Give Oatmeal 10X The Fall Flavor With These Mix-Ins From Your Pantry

When the weather starts getting colder, few things are more satisfying in the morning than a warm bowl of outstanding oatmeal. And, using some pantry staples as mix-ins, you can upgrade said oatmeal with the flavors of fall. Think of what you love to eat when the leaves start turning orange and yellow. If apple pie comes to mind, then grab cinnamon powder from the pantry, along with an apple. Simply dice up the apple and fold it into your oatmeal. Then, top the dish with a dusting of the cinnamon powder and sweeten with either maple syrup or brown sugar. Take a bite and your tastebuds will think of apple pie and thank you.

Or let's say you're craving classic pumpkin pie, a recipe that's often made on repeat during autumn. Make a pumpkin pie inspired oatmeal starting with pumpkin puree from a can. Sweeten with brown sugar and add pumpkin spice. For texture, add broken graham crackers, which will also remind one of pie crusts. 

With both the apple and pumpkin pie inspired oatmeals, feel free to add nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. The crunchy texture will provide contrast to the soft oatmeal, and the nutty flavors will work beautifully with the other fall flavors, adding depth. 

By simply dusting oatmeal with warm spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom, you'll already invoke the flavors of fall. Consider also sweetening the dish with other fruits like dates or raisins, both fall-favorite ingredients. Plus, dried fruits will also add a fun and appealing texture contrast with their chewiness. 

Another fun spin to consider is to add ube to your oatmeal. Ube is a warm tuber — also known as the heirloom crop of the Philippines — with notes of vanilla and the perfect flavor to enjoy during fall. It also pairs beautifully with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. To incorporate ube into oatmeal, mix in ube powder, halaya, or extract. Chobani offers a delicious ube sweet cream that one can easily mix into oatmeal. 

Finally, consider making an oatmeal parfait that will remind you of the pies you enjoy during the autumn season. In a parfait glass or serving container, add in graham cracker, then layers of fruits like diced apple and then your oatmeal. Repeat the layers and top the final layer with a dusting of cinnamon powder.