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Cinnamon Apple Crumble Protein Oatmeal - Cozy, Filling, and Packed With Protein

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats or steel-cut)
  • Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored; whey or plant-based)
  • Milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
  • Water
  • Apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for tartness)
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup or honey (or your preferred sweetener)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein and creaminess)
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • Chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for fiber and omega-3s)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Coconut oil or butter (for the crumble)

Method
 

  1. Prep the apples: Core and dice 1 medium apple into small cubes. Leave the skin on for extra fiber, or peel if you prefer a softer texture.
  2. Make the apple filling: Warm a small skillet over medium heat with 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter. Add the diced apple, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Add 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup if you like them sweeter. Set aside.
  3. Toast the crumble: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons chopped nuts, 1 tablespoon rolled oats, and a pinch of cinnamon. Toast over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup and a tiny bit of oil or butter if needed. Remove from heat so it stays crunchy.
  4. Cook the oats: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and thickened.
  5. Add flavor: Stir in 1/2–1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Adjust to taste.
  6. Stir in protein: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk 1/2 scoop to 1 scoop protein powder with a splash of milk in a small cup to make a smooth slurry, then stir it into the hot oats. Add more milk as needed to keep it creamy. Taste and sweeten with 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey if desired.
  7. Optional boosters: Stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra fiber. Let sit 1 minute to thicken.
  8. Assemble: Spoon the protein oatmeal into a bowl. Top with the warm cinnamon apples, then sprinkle the nut-oat crumble over the top.
  9. Finish: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you like. Dust with more cinnamon for a cozy finish.