Fruit and Maple Oatmeal Recipe

This comforting Fruit and Maple Oatmeal Recipe transforms quick-cooking oats into a creamy, cafe-style breakfast in just under two minutes. Swirled with rich half-and-half and amber maple syrup, it is topped with a mosaic of crisp apples and chewy dried fruits for a texture-packed bowl that makes waking up on a cold morning utterly delightful for the whole family.

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Fruit and Maple Oatmeal Ingredients

The Creamy Base:

1/2 cup Quick-Cooking Oatmeal: The key to a speedy breakfast; they absorb liquid instantly.
1 cup Hot Water: Not boiling, just hot enough to soften the oats without turning them into glue.
2 tbsp Half-and-Half: Adds a luxurious, milky richness that water alone lacks.
1/4 tsp Salt: Essential for bringing out the nutty flavor of the oats.
1 tsp Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup provides earthy sweetness.

The Fruit Toppings:

2 tbsp Brown Sugar: Melts into pools of caramel on top.
1 tbsp each Chopped Red Delicious & Granny Smith Apple: A mix of sweet and tart crunch.
Dried Fruit Medley: 1 tsp raisins, 1 tsp white (golden) raisins, and 1/2 tsp Craisins (dried cranberries) for chewy, sweet bursts.

How To Make Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Build the Base: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats, hot water, salt, and half-and-half. Stir briefly to ensure the oats are submerged.
Microwave: Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for exactly 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, or the oatmeal will become gummy and stiff. It should be creamy and spoonable.
Sweeten: Remove the hot bowl from the microwave. Immediately drizzle in the maple syrup while the oats are steaming. Stir slowly and gently to ripple the syrup throughout the creamy mixture.
Garnish: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top; let it sit for a few seconds to start melting. Arrange the dark raisins, white raisins, Craisins, and chopped fresh apples over the sugar.
Serve: Enjoy immediately while the apples are crisp and the oats are warm.

Recipe Tips

Water Temp: Using hot tap water instead of boiling water helps the quick oats maintain some texture. Boiling water can break them down too fast, leading to mush.
Apple Prep: Chop the apples into small, uniform cubes (about 1/4 inch) so you get a bit of crunch in every bite without overwhelming the soft oats.
Creaminess Adjustment: If you prefer a thinner oatmeal, stir in an extra splash of half-and-half after microwaving.
Toasting the Oats: For a deeper flavor, you can briefly toast the dry oats in a pan for 1 minute before adding the liquid, though this adds time to a quick recipe.

What To Serve With Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Toast: A slice of buttered whole wheat toast adds a savory crunch.
Hard Boiled Egg: Adds protein to round out the meal.
Coffee: A light roast complements the maple and fruit notes.
Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds protein and tang.

How To Store Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Refrigerate: Oatmeal is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for 1 day. It will solidify into a block.
Reheat: Stir in 2 tablespoons of water or milk and microwave for 30-60 seconds to loosen it up.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for prepared quick oats.

Fruit and Maple Oatmeal Nutrition Facts

Calories: 210 kcal
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated per bowl.

FAQs

Can I use Old Fashioned Rolled Oats?

Yes, but you must increase the cooking time. Rolled oats typically need 2-3 minutes in the microwave and may require slightly more liquid.

Is this gluten-free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but often processed in facilities with wheat. To be safe, ensure your package of oats is certified gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of water?

Absolutely. Using all milk (or almond milk) instead of water makes for an incredibly rich, pudding-like oatmeal, but watch for boil-overs in the microwave.