Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal

Name: Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 4 Gala apples, (peeled and diced ); 4 cups milk or milk alternative; 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 3 tablespoons chia seeds; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; Pinch of salt; Maple syrup, (to taste (optional)); Drizzle of natural peanut butter

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Rich, creamy, and loaded with apples, this peanut butter apple oatmeal is the perfect way to start any day. It’s a fiber-rich, nutritious breakfast option with plenty of healthy fats to keep kids full for hours. Plus, it’s a quick breakfast ready in less than 30 minutes! {Dairy-free, gluten-free, and made with no added sugar}

A small bowl of peanut butter apple oatmeal with a spoon in it on a table.

Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal

We’re big on oatmeal in our family, if you haven’t noticed. We always, always, always have oats in the pantry to make overnight oats, baked oatmeal, granola bars, and more. They’re so inexpensive, good for you, and delicious!

This peanut butter apple oatmeal is a great way to send your little ones off for the day with a full stomach. The fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients will provide energy and help keep them full for hours. Plus, the flavors are so good, even picky eaters will gladly dive in. It’s the best thing for busy mornings!

If your family loves apple cinnamon, you’ll also want to check out these Apple Breakfast Bars!

A birds-eye view of a bowl of peanut butter apple oatmeal with a spoon in it on a green and white decorative plate.

Why We Love This Recipe

Formulated by a Registered Dietitian and mom of two to be nutritionally balanced for kids as young as 6 months old
One of our favorite breakfasts for apple season
Rich and creamy, but easy to make dairy-free
Packed with whole grains
Sweetened with applesauce and optional maple syrup – no brown sugar
Cooks together quickly on the stovetop
12 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber per serving
Hearty breakfast to keep kids full for hours
Great for meal prep

Ingredient Notes

Individually portioned ingredients for the peanut butter apple oatmeal.

Rolled oats: Stick with traditional rolled oats for the best texture.
Gala apples: These apples are sweet without being too tart, and soften up nicely after cooking. They’re also a great source of soluble fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Milk or milk alternative: To help the oatmeal become thick and creamy. We like whole milk or coconut milk.
Unsweetened applesauce: Either use storebought applesauce or make your own applesauce at home.
Chia seeds: For extra fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon: For that classic apple cinnamon flavor.
Pinch of salt
Maple syrup (optional): It doesn’t need much! Add a little to taste if desired.

For topping:

Drizzle of natural peanut butter: Be sure to use natural peanut butter (made with just peanuts) as it will be much easier to drizzle over the oatmeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The peanut apple oatmeal mixture boiling in a pot.

Stirring the simmering peanut butter apple oatmeal in a pan.

Add the oats, apples, milk, applesauce, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon and salt to a large skillet and stir to combine. Place the skillet over medium heat and bring to a boil.
Boil for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, then turn the heat down to low and continue to simmer and stir for 10-15 minutes or until oatmeal has thickened and apple is soft and tender.
Taste and add more milk if you prefer a creamier texture or a bit of maple syrup if you want some extra sweetness.
Divide into bowls and drizzle with natural peanut butter and other desired toppings. Serve warm.

Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

RECIPE TIPS

Be sure to stir the oatmeal frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If making this oatmeal for babies, grate the apples or chop them up very finely to ensure that they’re soft enough for babies to chew.

Recipe FAQs

Can you use instant oats instead?

Yes, just be aware that instant oats cook much faster and won’t require nearly as much cooking time.

Do you have to add sweetener?

Nope! The maple syrup is totally optional and my kids tend to eat it without the added sweetener. Feel free to skip it completely or replace it with date syrup, honey (for kids over 1 years old), or even a little regular brown sugar.

Is it safe for babies to have peanut butter?

Yes, and it’s actually important to serve it sooner than later. It’s generally recommended to introduce major allergens to babies as young as 4-6 months old unless you have a strong reason to believe they may be allergic. Introducing allergens early can actually help reduce the likelihood of major reactions later on. Just make sure to drizzle it on lightly and not offer them sticky globs of peanut butter which can get stuck to the roof of their mouth.

Storage Guidelines

Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a saucepan over medium low heat and add a little extra milk to thin it out.

A close-up of a bowl of peanut butter apple oatmeal on a table.

A bowl of apple oatmeal drizzled with peanut butter in a polka dot plate.

Serving Suggestions

This peanut butter apple oatmeal is intended to be enjoyed as a complete meal on its own. It really doesn’t need anything else! If you’d like to add some extra protein, serve it with some mini egg bites or scrambled eggs.

We also like to serve it with extra fresh fruit or a small serving of a healthy smoothie, like this tropical green smoothie or chocolate black bean smoothie.

Recipe Variations

Change the nut butter: Instead of creamy peanut butter, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Use different fruits: Firm pears are a great swap for apples and you can use pear sauce just like applesauce!
Use flavored applesauce: Grab cinnamon or caramel-flavored applesauce for an extra flavor note. So good!