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cinnamon apple quinoa breakfast bowl

Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

This cinnamon apple quinoa breakfast bowl is a cozy, protein-packed way to start your day. Warm quinoa is simmered in milk, topped with cinnamon-sautéed apples, a drizzle of maple syrup, and crunchy nuts. Comforting, healthy, and filling.
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Prep Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 2 Bowls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American-inspired, Healthy
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups milk or almond milk or half water, half milk
  • 2 medium apples Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, diced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Step 1 – Rinse the Quinoa
  1. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to remove bitterness.
Step 2 – Cook the Quinoa
  1. In a medium saucepan, add rinsed quinoa, milk, and a small pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
Step 3 – Cook the Cinnamon Apples
  1. While quinoa simmers, heat butter or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with maple syrup. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften and caramelize slightly.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bowl
  1. Spoon warm quinoa into bowls. Top with cinnamon apples, chopped nuts, and a little more maple syrup if you like. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use dairy-free milk for a vegan version.
  • Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala work best since they keep their shape.
  • You can batch-cook quinoa ahead of time and reheat with milk for faster weekday breakfasts.