Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl (Printable)

A warm quinoa bowl with tender apples and cinnamon for a comforting start to your morning.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
03 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Fruit

04 - 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced

→ Sweeteners & Spices

05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

09 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
10 - 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries
11 - Extra apple slices, for garnish (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, mix quinoa, almond milk, vanilla extract, diced apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
02 - Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally until quinoa is tender and the mixture is creamy.
03 - Remove from heat and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
04 - Divide the quinoa mixture between bowls. Top each serving with walnuts or pecans, raisins or dried cranberries, and optional apple slices. Drizzle with additional maple syrup as desired.
05 - Enjoy immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like you've been fussing over breakfast for hours.
  • The quinoa absorbs all those warm spices and apple flavors, creating a creamy texture without any cream.
  • It's naturally filling enough to power through a busy morning without the mid-morning energy crash.
02 -
  • If your apple slices are too large, they won't soften into the quinoa the way you want—dice them small and they become part of the creamy base instead of just chunky additions.
  • The exact cooking time depends on your stove; some simmers faster than others, so taste the quinoa at 15 minutes and add another minute or two if it's still crunchy.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them—you'll taste the difference immediately and they won't get soggy.
  • Stir the pot every few minutes instead of just leaving it alone; this prevents sticking and helps the apples break down evenly into the creamy base.
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