Ever tried quinoa porridge with cinnamon and apple first thing in the morning? Let me just say, it beats soggy boxed cereal by a mile. There’s something about waking up and cozying up to a steaming bowl of this stuff, especially when it gets chilly. My family used to be die-hard oatmeal fans, but honestly—quinoa porridge with loads of cinnamon, apple, and just a hint of sweetness? It kind of blew their minds. If you’re on the hunt for even more apple magic, definitely take a peek at this apple crisp cheesecake with caramel whipped topping from a fellow breakfast fiend. Okay, let’s get into this. 
What You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa
Don’t you just love a recipe with simple, fuss-free ingredients? For this one, you’ll need actual food you might already have hanging out in your pantry… No trekking across town for something obscure.
Grab some quinoa (any color works, I usually grab the regular tan kind). One or two apples (sweet or tart, just use what’s looking good on your counter) and a decent amount of ground cinnamon. If you’ve got a little vanilla extract, throw that in for extra oomph. Maple syrup or honey does the trick for sweetness, but you could honestly just sprinkle in brown sugar if that’s more your vibe. Oh, and don’t forget milk (dairy or non-dairy—it’s your bowl, do what you want) and a pinch of salt.
Honestly, I used to forget the salt, but trust me… it lifts every flavor. If you go wild and toss in some dried cranberries, raisins, or a spoonful of nut butter? Won’t hurt a thing. 
How to Make Power Porridge
I’ll keep this one honest: making cinnamon apple quinoa porridge is easier than you’re imagining. Really, you’re mostly just letting things simmer and stirring now and then (hands-on time? Almost nothing).
Just rinse your quinoa with water (otherwise it tastes, well, musty). Dump it into a small pot with enough milk to cover and a bit extra (think creamy porridge rather than sticky paste). Stir in chopped apples, cinnamon, and maybe a glug of vanilla if you’re feeling fancy. Let it all slowly cook on medium, stirring once or twice so nothing gets scorched.
After about 15 minutes, the quinoa softens and little tails pop out from each grain—that’s when you know it’s done! Sometimes, I wander off, get distracted by the dog, and my pot seems to forgive me. Just keep an eye now and then. Drizzle in your sweetener last so nothing burns, toss some more cinnamon on top if you like it bold, and there you go. Hot, hearty, smells like fall. Kids come running. You know a recipe’s a keeper when the kitchen goes quiet for a minute, everyone shoveling in bites.
“I never thought I’d get my picky eater to touch quinoa, but this stuff is SO comforting. She asks for it every other morning now! The cinnamon apple flavor feels like dessert for breakfast but it’s healthy. Win-win.”
More Quinoa Breakfast Recipes
When you’ve got that half-used bag of quinoa, you probably wonder what else to do with it (I’ve been there, trust me). Honestly, once you nail the basics, you can riff on this easy template with other flavor combos.
Sometimes I toss bananas and walnuts in; other times blueberries and a smidge of lemon. My aunt swears by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. The beauty of breakfast quinoa? It flexes for whatever’s left in your fridge.
One morning, I even mixed leftover roasted butternut into the pot, and who knew cabbage could sneak into a breakfast bowl? If you’re game to get creative, just treat quinoa like blank canvas—add your favorite fruit, nuts, or even seeds for crunch. For more inspiration, don’t miss the apple hand pies recipe if you’ve got a sweet tooth but still want nutrition in the mix.
Other Sweet Breakfast Recipes
You know what? My house is full of folks with sweet teeth—there, I said it. If you’re wanting a breakfast that feels more like a treat but isn’t just empty sugar, I get you.
I’ll whip up protein pancakes, serve fruit crisp, or do yogurt with layers of roasted cinnamon apples on top. On weekends, sometimes we do waffles (I sneak extra ground flax in—kids never notice). Leftover porridge even works as an afternoon snack; just toss a dollop of yogurt on top.
And don’t get me started on overnight oats: a chilled version of this cinnamon apple goodness, just waiting in the fridge for those busy, groggy mornings.
Related Posts
A few of my favorite breakfast ideas, especially if you’ve got apples or quinoa lying around—
- Try the apple crisp cheesecake with caramel whipped topping if you want dessert for breakfast. It’s rich, decadent, and honestly surprisingly easy.
- Don’t sleep on the apple hand pies recipe for a grab-and-go option that actually tastes like real fruit, not jelly.
- If you’re trying to add more greens, the broccoli salad with bacon is more breakfast-worthy than it sounds.
- Or hey, if you still need something cozy, check out this butternut squash soup and grilled cheese apple delight. Because who says soup isn’t for the morning?
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with a bit of warm maple syrup for a totally extra treat.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds over the top for crunch (pecans are my go-to).
- Add diced pears or even berries for a fresh tart bite.
- Serve with a splash more milk if you like it creamy.
Common Questions
Can I make cinnamon apple quinoa porridge ahead of time?
Yeah, absolutely. Make a batch, stick it in the fridge, and reheat with a splash of milk when you’re hungry.
Is this gluten-free?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any mix-ins or toppings if that’s a concern for you.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quinoa?
Sure, but cook times and ratios change a little. Quinoa cooks faster and is fluffier.
Can I freeze leftover porridge?
You can, but the texture gets a little—eh, mushy. It’s better reheated from the fridge than the freezer.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp is awesome, but any apple that’s not super mealy or soft works here. Go tart or sweet, your call.
Start Your Day Cozy
Alright, there you have it—my take on a breakfast that literally hugs you from the inside. Cinnamon apple quinoa porridge just brings so much warmth, and honestly, it feels special even on a rushed weekday. If you want the gold standard for this dish, I really recommend checking out the thorough guides from Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa – Simply Quinoa and CINNAMON APPLE BREAKFAST QUINOA, where you can snag more tips and flavor ideas. Adventure into a bowl, experiment, trust your tastebuds, and let breakfast be your happiest meal of the day. 
Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove its musty taste.
- In a small pot, add rinsed quinoa and milk.
- Stir in chopped apple, cinnamon, and vanilla extract if using.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking for about 15 minutes.
- When quinoa is tender and tails appear, remove from heat.
- Stir in your choice of sweetener and additional cinnamon if desired.
- Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with nuts or seeds.