There’s something truly comforting about a bowl that tastes like dessert but feels like breakfast — and that’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe. It’s a cozy way to start your day or a wholesome treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. I love how the warm cinnamon-spiced apples make the creamy yogurt feel indulgent without being heavy.
You’ll find that this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe comes together quickly but delivers on flavor and texture every time. The sweet tender apples mingle with golden raisins and a hint of nutmeg, balanced perfectly by the crispness of chopped nuts — it’s like autumn in a bowl, no matter the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple but Flavorful: Warm spiced apples mixed with creamy yogurt create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Quick Morning Fix: You can have this ready in about 30 minutes, making it easy for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from yogurt and nuts to keep you satisfied longer.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite apples, nuts, or even swap raisins for other dried fruits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that complement each other perfectly — fresh apples bring natural sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth.
- Sweet Apple: I love Honey Crisp for their crisp texture and natural sweetness, but Gala works great too.
- Raw Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that beautifully enhances the apples without overpowering.
- Golden Raisins: They plump up during cooking and add bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Cinnamon: The star warming spice here — just enough to bring that apple pie vibe.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch to add a subtle depth of flavor.
- 0% Fat Plain Yogurt: I use Stonyfield for the perfect creamy tang without extra fat.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty note to finish the bowl.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand, and I encourage you to make it your own!
- Use Different Apples: I’ve tried Granny Smith for a tart twist and loved how it balances the sweetness.
- Swap Raisins for Dried Cranberries: Adds a lovely tartness and pretty color.
- Add a Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness if you prefer it richer.
- Try Greek Yogurt: For a thicker texture and extra protein boost.
- Vegan Option: Replace yogurt with coconut or almond milk yogurt, and swap nuts for toasted coconut flakes.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Gently Cook Your Spiced Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apple into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook quickly and soften perfectly. Toss the diced apples with raw sugar, golden raisins, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg in a small pot. Add about 1/4 cup of water to keep everything moist, then cover and simmer over low heat. It usually takes around 16 to 18 minutes for the apples to turn tender and the sugar to melt into a warm, fragrant syrup. Don’t rush this step; the low and slow cooking really lets the flavors develop and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 2: Cool and Prepare Yogurt Bowls
Once your apples are soft and syrupy, set the pot aside to cool — this cooling is key so the yogurt doesn’t turn watery when you dollop the apples on top. While the apples cool, divide the plain yogurt evenly between two bowls. If you like, give the yogurt a quick stir to keep it smooth and creamy. Then top each bowl with the warm cinnamon-spiced apples and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
This bowl is best enjoyed immediately while the apples are still slightly warm against the cool yogurt — such a delicious contrast! It’s perfect for a comforting breakfast or a quick snack. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe, you’ll want to keep it on repeat throughout the fall (and all year round!).
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Cooling your cooked apples before adding them to yogurt keeps the texture perfect — no watery mess!
- Even Apple Pieces: Cut your apples into similar-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly every time.
- Low and Slow is Key: Simmer the apples gently so they soften and absorb spices, rather than falling apart or burning.
- Choose Your Nuts Wisely: Toast pecans or walnuts lightly for extra flavor before topping your bowls.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
I often add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top before serving, plus a drizzle of honey if I’m feeling indulgent. A few fresh apple slices or even some chia seeds give added texture and make the bowl look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls with crunchy toast or a warm slice of banana bread for a more filling brunch. It’s also excellent alongside a hot cup of chai tea or coffee to complete that cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I stack the layers in a clear parfait glass so the cinnamon apples peek through the creamy yogurt layers. Topping it with a cinnamon stick and some edible flowers really makes it a stunning showstopper at brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover spiced apples, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and use within 2 days. I find you can store yogurt separately and combine just before eating to keep the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing this particular recipe isn’t ideal since yogurt’s texture changes when frozen and thawed. I recommend freezing only the cooked apples if needed, then thawing them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat the cooked apples, warm gently in a small saucepan or microwave until just warm — don’t let them boil again. This keeps their texture soft but intact and ready to serve on fresh yogurt.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain for the Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe?
You can, but using plain yogurt is best to balance the sweetness and spices of the cinnamon apples. Flavored yogurts may make the bowl overly sweet or clash with the warm spices, but if you prefer a sweeter bowl, choose vanilla flavored yogurt for a subtle complement.
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What type of apple is best for this recipe?
I recommend Honey Crisp or Gala apples for their natural sweetness and firm texture that holds up well during cooking. You can experiment with Granny Smith for a tangier flavor but avoid very soft or mealy apples that might become mushy.
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Can I make the Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the plain yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut, almond, or soy yogurt, and make sure to use nuts or seeds that fit your dietary preference. The spiced apples remain the same — just double-check the sweetener if you want it to be strictly vegan.
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How long can I store the spiced apples?
Cooked cinnamon apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the best texture, store yogurt and apples separately until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it merges the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the healthy goodness of yogurt. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast or a comforting snack, it never fails to hit the spot. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll love having this go-to bowl that’s as delicious as it is simple. Let me know how it turns out for you!
PrintCinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls offer a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples atop creamy, fat-free plain yogurt, finished with crunchy nuts for texture and flavor. Inspired by apple pie flavors without the crust, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Fruit and Spice Mixture
- 1 sweet apple (peeled, cored, seeded and diced — Honey Crisp or Gala recommended)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
Base and Topping
- 2 cups 0% fat Stonyfield plain yogurt
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the spiced apples: Place the diced apple, raw sugar, and golden raisins into a small pot. Add 1/4 cup of water, then sprinkle the cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg over the mixture.
- Cook the apples: Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat for 16 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and infused with the spices. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the fat-free plain yogurt evenly between two medium bowls. Spoon the cooked cinnamon-spiced apple mixture over the yogurt in each bowl.
- Add the finishing touch: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of each bowl for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for a warm and comforting breakfast or snack that tastes like apple pie without the crust.
Notes
- These Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Bowls taste like enjoying apple pie for breakfast without the crust.
- Using a sweet apple variety like Honey Crisp or Gala enhances natural sweetness.
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans based on preference or nut allergies.
- For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.
- Make sure not to overcook the apples to keep some texture in the fruit.
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