Applesauce Oatmeal (Gluten free)

Mornings run smoothly with this Applesauce Oatmeal recipe. It is such an easy make-ahead breakfast and is the perfect way to use up leftover applesauce! Made with minimal pantry staples, this gluten free oatmeal recipe is loaded with fruit and good-for-you ingredients, and can easily be doubled, which makes it a great meal-prep idea for your week.

This applesauce oatmeal recipe is super quick for meal prep and so simple to make! It’ll keep you feeling full for ages. This cozy oatmeal makes a yummy afternoon snack, plus, you could have it for dessert, too!

Dive into my round-up of favorite Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes, plus, don’t skip my Banana Bread Overnight Oats, or this High Protein Overnight Oats Recipe. Need more oatmeal recipes? These Overnight Oatmeal Bars (Gluten Free) are INCREDIBLE and you might want to try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE RECIPE

I love that everything gets cooked in 1 pot for this Applesauce Oatmeal recipe – leaving me hardly any washing up! It’s both vegan, dairy free and gluten free and is full of lush apples instead of heavy milk.

This gluten free oatmeal recipe is perfect to make on a Sunday to get you ahead for the week and is incredibly easy to make.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Gluten-free rolled oats: Make sure to use oats labeled “certified gluten free” if you’re avoiding gluten, as regular oats can be cross-contaminated.

Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a soft texture to the oatmeal. Choose unsweetened applesauce if you want to control the sugar content in your Applesauce Oatmeal recipe.

Peanut butter powder: A lighter, high-protein alternative to regular peanut butter. It blends smoothly into the oatmeal and gives a rich peanut flavor without the added fat of traditional peanut butter.

Banana: Brings natural sweetness, fiber, and potassium. Add it on top just before serving or mash it in.

Chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips: Adds a sweet, melty finish. If making the Applesauce Oatmeal recipe fully vegan, make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Peanut butter: Drizzled over the top for richness, extra protein, and a satisfying nutty flavor in your Applesauce Oatmeal.

DIRECTIONS (STEP BY STEP)

Start by collecting your ingredients to make your Applesauce Oatmeal.

In a medium saucepan, combine the applesauce, oats, water, and peanut butter powder, whisking until smooth.

Set the saucepan over medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the oatmeal has thickened.

Take the saucepan off the heat, spoon the oatmeal into a bowl, and finish your gluten free oatmeal recipe with your favorite toppings.

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS 

This Applesauce Oatmeal recipe is pretty easy, but I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

Double the batch: Make a double batch of Applesauce Oatmeal and portion it into jars or containers for quick grab-and-go breakfasts. Sometimes I’ll make a variety of flavors so I can mix them up – try my Easy Strawberry Oatmeal or this Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal.

Stir occasionally: Stir the oatmeal occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.

Adjust the thickness: If you like your oatmeal thinner, stir in some extra water or plant-based milk at the end.

Boost the flavor: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or some vanilla extract stirred in while cooking is SO good.

STORAGE AND MEAL PREPPING

Store any leftover Applesauce Oatmeal recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep — make a batch, portion it into individual containers, and reheat with a splash of milk or water when you’re ready to eat.

FAQS

ARE ALL OATS GLUTEN FREE?

No. Oats are naturally gluten free, but they’re often contaminated with gluten during farming or packaging. Always check for certified gluten-free labeling if needed.

HOW DO I MAKE THIS APPLESAUCE OATMEAL HIGH PROTEIN?

For extra protein, add 1-2 tbsp protein powder. Plant based or whey are both great – just make sure the product is gluten free.

WHAT OTHER TOPPINGS CAN I ADD TO THIS GLUTEN FREE OATMEAL RECIPE?

Sometimes I’ll add chia seeds, hemp seeds, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup to my Applesauce Oatmeal.

HOW DO I MAKE THIS APPLESAUCE OATMEAL RECIPE VEGAN?

Use vegan chocolate chips to turn this recipe vegan.

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