This Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa is a healthy & gluten-free option for starting your day! Fiber- and protein-packed so it will keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long!
Is there anything better than the smell of apples and cinnamon cooking?
Whether you’re baking an apple pie or making homemade applesauce, the smell is addicting. It will drift from your kitchen into every corner of your house, filling the space with warmth and comfort. It’s one of my favorite things and I look forward to that smell every year.
Luckily for us, that luxurious smell isn't just reserved for baking and dessert. Today I'm going to show you how to make a decadent (and surprisingly simple) quinoa breakfast recipe that combines apples and cinnamon to make an amazing seasonal treat!
When I was little, my mom always used to make homemade applesauce. Growing up in Vermont, we’re spoiled with our apples. They’re the best (I may be biased but still…) and every year around this time, we would go apple picking.
We’d fill our bags to the brim, picking different varieties and tasting each along the way, knowing full well we’d be going home to make applesauce.
My mom's chunky applesauce is something I will always remember, and I can't wait to make it for my kids one day. (love you, Mom ????)
To this day, I’m still a total apple girl. I eat an apple every single day, telling myself I’m most certainly healthier for it, but really it’s because of the taste that I continue to eat them day after day.
I love that apples are sweet, but in their own way. They’re just ever so tart, juicy and crispy, pretty much everything that constitutes the perfect snack. Plus, they’re good for you!
Apples are high in fiber which helps regulate digestion, they’re detoxifying, they help boost your immune system AND they can even help lower your risk of some scary diseases like diabetes, pancreatic cancer and heart disease.
Like the saying goes, “An apple a day [really does] keep the doctor away.”
I often find myself also eating apples for breakfast. I like the way I feel starting my day with lots of fiber, but an apple by itself would never do the trick. Sometimes it’s peanut butter, sometimes it’s in a smoothie, but recently it’s been this bowl of deliciousness…
Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa!
A one-pot wonder that uses just 5 ingredients and tastes like a slice of apple pie! (mixed with my mom's applesauce)
This breakfast quinoa is out of this world delicious and could not be easier to make!
Basically, it’s a combination of making homemade applesauce and quinoa. You add water, quinoa, apples into a pot and cook it until they’re soft and then stir in some cinnamon. One pot, little to no mess, just a crazy awesome breakfast recipe!
Not only is this packed with fiber, but we’re getting protein from the quinoa, and a little fat from the peanut butter I stirred in (how could I resist?!). It’s a balanced breakfast that will leave you feeling full and satisfied all morning long.
More Quinoa Breakfast Recipes
- Savory Pesto Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
- 5-Minute Chai Spiced Breakfast Quinoa
- Caramelized Butternut Squash Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
- 5-minute Savory Breakfast Quinoa
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Breakfast Parfait
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast
Instructions
- Peel and core both apples. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Add quinoa, water and apples to a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to simmer for 20 - 25 minutes. The apples will be soft and the quinoa will have absorbed the water.
- Stir in cinnamon and transfer mixture to two bowls.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with additional cinnamon (if desired). And enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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Wow! This recipe has been floating around the web for 9 years and we are still discovering and enjoying it. Just made this and it is delicious. I added vanilla and some vegan honey for sweetener. Thanks so much!
This recipe is such a winner, I am glad it is still going strong! Thank you so much for leaving a review, Kristen☺️
One of my favourites. I keep leftovers for three days. Adding a bit of non dairy milk ups it. Even my husband eats it!
Instead of water, have you tried using almond milk? Or another milk substitute?
I usually add milk to my bowl after it’s finished for a cereal like meal 🙂 but you could definitely cook with milk instead of water
A delicious, easy, filling, and comforting alternative to oatmeal. Thank you!
I’m surprised my husband liked this!! I added cranberries and nuts for texture and taste!! Wonderful healthy breakfast!!! Thanks for sharing!
If I add PB2 powder at what stage should I add it?
We have not tried this recipe with PB2 powder but let us know your results if you try it!
I skipped the honey because I am not a fan of sweet breakfasts and it was perfect! Tasty and filling.
I use apple juice instead of water. It brought out more apple taste.
I was wandering how long you can leave in refrigerator? Love quinoa, apples.
Love the idea of using apple juice! I would say a day or two!
