I absolutely love this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe because it feels indulgent and fresh all at once—kind of like having a warm slice of apple pie for breakfast, but without the guilt or the crust! It’s such a comforting start to the day, especially when autumn rolls in, but honestly, I find myself making it year-round. The apples get beautifully tender and fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the creamy tang of plain yogurt keeps you feeling nourished and satisfied.
When I first tried this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe, I was amazed by how simple it was to prepare yet packed with flavor and texture. You’ll find that it’s perfect for busy mornings when you want something quick but still special. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some fruit, nuts, and protein—all in one bowl. Trust me, once you try it, your breakfast routine will never be the same!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy mornings.
- Warm & Comforting: The stewed cinnamon apples make this a cozy treat even on chilly days.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Combines fruit, protein-rich yogurt, and crunchy nuts for a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite apple varieties or nuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe blend harmoniously, creating a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. I recommend choosing fresh, crisp apples and good quality plain yogurt to really bring this dish to life.
- Sweet apple: I love using Honeycrisp or Gala for their natural sweetness and firm texture—it holds up nicely while cooking.
- Raw sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the fruit’s natural flavor.
- Golden raisins: They plump up during cooking and add little bursts of chewiness and sweetness.
- Cinnamon: The star spice of the dish, it brings warmth and depth to the apples.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the spice profile and adds complexity.
- 0% fat plain yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness perfectly and keeps the dish light.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: I like walnuts for their slight bitterness, but pecans bring a buttery sweetness—both add a great crunch.
Variations
I love to switch up this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you can make it your own!
- Use different apple varieties: Pink Lady apples offer a sharper tang, while Fuji apples are extra sweet. I’ve found mixing two varieties adds lovely depth.
- Swap dried fruit: Try dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of golden raisins for a twist on sweetness and texture.
- Try flavored yogurt: While plain works best to highlight the apples, a vanilla or honey-flavored yogurt adds a gentle sweetness I sometimes crave.
- Nut-free option: If nuts aren’t your thing, toasted coconut flakes provide a nice crunch that’s just as satisfying.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Gently stew the apples with warm spices
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your chosen apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into a small pot along with raw sugar, golden raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and about ¼ cup of water. Cover the pot, then cook over low heat for about 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—stir occasionally to prevent sticking and watch for the apples to become tender but not mushy. When they’re soft and the liquid has mostly evaporated, remove from heat and let the mixture cool. I discovered that cooking the apples gently brings out their natural sweetness without turning them into sauce, preserving lovely texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy yogurt.
Step 2: Assemble your yogurt bowls
Divide the plain yogurt between two medium bowls. Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples over the top, making sure each bowl gets plenty of those golden raisins. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans. This simple layering means you get every element in every bite—sweet, creamy, crunchy, and spiced. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
- Choose crisp apples: I learned the hard way that waxy or mealy apples don’t stew well—they get mushy or bland, so go fresh and firm.
- Cook low and slow: Keeping the heat low prevents the sugar from burning and lets the spices infuse gently into the apples.
- Cool before topping: Adding warm stewed apples to the yogurt can make it watery and runny—cool the fruit fully to keep your bowl creamy.
- Add nuts last: Adding nuts right before serving ensures they stay crunchy instead of soft or soggy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to chopped walnuts or pecans because they add a nutty crunch that plays beautifully against the creamy yogurt and tender apples. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sprinkle a bit of toasted coconut flakes or a few chia seeds on top for extra texture and nutrition. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup is a subtle but delicious touch if you like it sweeter.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe stands perfectly on its own as a complete breakfast, but if you want a little something extra, pairing it with whole-grain toast or a soft-boiled egg always rounds out the meal nicely. When I’m serving this to guests, I love adding a hot cup of chai tea or coffee to complement the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this recipe in clear glass bowls or small mason jars so the layers shine through—it looks like an elegant parfait! Adding a cinnamon stick garnish or a sprig of fresh mint lifts it visually and aromatically. For a brunch party, setting out toppings like toasted nuts, shredded coconut, and drizzles of honey lets everyone customize their bowl, turning it into a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), you can store the stewed apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt separate and assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing the whole bowl because yogurt texture can change, but you can freeze the cooked apples alone. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and give them a quick warm-up on the stove before adding to fresh yogurt.
Reheating
When reheating your cinnamon spiced apples, use low heat and stir gently to warm them evenly—avoid microwaving for too long as the fruit may break down too much. Always cool them fully before adding to yogurt to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?
Absolutely! While plain yogurt keeps the focus on the cinnamon-spiced apples, using vanilla or honey-flavored yogurt can add a sweet twist. Just keep in mind that flavored yogurts may make the dish a bit sweeter overall.
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What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work wonderfully because they soften nicely without turning to mush. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples to maintain pleasant texture.
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Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Swap the plain yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond milk yogurt, and replace the nuts with seeds if preferred. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
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How do I avoid watery yogurt bowls?
Cooling the cooked apples completely before adding them to the yogurt helps prevent moisture from thinning the yogurt too much. Also, stir gently and serve promptly for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen for its simplicity, comforting flavor, and nourishing qualities. It feels like a cozy hug disguised as breakfast, perfect for starting your day on a delicious, wholesome note. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, packed with texture, and leaves you smiling after every bite, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls, a wholesome and comforting breakfast or snack option that combines the natural sweetness of simmered apples and raisins with creamy fat-free yogurt, topped with crunchy nuts for texture and flavor. This recipe gives you all the cozy taste of apple pie without the crust, making it a light yet satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Fruit and Spice Mixture
- 1 sweet apple (peeled, cored, seeded, and diced, such as Honey Crisp or Gala)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
Yogurt and Toppings
- 2 cups 0% fat Stonyfield plain yogurt
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Cook the Apple Mixture: Place the diced apple, raw sugar, and golden raisins into a small pot. Add 1/4 cup water and sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Cover the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture is fragrant, about 16 to 18 minutes.
- Cool the Apple Mixture: Remove the pot from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the plain yogurt evenly between two medium-sized bowls. Spoon the cooled apple and raisin mixture evenly over the yogurt in each bowl.
- Add the Nuts: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of each bowl for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy these cinnamon apple yogurt bowls right away for the best combination of creamy and warm fruit flavors.
Notes
- These Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls are like having apple pie for breakfast, without the crust!
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans with your preferred nuts or seeds for different textures.
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, adjust the raw sugar amount or add a drizzle of honey.
- Use any firm, crisp apple variety for the best texture and natural sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 31.5 g
- Sodium: 161 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12.5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
