Cinnamon Apple Tahini Oatmeal Bowl
Looking for a comforting and nourishing breakfast that doesn't skimp on flavor? This Tahini Oatmeal brings together gently spiced apples, creamy tahini, and wholesome grains for a cozy, satisfying start to your day. It's sweetened with fruit and maple syrup, loaded with fiber, and totally plant-based.
Oats and tahini might not be the most traditional combination, but they're surprisingly delicious together. The warm, earthy richness of sesame tahini pairs beautifully with sweet cinnamon apples, making this a great alternative to nut butter-based oatmeal bowls.
This post is sponsored by The Soulfull Project.
This recipe starts with fresh apples sautéed in coconut oil, cinnamon, and cardamom until soft and golden. The oats are cooked in nondairy milk with tahini for a creamy texture, and then everything is combined for a warming, flavor-packed bowl that's ready in 15 minutes.
It's an ideal weekday breakfast when you want something quick, comforting, and energizing. Plus, toppings like pomegranate seeds, pecans, and extra tahini add texture and customizable flavor.
I'm so excited to partner with The Soulfull Project for this recipe. They're a hot cereal start-up with a mission-driven focus. For every serving purchased, they donate one of their 4 Grain Blends to a regional food bank. These hot cereals taste good, too. Each is made with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like steel cut oats, rye, quinoa, flax, chia, dried fruit and seeds. All flavors are naturally gluten-free, too!
Ingredients
This oatmeal bowl uses everyday pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. You'll need a fresh apple, ground cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, and coconut oil to sauté the fruit. For the base, you'll cook whole grain oats in almond milk (or your favorite nondairy option) and stir in tahini and a pinch of salt. Toppings like pomegranate, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup add visual appeal and crunch.
Substitutions
- Oats: If you don't have The Soulfull Project cereal, substitute with rolled oats or a multigrain hot cereal blend. Adjust liquid and cooking time as needed.
- Tahini: Swap with almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter if preferred.
- Coconut Oil: Use olive oil or butter for a different flavor.
- Fruit: Pears, bananas, or berries work well in place of apples.
- Toppings: Use whatever you have-try hemp seeds, chopped almonds, dried fruit, or yogurt.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a small saucepan with a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture. For best results, add fresh toppings just before serving.
FAQ
Yes-tahini adds a creamy texture and subtle sesame flavor that pairs beautifully with oats, especially in sweet-spiced bowls like this one. It also adds fats and protein, making your breakfast more satisfying.
Avoid overly acidic ingredients (like vinegar or some citrus juices), which can curdle dairy or nondairy milk.
Absolutely. Tahini is rich in minerals and fats, making it a nourishing addition to your morning meal. It blends well into oats, smoothies, and toast toppings.
Tahini is versatile-it pairs well with oats, roasted vegetables, salads, fruits like apples and bananas, and sauces or dressings. In sweet recipes, it complements flavors like cinnamon, maple syrup, and dates.
📖 Recipe
Cinnamon Apple Tahini Oatmeal Bowl
Ingredients
Warm Cinnamon Apples:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped into cubes (about 1 ⅓ cups)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/16 teaspoon cardamom
Oatmeal:
- 1 ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk (or water or any milk of choice)
- ⅔ cup The Soulfull Project Hearty Grains & Seeds Cereal or dry rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- Salt
Optional Toppings:
- Pomegranate arils
- Chopped pecans
- Tahini
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare apples:
- Melt coconut oil in saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in apples, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until tender. Remove cooked apples from saucepan and set aside.
Prepare oatmeal:
- Pour almond milk or water into same saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Hearty Grains & Seeds cereal, tahini, and salt. Cook 4 minutes, or until oats soften to desired consistency. Stir in half of the cooked apples.
Serve:
- Transfer cooked cereal mixture to bowls and top with remaining apples.
- Top with pomegranate, pecans, tahini, maple syrup, and cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a small pot with a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture. For best results, add fresh toppings just before serving.
