-cut for making steel cut oats. Truth be told, this is the only way I ever make them. Even if I am home I never think to cook steel-cut oats the long, traditional method. They just turn out perfectly with my overnight method so I am spoiled.

The one thing that I have wished for is an easy method with add-ins like apples. I love apple pie oatmeal and would like to be able to enjoy those same flavors with steel cut oats. I have seen many recipes for crockpot steel cut oats with apples, but have heard several bad reviews. I actually tried one with apples and it was ok. I woke up in the middle of the night to switch the crockpot setting which helped them not to way over cook, but they were still a bit overdone. Certainly not worth losing sleep over. I strongly preferred my simple stovetop method for taste, ease, and clean up.

I decided to experiment by adding apples to my quick method and they turned out perfectly the first try! What a treat. If you like apples and cinnamon in your oatmeal, you will love how this turns out. If you haven't yet tried steel cut oats, why not give them a try. They are a delicious, filling, and a healthy way to start your day. And with this 5 minute method, they are also a convenient hot breakfast.

Recipe/Method serves 4
3 C water
1 apple, peeled and diced
1 C steel cut oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
dash of salt
sweetener of choice (honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, stevia, etc.)

1. In a medium sized pot add water and prepared apple. 

2. Bring water with apple to a boil and add oats, cinnamon, and salt. (Sweeter can also be added at this time if you desire.)*

3. Allow to boil for 3 minutes (I set the timer). Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

4. Turn off heat and remove from the burner.

5. Cover with a tightly fitting lid. Allow to sit overnight. The following picture is what you will see when you remove the lid in the morning.

6. In the morning the oats will be perfectly cooked along with tender apples. Below is what the oats will look like once stirred. Simply stir and reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can store extra portions in the refrigerator for several days. 

7. Sweeten as desired.*

Additional Notes

*You could easily add your desired sweetener in the first step. I choose to sweeten at the end because my kids like it sweeter than I do. This way we can all adjust the oatmeal to our individual tastes.

Have you tried steel cut oats yet? What is your favorite add-in?