If you have one of those kitchen torches buried in the bottom of your drawer, now is the time to use it! This Apple Pie Oatmeal Brûlée has all the flavors of fall in a delicious oatmeal, finished with a caramelized, crunchy top. That topping is everything!
This was one of those recipes that I just stumbled upon after an apple-picking extravaganza. I had made some homemade applesauce, and to use it up, I tossed it into a pot of oatmeal.
It was so easy and turned everyday oatmeal into a treat. Then I thought, why not add a crunchy top? I will admit, I dusted off my kitchen torch (an impulse buy after I thought I would be churning out crème brûlée every week). Who knew you can brûlée breakfast too?
The result is a sweet and comforting oatmeal, that not only tastes like apple pie but is fancy enough to be called oatmeal crème brûlée. The crunchy top is the best part, and deserves the necessary crack with the back of a spoon to get it started.
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What you will need
You likely have all the ingredients at home. Nothing fancy here!
- Oats- I make my oatmeal with steel-cut oats. I love the texture it brings (firm and a little chewy). You can use old-fashioned oats instead (just follow the instructions on your packaging).
- Milk and water- I use a combination of milk and water to cook the oats. I find that using all milk makes it taste a bit too rich. This ratio cuts down on calories, yet still feels creamy. You can use any milk you like.
- Salt- To flavor the oats and balance out the sweetness.
- Applesauce- I prefer unsweetened chunky-style applesauce, but feel free to use regular applesauce. Store-bought or homemade is fine. If you only have sweetened applesauce, taste it first before adding the brown sugar.
- Brown sugar- I use it to sweeten the applesauce. You can cut down or omit the sugar altogether if you like things less sweet (remember it's going to get a sugary top, so you may prefer to leave it out when preparing the oatmeal).
- Spices- Cinnamon and allspice are my faves, but you can use apple pie spice, cloves and nutmeg.
- White sugar- I find that white granulated sugar works best for caramelizing the tops.
Making the oatmeal
Grab a pot and get stirring! If using old-fashioned oats, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Step 1. Bring a large pot of milk and water to a boil. Step 2. Add the oats and cook for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Step 3. When most of the liquid is gone, add the applesauce, spices, and brown sugar. Step 4. Give it a stir, and allow it to sit off the heat for a few minutes before caramelizing the top.
How to make oatmeal brûlée
Add the cooked oatmeal to a ramekin or crème brûlée dish.
Add the white sugar to the top.
Using a kitchen torch (culinary torch), gently sweep the flame from side to side until the top is browned and hardened. Be sure to follow the directions on your particular model.
💡Top tip
When boiling the water and milk for the oatmeal, watch it closely. The liquid will rise up rapidly and boil over if you are not careful.
Substitutions and variations
Apple pie oatmeal can be customized to your liking. You can make any flavor oatmeal you would like, and proceed to the instructions for the brûlée top.
Try adding raisins, chopped fruit or jam to your oatmeal to mix up the flavors. If you prefer overnight oats, you can brûlée the tops of them! The contrast between the cold interior and hot sugar topping is next level!
What to serve with oatmeal brûlée?
Oatmeal brûlée can be served on it's own (it's pretty filling), or it can be paired with something light like a simple fruit bowl, a yogurt parfait or this cottage cheese bowl.
Storage and make-ahead
The oatmeal can be made ahead and stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to add the topping, gently reheat the oatmeal in the microwave or on the stove, and proceed to the sugar topping for caramelizing.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! I've made it with my own applesauce and store-bought, and it's delicious either way. Try it with my Honeycrisp applesauce for a real treat.
No worries! You can make this using your oven's broiler. After adding the sugar to the top of the oatmeal, place your ramekins in the oven and broil on high for 5-8 minutes. If you have a kitchen torch, then go ahead and use it. Follow the safety instructions for your model, and sweep the flame over the sugared top until brown and hardened.
Yes! If you prefer an easier prep, make your favorite overnight oats, and when ready to eat, add the sugar and brûlée the tops. The combination of the cold interior and the warm crunchy top is perfect!
More fall recipes
If you love fall recipes, check out some of my faves!
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Apple Pie Oatmeal Brulee
Equipment
- large pot
- 4 oven-safe ramekins
- culinary torch optional
Ingredients
- 3 cups (24 ounces) water
- 1 cup (8 ounces) milk any kind
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
- 1 cup (8 ounces) steel-cut oats
- 1 cup (8 ounces) chunky applesauce, unsweetened if using sweetened, omit or decrease brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoon dark brown sugar (omit or decrease if using sweetened applesauce)
- 4 tablespoon white granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the water, milk, and salt. Bring to a boil (watch closely as it will foam and rise to the top rapidly as soon as it boils). Add the oats.3 cups (24 ounces) water, 1 cup (8 ounces) milk, ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt, 1 cup (8 ounces) steel-cut oats
- Remove the cover. Simmer on low heat for about 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After the oatmeal finishes cooking, add the applesauce, cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar, stirring until incorporated. Remove from the heat and divide among 4 broiler-safe bowls.1 cup (8 ounces) chunky applesauce, unsweetened, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, 2 teaspoon dark brown sugar (omit or decrease if using sweetened applesauce), 4 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- Add 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar to the top of each bowl. Using a kitchen or culinary torch, sweep the flame back and forth over the sugar until it begins to brown and harden. Broiler method: Add the sugar-topped ramekins to the oven and broil on high for 5-8 minutes until the top is brown and crunchy.
Notes
- If you don't have individual broiler safe bowls, add to a broiler safe pan and continue with the remaining steps; this time adding all the sugar to the top and then proceed with broiling the top.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days without the added sugar. When ready to broil, remove from the fridge, add the sugar and proceed with broiling.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Bianca says
This is such a great way to start your day with! Absolutely delicious. Also works very well as a dessert 😉
Gracie says
loved this. spiced just right!