This is my new favorite breakfast. I add golden raisins to it and instead of honey, I drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup. Sooooo good!
I’m so glad you like it! Thank you!!
I’ve made this several times. This weekend I added raw diced ginger. Turned out great! Ginger adds a little zip & some health benefits.
Hi! Just wondering if you thought this would work with Fonio? I have it and am trying to find a way to use it
I’m not sure what that is, but after googling it, I bet it would!
It’s snowing out and I was in the mood for something sweet. I used sugar free vanilla coffee syrup instead of honey…omg, fantastic
OMG that sounds amazing!!!
I have a question about the cinnamon apple breakfast quinoa can you make that ahead of time and just reheat when ready
You sure can!
Hi there! Thank you for this delicious sounding recipe! I am making this tomorrow and am so excited about it! Quick question (maybe silly and obvious, so I apologize now!) The calories that are listed (287) is the per serving or for the 2 servings combined? 🙂
Hi! That’s per serving 🙂 Excited for you to make it!
do you HAVE to peel the apples? is it ok to modify the recipe to make one serving at a time?
you don’t have to, but I prefer to! And yes, you can definitely modify to just make one serving.
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This is also really delicious drizzled with Trader Joe’s vanilla bean infused maple syrup!
OH YUM! Sounds fab!
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Such a great fall recipe! Pinning for my meal prep next week! I have a random question… where did you get those beautiful bowls that are photographed in these pictures? If you have an affiliate link, please share. I’d be happy to buy them and support you/your site. 🙂
Woohoo!! Hope you love it! And I actually made those bowls in pottery class 😉 but THANK YOU!
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Isn’t this bad for a diabetic to eat ? The Carbs are awful
There are definitely carbs in this recipe! But I don’t think I mentioned anywhere that this was good for diabetics 🙂
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Have you done this in an instant pot? Would it be faster? Can you make a bulk batch & reheat?
I haven’t! Quinoa won’t cook much faster in an IP with the pressure up and release times. But you can totally make a big batch and reheat!
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Could this be done overnight in a crockpot?
I think so, yes! I haven’t tested it, but I’d say just cook it similarly and maybe add a bit more water.
I do this also!! But I cook a big batch of quinoa. Keep it in the fridge. In the morning I chop an unpeeled Apple and pop it in the microbe. 2 minutes!, when it is done dust it with cinnamon add the cold quinoa and maybe a few pecans!! Talk about a powerhouse of protein and fiber!!!!!! YUM!
FABULOUS!!! So happy 🙂
Is there an adjustment if I wanted to make this in an instant pot?
I haven’t tried it in the IP, so I’m not sure. Sorry!
Delicious! I opted to exchange the extra 1/2 cup of water for a half cup of milk to add a little creaminess. I also added dried cranberries in as well. Thank you for the inspiration! Definitely will make again.
Sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Literally eating this at this moment for the first time. I love oatmeal and this is just like it but alkaline friendly. I did add a little ginger and lemon zest to the pot and added almond butter with the honey. Thank you for sharing this awesomeness!!:)
Mmmm love those additions!! So glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
I keep cooked quinoa in the fridge at all times. Making it in my Instant Pot isn’t that much faster than on the stove top but it’s hands off and turns out perfectly fluffy every time. I’ll make this by cooking the apples and adding the premade quinoa towards the end.
Love that!!
I added some chia seeds
Sounds amazing!
This looks amazing!! Do you think it would be just as delicious with buckwheat groats?
Absolutely!
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Quinoa’s found its way into my salads, my soups, and now my breakfast bowls for the week!
Yay so great!
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Hello there! I was curious on how this freezes?
I think you could freeze it!
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So delicious!!! Everyone in the family loves it!!!
Have you ever Pre made it and frozen it by any chance?
YAY! That makes me so happy to hear 🙂 And yes, I think you could totally freeze it!
Hi what kind of apples would you recommend? Thanks!
