Crisp apples, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness turn basic oats into something that tastes suspiciously like dessert… but still counts as breakfast. It’s cozy, comforting, and exactly what you want on a chilly morning camping.
I didn’t set out to make apple pie oatmeal.
This is more of a “what do I do with these apples before they go bad” situation that turned into something I keep making over and over again.
And here’s the part that’s going to annoy people who like things very precise: every time I make this it’s a little bit different.
When the weather is colder and I’m feeling like cozy is required, I will cook the apples in a pan while I simmer the oats. Softer, more traditional, whatever. Also when I’m willing to clean more then one dish let’s be honest.
Sometimes I will toss the apples in the pan first with butter and the spices and cook them while I sip my coffee and then add in the oats.
But when spring and summer come in I often find myself liking the contrast better this way. Warm, creamy oats with cold, crisp apples on top. A drizzle of maple syrup, a pat of butter, the crunch of the walnuts and a dusting of spices. It works.
When we’re camping, I usually lean this direction too. It’s just easier to set up an oatmeal bar and let everyone build their own bowl so they can manage whatever food phase they’re currently in.
And honestly, that’s probably the real version of this recipe.
Not one perfect method, just a solid base you can tweak depending on the weather, your mood, and how many dishes you feel like dealing with that morning.
🍎 Spiced Apple Pie Oatmeal – FAQs
Nope. Leave the skins on for less prep and more texture.
Yes this stores very well if you do the cooked apples version. If you chop the apples ahead of time for the fresh version add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent browning. I never do this but if you have a huge amount of people you are cooking for you could.
Yes—if you are feeling extra decadent top with half and half or heavy cream. It’s delicious.
Usually yes, but you can always add a little extra maple syrup if needed. You could also use canned apple pie filling if you wanted this to be super dessert like.
🍽️ More Cozy Camping Breakfast Ideas
🫐 Berry Almond Crunch Oatmeal – Sweet, crunchy, and quick to make
🍓 Strawberries & Cream Oatmeal – Fresh, creamy, and super easy
🥞 Blackberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast – Get yourself engaged with this camp breakfast
🥐 Hot Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches – Savory, melty, and campfire-ready
🥓 Extra Crispy Hash Browns – Because every breakfast deserves something crispy
Spiced Apple Pie Oatmeal (Cozy Campfire Breakfast)
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups water
- dash of sea salt
Toppings
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons butter
- splash of milk
Instructions
- Add oats, milk, water and salt to a medium nonstick saucepan over medium high heat.
- Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes; stirring regularly.
- Your oatmeal is ready when the oats have soaked up most of the milk, and are creamy.
- Top with apples, walnuts, apple pie spice, a pat of butter, drizzle of maple syrup and a splash of milk (if desired). If you want it extra decadent use half and half or heavy cream.
