Go Back
A close-up of a warm quinoa breakfast bowl topped with cinnamon apples, pecans, and a dollop of yogurt.

Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa

Start your day with a warm, comforting bowl of Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa. Fluffy quinoa cooked with aromatic cinnamon, topped with tender, caramelized apples, and a hint of maple sweetness – a wholesome and delicious way to fuel your morning.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cinnamon Quinoa
  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked, rinsed
  • 1.5 cups water or milk (dairy/non-dairy)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • pinch salt
For the Caramelized Apples
  • 2 medium apples e.g., Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, cored and diced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar packed (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey or to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans toasted
  • splash milk or cream

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Small non-stick skillet
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Cinnamon Quinoa
  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove saponins, which can cause a bitter taste.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa, water (or milk), 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa appears tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
  4. Fluff the cooked quinoa gently with a fork.
Cook the Caramelized Apples
  1. While the quinoa is simmering, prepare the apples. Heat the butter or coconut oil in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced apples to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar (if using) and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon with the apples. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Divide the fluffy cinnamon quinoa into individual serving bowls.
  2. Spoon the warm caramelized cinnamon apples generously over the quinoa in each bowl.
  3. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, and sprinkle with toasted chopped nuts if desired. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to each serving.
  4. Serve immediately and savor your wholesome Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa.

Notes

For an even creamier texture, cook the quinoa entirely in milk (dairy or non-dairy). You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the quinoa while it cooks for extra fiber and omega-3s. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore consistency.