Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
In our house, apples are one of those fruits that tends to linger in the fridge long after everyone has eaten the grapes, berries, and citrus. Which means I try to find creative ways to use them that the kids are happy to eat. (A tall order, as you can imagine.) Thankfully, one apple shredded and cooked into oats can transform them into a delicious breakfast—because the hit of natural sweetness makes this apple oatmeal a bit hit with my kids! Oatmeal for kids is a breakfast I’ve made an effort to feed to my kids regularly, which means that we literally have it regularly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This ensures that it’s familiar to them, but the rotation means that they don’t have a chance to get bored of it. Since all of my kids enjoy raisins, we almost always make it with some in the mix, too. We’ve been having a version of this apple cinnamon oatmeal since my oldest was a baby—which means that it works whether eaten with little hands or a spoon. (You may also like Oatmeal Bars, Baby Oatmeal, Chia Seed Oatmeal, Carrot Cake Oatmeal, Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, and Banana Oatmeal Pancakes.)
Ingredients You need
To make this healthy oatmeal for a toddler breakfast or family breakfast, you’ll need:
Rolled oats: These are also called “old-fashioned oats” at the store. Raisins: You can use regular or golden raisins in this oatmeal. Or another dried fruit like cranberries or cherries. Apple: Any kind of apple works here. Pure vanilla extract Cinnamon: This adds lovely flavor so use it if you have it. Milk: I use whole milk, but any type of milk will work here, including non-dairy options.
TIP: You can make this gluten-free with certified gluten-free rolled oats. And dairy-free if you opt for dairy-free milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this simple apple cinnamon oatmeal and the process involved. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe. TIP: This is easy to reheat, so you can make a bigger batch and serve it throughout the week if you want.
Tips for Toddlers and Oatmeal
The main thing is to make it taste good and to have it around regularly. If they are totally new to it, it may take a few tries to get them to try it. Avoid pressuring them too much, serve very small servings to start, and let them add their own toppings to personalize their bowl. If my oldest doesn’t want oatmeal, she almost always comes around if we offer peanut butter (or sprinkles!) on top. And let it be okay for them to eat it with their hands if needed. When my kids are young and still learning to use a spoon, I load up their spoon for them and hand it over so they can put it into their mouths.
How to Store
To store, place apple cinnamon oatmeal into an airtight container in the fridge and then warm individual servings as needed for about 30 seconds in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
Grate the apple with the peel on to add nutrients. Lower the heat and add a little additional liquid if the apple cinnamon oatmeal sticks to the pan at any point. Top with protein-rich nut or seed butter. Stir in hemp seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds to add fiber, protein and healthy fats. An older baby eating finger foods can eat this with their hands. A kiddo learning to use a spoon can be handed preloaded spoons so they can feed themselves with your help.
I’d love to know what your family thinks of this recipe if you try it, so please comment below!
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This post was first published July 2017.
