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An apple cinnamon quinoa bowl topped with the Greek yogurt and cream cheese mixture in a white bowl on a table next to more yogurt and an apple.
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Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Chia Breakfast Bowl

This apple cinnamon quinoa chia breakfast bowl is a high fiber, nutritious way to start the day - providing warm, comforting flavors and topped with a creamy Greek yogurt maple syrup mixture. The creamy cheesecake topping tastes like dessert and makes this high in protein, too!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword high fiber breakfast recipe, quinoa breakfast bowl
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 370kcal
Author Alex Evink, MS, RD

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked (or 2.5 cups cooked)
  • 2½ cups water, divided
  • 4 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Apples

  • 1 1/2 medium apples, diced
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping

For the Cheesecake Topping

  • ¾ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  • Add the quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water for 30–60 seconds. Drain well.
  • Add the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water, vanilla and salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the chia seeds. Cover again and continue cooking for another 5–8 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Add 1/2 cup of additional water and give it a stir. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff or stir well.
  • Meanwhile, make the cinnamon apples. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cinnamon and cook for about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Also see microwave version!
  • Make the cheesecake topping by stirring or beating together the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, protein powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
  • Divide the quinoa mixture among 4 bowls or meal-prep containers.
  • Top each serving with cinnamon apples, 1/4 cup of cheesecake mixture and about 1 tablespoon sliced almonds. For meal prep, store the cheesecake topping separately. Reheat the quinoa and apples and top with the creamy cheesecake topping and slivered almonds!

Notes

  • Microwave the apples for convenience! See directions in post. 
  • You can meal prep these with the yogurt mixture on top and it's delicious as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 300mg | Fiber: 7.6g | Sugar: 15g