Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Perfectly cozy, this apple cinnamon quinoa breakfast bowl is a delicious way to start your morning! With coconut milk quinoa, caramelized apples and crunchy pecans, it’s perfect for the fall season. Dairy free, gluten free and vegan.
The air is a changin’. Well, at least a wee bit.
And with cooler days upon us, it means that I am starting to get back in the mood for hot oatmeal in the mornings. I’ve been boycotting it pretty much all summer.
But lately – I can feel the itch. The time is coming. Oatmeal is calling my name.
But for now, I’m starting with a little transition. Ease myself gently back into the wonderful world of oatmeal. Which is where this delicious breakfast bowl comes in.
About This Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
So, let’s discuss.
We have quinoa cooked in a bit of coconut milk to add a touch of creaminess.
We have slightly caramelized apples with cinnamon and nutmeg.
And then we have some chopped pecans and a touch of coconut milk whipped cream.
All combining into one glorious breakfast.
Additional Breakfast Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Blackberry Coconut Bulgur Breakfast Bowl
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Baked Oatmeal
- Zucchini Bread Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal
- Strawberries and Cream Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Strawberries and Cream Breakfast Polenta
Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Perfectly cozy, this apple cinnamon quinoa breakfast bowl is a delicious way to start your morning! With coconut milk quinoa, caramelized apples and crunchy pecans, it’s perfect for the fall season. Dairy free, gluten free and vegan.
Ingredients
For the quinoa:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
For the apples:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 2 medium-large apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground nutmeg
For serving:
- whipped coconut cream
- chopped pecans
- sprinkle of ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg
- drizzle of pure maple syrup, if needed to sweeten
Instructions
For the quinoa:
- Add the quinoa, water and coconut milk to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, give it a stir, cover, then reduce the heat to medium-low / low and let simmer for about 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
For the apples:
- Meanwhile, set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add in the olive oil. Once hot, add in the apples, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender (and caramelized!). Remove from the heat.
To serve:
- Spoon some of the quinoa into a bowl. Top with some of the apples, whipped coconut cream, pecans and finally a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or nutmeg. If not sweet enough, drizzle with some maple syrup!
Notes
I prep all the components on the weekend when I have time and store in separate containers in the fridge. That way all you have to do is assemble and enjoy. I sometimes will add a splash of milk to the quinoa when reheating.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 357Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 5gSugar: 12gProtein: 7g
Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.
Can anyone tell me the calories and protein per serving?
Hey Kim! I’m sorry but I’m not comfortable including nutritional counts in my posts since it can vary based on the brands you use, any substitutions, etc. There are a number of online resources though that can calculate it for you.
I’m right there with you – I definitely start craving warmer breakfasts for chilly mornings. I love the flavours you’ve combined here!
Quinoa cooked in coconut milk? Yum! This totally looks like a fantastic fall breakfast!
I’m so glad you came over to the awesome side and warmed up to quinoa!! I’m still trying to get my husband to love it too! As much quinoa as I eat, I’ve never thought to eat it for breakfast, but these breakfast bowls sound amazing! And I love the tip about cooking it with some coconut milk! These bowls are going to rock my breakfast world 🙂
You know I’ve been craving oatmeal in the mornings now that it’s gotten cooler. I never thought to try a quinoa breakfast bowl, but it’s hard to say no to that creamy bite of breakfast that’s full of apples and cinnamon!
Apples and cinnamon are the best! 🙂
I love everything about this. Coconut whipped cream for breakfast may just be the best thing ever.
Gosh, everything is great about this breakfast!! Best restock my quinoa supplies 😉
I can just imagine the flavorful goodness of this breakfast bowl.
I’m “crazy” because I eat hot oatmeal all year round. I can’t stop craving it. I switch it up once in a while and this is the kind of thing I should try. Familiar yet different. I’m going apple picking this weekend, weather permitting, and I’ll be ready to use up some of those apples. Happy Fall!
Oooo I can’t wait to go apple picking this year!
I LOVE breakfast quinoa, but I really like your twist on it with the apples and cinnamon.
This may just be my new favorite breakfast – everything about it looks and sounds perfect! I love quinoa for breakfast and apple cinnamon is the best! Pinned 🙂
Oh wow wow! I see this as 3 layers of perfection. The apples sound deliciously warming and so gently spicy! The coconut is just the best idea. I would of had so much left over quinoa today if I hadn’t accidentally poured half a container of salt into it! (stupid lids!!) I can’t wait to try this the next time I have some on hand!
