Apple Cranberry Oatmeal

One of my favorite things to make growing up were those packets of instant oatmeal from quaker oats.  Sure there wasn’t really much involved with the process.  All you had to do was place the contents of the packet into a bowl with some water and microwave it.  But as a 12-year-old kid, it at least gave me the illusion that I was grown up making a meal for myself.  And in many ways, I view it as one of my earliest experiences that really got me into cooking.  However, I’m now a full-grown adult, and that means I’m more than capable of making myself a nice bowl of big boy oats.  

My 12-year-old self sure would be proud!

And while there are plenty of oatmeal options to chose from, my absolute favorite has to be today’s recipe for apple cranberry oatmeal.  Honestly, it’s like a life-changing experience just how good this oatmeal is!  It’s creamy, full of delicious fruit, and has the perfect amount of cinnamon spice.  Plus it takes no longer than 7 minutes to prepare, so what’s not to love about it!

Tips, Tricks & suggestions

• Make sure that you use the right type of oats for this recipe, specifically rolled oats a.k.a. “Old fashioned oats”.  If you use something like whole oat groats, or steel-cut oats, the cooking time will take much longer.
• Pretty much any type of apple will work for this recipe so feel free to use your favorite kind.  Also if you aren’t a fan of dried cranberries, you can swap them out for either raisins or dried currants.
• Try adding either a splash of whole milk, half & half, or cream right at the end for a creamier texture.
• Check out some of our overnight oatmeal recipes like blueberry banana overnight oatmeal, and coconut overnight oatmeal.

Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Recipe

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 7 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

1 Cup of rolled oats

2 Cups of hot water

1 Apple, cored and diced

1 Tablespoon of unsalted butter

2 Tablespoons of brown sugar

1 Teaspoon of cinnamon

A pinch of salt

¼ Cup of dried cranberries

½ Teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Soak the oats: Get out a medium-sized bowl and place the rolled oat in it.  Then pour the 2 cups of hot water over the oats, mix it all with a spoon and set it aside.

2. Saute the apples:  Get out a medium-sized pot, place it over medium-high heat, and melt the tablespoon of butter in it.  Then toss in the diced apple, the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, the teaspoon of cinnamon, and the pinch of salt.  Stir everything together and saute for 5 minutes, or until the apples have become slightly softened.

3. Finish the oatmeal: Pour the soaked oats along with the water into the pot and give everything a quick stir.  Then add in the cranberries and vanilla extract.  Continue stirring for another couple of minutes, or until the oatmeal is thick to your liking.

4. Pour the oatmeal into some bowls and enjoy!

Print Recipe

Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Recipe

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Cook Time7 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of rolled oats
• 2 Cups of hot water
• 1 Apple cored and diced
• 1 Tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• ¼ Cup of dried cranberries
• ½ Teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

• Soak the oats: Get out a medium-sized bowl and place the rolled oat in it. Then pour the 2 cups of hot water over the oats, mix it all with a spoon and set it aside.
• Saute the apples: Get out a medium-sized pot, place it over medium-high heat, and melt the tablespoon of butter in it. Then toss in the diced apple, the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, the teaspoon of cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Stir everything together and saute for 5 minutes, or until the apples have become slightly softened.
• Finish the oatmeal: Pour the soaked oats along with the water into the pot and give everything a quick stir. Then add in the cranberries and vanilla extract. Continue stirring for another couple of minutes, or until the oatmeal is thick to your liking.
• Pour the oatmeal into some bowls and enjoy!