Apple Pie Oatmeal With Oat Bran & Chia – Cozy, Hearty, and Naturally Sweet

There’s something about warm apple and cinnamon that just feels like a hug. This Apple Pie Oatmeal with Oat Bran & Chia brings that same comfort to your morning, without a sugar crash. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and naturally sweetened with apples and a touch of maple syrup.

You’ll get a satisfying bowl that cooks quickly and keeps you full for hours. It’s simple enough for weekdays but special enough to make you look forward to breakfast.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Flavor that feels like dessert without being heavy—warm cinnamon, soft apples, and a hint of vanilla.
• Nutrient-dense and filling thanks to oat bran and chia seeds, which add fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Quick to make in 10–15 minutes on the stovetop with basic pantry ingredients.
• Customizable—adjust sweetness, toppings, and spices to fit your taste or diet.
• Great for meal prep and easy to reheat throughout the week without losing texture.

Ingredients

• 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are great)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup oat bran
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 3/4 to 2 cups milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened almond, oat, or soy)
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• Extra splash of milk for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the apple: Dice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. No need to peel unless you prefer it.

   Smaller pieces cook faster and blend better into the oatmeal.

2. Warm the pan: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced apple, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a tiny splash of the milk. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the apples begin to soften and smell fragrant.
3. Add the oats and liquid: Stir in the rolled oats, oat bran, chia seeds, and salt.

   Pour in 1 3/4 cups of milk and stir well to prevent clumping.

4. Simmer gently: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often. The chia seeds will start to thicken the mixture.

   If it gets too thick, add the remaining milk a little at a time.

5. Finish with flavor: When the oats are creamy and the apples are tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the vanilla and maple syrup or honey to taste.
6. Serve and top: Spoon into a bowl. Add nuts for crunch and raisins or cranberries if you like a classic apple pie vibe.

   Splash in extra milk for a looser texture.

7. Adjust and enjoy: Taste and tweak—more cinnamon, more sweetness, or a pinch more salt can make the flavors pop.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen. Stir well as it heats to restore creaminess.
• Freeze: Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with extra liquid.
• Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and portion into jars.

  Add fresh toppings right before serving for best texture.

Why This is Good for You

• High in fiber: Oat bran and chia seeds deliver both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer.
• Stable energy: The combo of whole grains, healthy fats, and protein helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Heart-friendly: Oats provide beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber linked to healthy cholesterol levels.
• Micronutrient boost: Apples add vitamin C and antioxidants; chia seeds bring omega-3s; nuts add magnesium and crunch.
• Lightly sweetened: The apple offers natural sweetness, so you can use less added sugar.

What Not to Do

• Don’t crank the heat. High heat can scorch the milk and make the oats gluey. Keep it low and stir often.
• Don’t skip the salt. A tiny pinch enhances all the flavors, even in sweet recipes.
• Don’t add chia too late. Chia needs a few minutes to hydrate and thicken the oatmeal properly.
• Don’t walk away. Oat bran thickens quickly. Stay close and stir to avoid clumps and sticking.
• Don’t over-sweeten early. Add sweetener at the end.

  The flavor intensifies as it cools.

Alternatives

• Apple swaps: Use pears for a softer, floral twist, or frozen apple slices when fresh apples aren’t great.
• Spice variations: Try apple pie spice, cardamom, or a pinch of ground ginger for warmth.
• Grain options: Use quick oats for faster cooking or steel-cut oats for chewier texture (increase liquid and cooking time accordingly).
• Milk choices: Almond, soy, oat, or dairy milk all work. For extra richness, use half milk, half water.
• Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, date syrup, or mashed banana. Or go sugar-free and rely on the apple.
• Toppings: Toasted walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
• Protein boost: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of unflavored protein powder at the end, thinning with milk as needed.

FAQ

Can I make this overnight?

Yes.

Combine the oats, oat bran, chia, milk, cinnamon, and salt in a jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, warm gently on the stove with diced apple and a splash more milk, then add vanilla and sweetener.

What if I don’t have oat bran?

Use more rolled oats in its place, or add 1–2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for extra fiber. The texture will be slightly less silky but still delicious.

How do I prevent gummy oatmeal?

Use enough liquid, keep the heat low, and stir frequently.

If it thickens too fast, add milk gradually and keep it moving so the bran and chia don’t clump.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

You can, but they need more time and liquid. Use 1/2 cup steel-cut oats with 2 1/2 to 3 cups liquid, simmer 20–30 minutes, and add chia in the last 10 minutes.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be. Use a plant-based milk and maple syrup.

Skip honey if you’re keeping it strictly vegan.

What apple variety works best?

Crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely.

Can I make it in the microwave?

Yes. Combine everything except vanilla and sweetener in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook 2 minutes, stir, then cook in 30–45 second bursts until creamy.

Stir in vanilla and sweetener at the end.

Wrapping Up

This Apple Pie Oatmeal with Oat Bran & Chia is simple, cozy, and balanced. It brings the flavors of a classic dessert into a nourishing breakfast you can make any day of the week. Keep it basic or dress it up with nuts, yogurt, or extra fruit.

Either way, you’ll have a warm bowl that’s satisfying, wholesome, and easy to love.