Truthfully, any! I would just say whatever kind you like best 🙂
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I’m always looking for healthy recipes so I thought I would give it ago this morning. I would definitely have this for breakfast again. I think I’ll cook it the night before and just warm it in the microwave the next day. This was my first time ever trying quinoa so thank you for the recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I think it would be delicious with lots of other flavors as well 🙂
Hello. I had tried this recipe this morning. It was quick & easy but I feel like I missed an ingredient. It was bland. I used pure honey with cinnamon. It was my first time using quinoa. Definitely an acquired taste. I’m going to still try different recipes using it!!! Thanks????
Hmm I’ve never had that issue. Maybe add some more cinnamon or maple next time! 🙂
Had some this morning. Added a splash of milk & my favorite Fiber One original for more texture. I used only one apple but still turned out great. Yum! Thanks for the recipe!
Hooray! So glad you enjoyed!! 🙂 xo
So delicious!! Even easy for a midweek breakfast! I topped it with almond butter for a fix of healthy fats. Even without, it is so delicious and warming! Thank you Alyssa!
Yay!! so so glad you liked it, Ella! xx
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Cooking this now. Cant wait to try it out.
Hooray! So excited to hear how it turns out 🙂
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I would love to make this for a group that i’m entertaining for brunch. Any ideas on how to calculate the ingredients for 12??
Much appreciated!
Honestly, you can just increase the quantity of ingredients! It’s a really easy recipe to scale up 🙂
Even better with chopped walnuts added in 🙂
oh yes! Sounds divine!
Yum! I made a double batch and substituted 1 cup of apple cider for 1 cup water, added freshly grated nutmeg and used maple syrup instead of honey. Next time I will add more apple and 1tsp less cinnamon. Now the true test, to see if my girls like it. I would love to add it to their breakfast rotation.
Sounds amazing! Hope they enjoyed it 🙂
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I made with pears then mixed in maple syrup and cinnamon and topped with pomegranate seeds! So good!
Amazing! That sounds so good 🙂
Hello! I recently found out that I have a high risk for getting diabetes. Due to that, I am cutting low on carbs and sugars. I was wondering if you knew if this had a lot of carbs ?
It definitely isn’t low carb. I would do a search for “paleo porridge” for a low carb option 🙂
Thanks so much for an awesome recipe! So happy this one is a Winner with me & my quinoa loving self. I topped mine with bananas, maple syrup. Keep up the great work! ????????????
Yum yum yum!! xo
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I made this for breakfast this morning — yummy! I love vanilla so I added a touch of vanilla and some almond milk and ate it like oatmeal. An appropriate breakfast for the first day of Fall. Thank you!
Love the idea of vanilla!
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Perhaps it was the type of apples I chose, but I found it was sweet enough that I did not need to add any honey 🙂
So great to hear! 🙂
Haven’t tried this yet, but it looks yummy. I wondered if nutritional information is available?
I don’t have it calculated, but you can use a site like this to get that information: https://www.caloriecount.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php — Hope you give it a try!
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Yum! Quick and easy! Great as is or topped with nuts and/or Greek yoghurt. Berries would also be delicious. Thanks. Big thumbs up????
So glad you liked it! Love the idea of berries on top…berries make everything better 😉
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I made a double batch of this to reheat during the week, and it has worked very well. I needed a little more water and a little longer cooking time than the recipe calls for, but I used a mix of red and white quinoa. I’ve never cooked red quinoa before and I don’t know if that made a difference, but it all turned out great. It definitely needs a sweetner. I don’t care for honey, so I used Splenda. My 1 year old LOVES this. He can’t get it in his mouth fast enough! 🙂
Try Steveia to. No chemicals
Just make sure you look at the label when you’re buying stevia! There are often times a bunch of additives. A recent favorite of mine, similar to stevia, is actually monk fruit extract!
I made and served with yoghurt. Delicious.
Great recipe. I made mine with raw applesauce (apples ground up in a blender-skin on)
and sweetened with stevia. Delicious.
Will make it this morning. Thanks for a new idea.
jusjoan
I’ve been looking for new ideas for breakfast. This looks delicious! I have everything I need to make it this weekend. I wonder how well it would work if made the night before and reheated in the morning?
I think it would be fine, you might just need to add a little extra water in the morning when you heat it up 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
I make a batch and put it in individual containers. I reheat in the microwave for 45 secs before serving. Great for bringing to work for breakfast.
Love that idea! Thanks for sharing, Linda 🙂