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Home » Recipes » Fruit, Yogurt and Grains

Creamy Apricot Oatmeal

Updated: Jan 19, 2025 · Published: Mar 2, 2020 by Jennifer

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Start your morning with a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Apricot Oatmeal made with hearty steel-cut oats. This wholesome breakfast pairs the nutty, chewy texture of steel-cut oats with the natural sweetness of dried apricots, creating a satisfying meal that fuels you for the day.

Creamy oatmeal with apricots and pistachios in a clear bowl.

Have you tried steel-cut oats? If not, plan to be converted! They are the creamier, nuttier version of rolled oats, with all the nutritious benefits. I love them because they have a bit of "chew", yet they still cook up creamy (like porridge).

For this oatmeal, I was inspired by Mediterranean flavors (apricots, pistachios, and pomegranate). Dried apricots are used instead of fresh because they are easy to find and available all year long. To round out this apricot oatmeal, I topped it with pistachios and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Jump to:
  • Ingredient notes
  • Step-by-step
  • 👩‍🍳Expert tip
  • Flavor combinations
  • Storage and make-ahead options
  • FAQ
  • Perfect pairings
  • 📖Recipe

Ingredient notes

See the steps below to make steel-cut oatmeal with apricots.

Ingredients for apricot oatmeal on a wood surface.
  • Steel-cut oats- Steel-cut oats are toasted whole, husked, oat kernels that have been cut into two to three pinhead-sized pieces with steel blades. They are also known as Irish oatmeal, pinhead oats, or coarse oats. They are chewier than old-fashioned oats have a nuttier taste, and require a much longer cooking time.
  • Milk- I use 2% cow's milk, but feel free to use any milk you prefer.
  • Dried apricots- Shelf-stable dried apricots make this oatmeal easy to whip up anytime.
  • Apricot jam or preserves- They add an additional layer of sweetness. Use a good quality apricot jam such as Bonne Maman.
  • Salt- To balance out the sweetness.
  • Pistachios- Preferrable toasted for topping.
  • Pomegranate molasses- This is optional, but I like drizzling it over the cooked oatmeal while it's still piping hot.

Step-by-step

Milk in a large pot.

In a large pot, bring the milk, water, and salt to a boil. Add the oats, and reduce heat to low.

Overhead of oatmeal being stirred in pot.

Simmer on low (uncovered) for 25-35 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir frequently.

Overview of oatmeal and apricots in a pot with a wooden spoon.

Remove from the heat and add the apricots and jam.

A spoon stirring oatmeal in a pot.

Stir to combine. Divide into bowls and top with pistachios, and pomegranate molasses (if using).

👩‍🍳Expert tip

Make sure you are using a LARGE pot (I use a 6-quart pot), and watch the pot carefully when adding the milk, as it will BOIL OVER if you are not careful. Trust me, I have made that mistake for you!

Flavor combinations

Tired of apricots? Any dried fruit will do. Try using raisins, dates, figs, or prunes. They all go well with the apricot jam. The apricot jam can be swapped for orange marmalade or fig jam, or you can sweeten the oatmeal with brown sugar, or honey.

Lastly, experiment with warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or a dash of nutmeg.

Overhead of apricot oatmeal in a bowl on a piece of burlap.
Close-up of apricot oatmeal in a clear mug with pistachios and apricots in the back.

Storage and make-ahead options

The oatmeal can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow the oatmeal to cool completely before storing.

If meal prepping, divide the oatmeal into 4 lidded containers and store them in the fridge for up to five days. To freeze oatmeal, portion the cooled oatmeal into freezer-safe bags (like Ziploc), squeeze out any excess air from the bag, then lay it flat to store. Cooked oatmeal can be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Can I make this oatmeal with regular oats?

Yes! But note that steel-cut oats take almost 3 times as long to cook as old-fashioned oats. If making apricot oatmeal with any other oat variety, it's best to cook the oatmeal as per the package directions, then proceed by adding the dried apricots, jam, and nuts as instructed in this recipe.

Perfect pairings

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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

Eye-level view of creamy apricot oatmeal in a wood surface.

Creamy Apricot Oatmeal

Start your morning with a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Apricot Oatmeal made with hearty steel-cut oats. This wholesome breakfast pairs the nutty, chewy texture of steel-cut oats with the natural sweetness of dried apricots, creating a satisfying meal that fuels you for the day.
4.50 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 107 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • ½ cup chopped dried apricots
  • 2 tablespoon apricot jam
  • ¼ cup shelled raw pistachios, unsalted
  • pomegranate molasses for drizzling optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, add the water, milk and salt. Bring to a boil (watch closely as it will foam and rise rapidly as soon as it boils). Add the oats.
    3 cups water, 1 cup milk (any kind), ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt, 1 cup steel cut oats
  • Remove the cover. Simmer on low for about 25-35 minutes, stirring frequently until most of the liquid has been absorbed (if a skin forms, just keep stirring to dissolve).
  • Remove from the heat, then stir in the chopped apricots and apricot jam. Let stand a few minutes to soften the apricots.
    ½ cup chopped dried apricots, 2 tablespoon apricot jam
  • Divide the oatmeal among 4 bowls. Add about one tablespoon of pistachios to each bowl, then drizzle with the pomegranate molasses (if using). serve immediately.
    ¼ cup shelled raw pistachios, unsalted, pomegranate molasses for drizzling

Notes

Storage: The oatmeal can be stored in the fridge for about 5 days. It re-heats very well. Just add a little more water or milk when re-heating, and stir. I think it tastes even better the next day. 
Using old-fashioned oats:  If making apricot oatmeal with any other oat variety, it's best to cook the oatmeal as per the package directions, then proceed by adding the dried apricots, jam, and nuts as instructed in this recipe. Steel-cut oats take 3 times as long to cook, so you will need to reduce your cooking time if using old-fashioned oats.

Nutrition*

Serving: 1 bowlCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 18.4gProtein: 3.1gFat: 2.9gSaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 68mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 8.6gCalcium: 37mgIron: 3mg

*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.

Have you tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Tag @brunchandbatter or hashtag it with #brunchandbatter

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Comments

    4.50 from 2 votes

    Thanks for brunching! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

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    Recipe Rating




  1. ANNE says

    March 03, 2020 at 11:17 am

    Love this combo!!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      March 08, 2020 at 11:35 pm

      Yum!

      Reply
  2. Cheryl Menay feliciano says

    April 07, 2020 at 10:04 am

    4 stars
    Yummmmm

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    December 29, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe made for a wonderful and healthy start to my day.

    Reply
Author looking at the camera holding eggs.

About Jennifer

Oh hey there! I'm Jennifer, the recipe developer, blogger, and food photographer behind Brunch and Batter. I've been a seasoned home cook (and nurse) for over 25 years, specializing in unique breakfast recipes, updated lunch classics, and simple, no-fuss desserts. I'm so glad you found me! Read more...

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