Oh no! I hate when I do stuff like that!
Girl, you are speaking my language! This is what it’s alllll about this time of year. I need this for breakfast today! I think it’d be a great way to celebrate the first day of fall. 🙂
Yes! Yay for fall!
Hahaha don’t you hate it when your siblings are right and you have to admit defeat? Those darn siblings! This is one heck of a breakfast!
Oh I sure do haha It pains me to admit defeat! 🙂
I’m one of those weird people who likes the weather super hot and enjoys the days where I sweat from just walking outside (LOL)…in my eyes it’s better than the alternative I guess!! Love this breakfast bowl – so healthy but so good!
haha I’m always amazed when people like the hot weather! I almost wish I did so I didn’t complain so much in the summer! 🙂
I’m so with you! I’m totally getting back on the oatmeal train, and this would be the perfect way to start! Loving this!
You always make quinoa look so good. I am not a huge fan myself. It is a texture thing for me. But I think it is neat how your sister transformed you!!
I SO want to try breakfast quinoa! I think you just convinced me with these gorgeous bowls. Love love all those gorgeous apples and nuts! Pinned. 🙂
Thanks Sarah! You definitely should! It’s a great way to change up breakfast!
This looks like a wonderful breakfast, so warm and comforting! This would taste so good after one of my cold morning runs!
What an incredibly cozy yet indulgent recipe. LOVE the coconut. This is about to become my new favorite weekend breakfast!
Thanks Cheryl!
You can’t be a food blogger and not like quinoa! At least, not in my book.
It’s a good thing you changed your mind because this looks all kinds of fabulous. Seriously, I wish I could reach through the screen and grab a bite!
haha guess it is a good thing I changed my mind!! 🙂
The weather is changing here in the Midwest too, it goes from cold in the morning (when a bowl of this deliciousness would perfect!) to nice in the evenings…definitely will need to incorporate this dish to help with the transition 🙂
I switched to overnight oats and smoothies too during the summer and just got back into warm apple oatmeal last week again. This apple cinnamon quinoa bowl sounds like a great way to change it up – it looks amazing!!! I love that dollop of coconut whipped cream with the caramelized apples – this sounds like the perfect fall breakfast right here!
This must be very good!
I love the combination of flavours, Ashley. This is one perfect fall breakfast bowl.
Oh gosh, look at all the amazing things in this breakfast bowl! So yum. I am in love with everything apple cinnamon flavored right now. And I’m so excited for fall weather! This is a wonderful way to start fall mornings. 🙂
Same here – I cannot get enough of them!
YUM!! What a great recipe for fall!! I love it!! love the photography (as usual)! So nice! Also, coconut whipped cream?? What a fun idea! 🙂
Thanks so much Cailee!
I still haven’t given quinoa a try for breakfast, but I think you have me convinced with this breakfast bowl!
Oh why couldn’t I have had this for breakfast today? I’ve been lazy about making special breakfast food lately, and I’ve really been craving apples! I love breakfast quinoa, so this is calling my name…and that coconut whipped cream is killing it! 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever tried cinnamon and nutmeg with quinoa! What a brilliant idea! Glad your sis got you hooked!
I love the crisp, cool fall air. It finally started arriving here in Florida and I love it. I would also love to start the day with a big bowl of this apple quinoa. Happy Monday, Ashley!
I’ve been off the hot oatmeal all summer too but I was just thinking this morning how good it sounded with the chill in the air! I’ve been a die hard quinoa fan since I first heard of it and love it every which way….I’ve gotta try it in a breakfast bowl!
I know! I still haven’t made any oatmeal yet but it’s coming!
This is awesome Ashley! I have never tried quinoa…I think this just might be the recipe to get me cooking!
That dollop of coconut whipped cream is everything. Sounds amazing with the roasted apples.
I think it may be my favorite part 🙂
Ok, I am definitely going to have to try this. I haven’t yet tried a sweet quinoa recipe and this one looks amazing!
Do ittttt! haha 🙂
What a great breakfast for the fall, Ashley! I’m loving that you used quinoa in here. I haven’t tried it as an oatmeal yet, though I’ve wanted to…so now I have the perfect recipe! Pinned!
It’s a nice, sorta slight change from oatmeal!
This breakfast bowl is lovely! Definitely digging the quinoa!