Eager to shake up their breakfast routine, many people overlook the versatility of oatmeal. However, this list of sweet and delicious oatmeal recipes is about to blow your mind if you tend to think of it as bland, sticky mush in a bowl. Even if you’re already a pretty big fan of oatmeal, these oatmeal recipes won’t surprise you – but they will give you a few more options for spicing up your morning routine. What’s not to love about oatmeal?
It’s a hearty, healthy way to start your day, and there are countless ways to prepare it. Whether you’re a fruit person who loves adding several different types of berries and fruits to their morning bowl of oats, or more into chocolate and peanut butter, the options on this list have got you covered. Whatever your preference, you’ll find something that should satisfy you in these 17 oatmeal recipes.
How to Make Oatmeal + Healthy Toppings
Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
Wrapped around a bowl of vibrant pink goodness is an unexpected twist – that this treat could be a viable breakfast option too! Starting your day with something sweet, fruity, and indulgent might not be the most conventional idea, but we’re here to explore it nonetheless. This delectable creation requires only five primary ingredients (and a pinch of salt if you choose to include it), making it both dairy-free and sugar-free in the process.
The end result is a strawberry-infused delight that’s bursting with flavor, all while being remarkably easy to prepare. In fact, you can have this scrumptious treat on your table in as little as 15 minutes!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Enjoying a warm bowl of oatmeal on a chilly morning is a classic experience, especially during the fall season. When it comes to flavors that evoke a sense of coziness, apple cinnamon oatmeal stands out as a popular choice. It’s true that this recipe requires a few more ingredients than others, but don’t let that deter you – it can still be ready in just 15 minutes. The addition of juicy apples and an assortment of fall spices creates a dish that’s reminiscent of a comforting apple pie.
For those who like to add a little extra texture to their meal, chopped walnuts are a delicious option, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth oatmeal perfectly.
Spiced Apple Cranberry Oatmeal
Transforming your apple oatmeal with cinnamon recipe to reduce sweetness is quite simple. By incorporating cranberries into the mix, you’ll not only tone down the sweetness but also introduce a tart and tangy flavor profile. The addition of these small fruits also brings about an explosion of color, making it an ideal breakfast option for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day when you want something visually appealing to start your day.
Chocolate Oatmeal
Although it may seem indulgent, chocolate oatmeal can be a surprisingly healthy breakfast option. Still, its nutritional profile is impressive, with just over 200 calories, seven grams of sugar, and five grams of fat. Moreover, the addition of eight grams of fiber and seven grams of protein elevates this dish to a more respectable level. It’s also worth noting that the presence of these macronutrients makes it an excellent source of sustained energy.
Additionally, chocolate oatmeal is delightfully creamy, wonderfully sweet, and can cater to various dietary needs, such as being gluten-free,* dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.*Note: The oatmeal’s gluten-free status depends on the specific brand of oats used.
Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Rich in flavor, yet unassuming in appearance, maple brown sugar oatmeal is a true delight. Unlike its plain-looking counterpart, it’s elevated by the warmth of maple syrup and the depth of brown sugar, which pair together to create a taste experience that’s simply spectacular. If you were to omit the chocolate chips and pecans on top, this dish would be easy to overlook, but trust us, the flavors shine through.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon can also enhance the overall flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add some excitement to their breakfast routine.
Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal
Despite common perceptions that oatmeal is not a complete meal, this recipe defies expectations. By incorporating an array of nutrient-dense ingredients, it provides a filling and balanced start to the day. The list of components includes oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, bananas, maple syrup, almond butter, granola, walnuts, and additional elements that combine to create a rich flavor profile.
Peanut Butter Nutella Microwave Oatmeal
Elevate your morning routine with a quick and delicious breakfast option that’s perfect for those who are always running late. This 3-minute oatmeal recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, including milk, oats, peanut butter, Nutella, and optional peanuts. To prepare it, simply combine the oats and milk in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 90 seconds. Once cooked, add the Nutella, peanut butter, and peanuts (if using) to the oatmeal and enjoy your tasty breakfast.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes only minutes to prepare, making it an ideal solution for busy mornings when you’re in a rush.
Date-Sweetened Apple Pie Oatmeal
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a homemade bowl of creamy oats on a chilly morning. Not only are these gluten-free treats a healthier alternative to traditional oatmeal, but they’re also naturally sweetened with dates, apples, and a hint of maple syrup (or honey) for added depth of flavor. The cooking process may take around 30 minutes, but the end result is well worth the wait – that first bite of cinnamon-baked apple is sure to transport you back to a simpler time.
Whether you’re craving a seasonal breakfast treat to enjoy during the fall or winter months, or simply looking for a delicious way to start your day, these oats are sure to become a new favorite. They evoke memories of cozy sleepovers with grandparents or lazy Saturdays spent at home with family, and are the perfect remedy for a chilly morning.
Creamy Coconut Oatmeal
Among its many wonderful qualities, creamy coconut oatmeal is just what it claims to be – a deliciously creamy bowl of oatmeal with a strong coconut flavor. It boasts an impressive array of healthy ingredients, with only six key components (plus customizable toppings) and minimal additives. In fact, this recipe is essentially free from several common dietary allergens and restrictions: sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
Moreover, it’s also vegan-friendly and relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those with specific dietary needs. That being said, thanks to the addition of sweet and savory toppings such as berries, cinnamon, maple syrup, and toasted coconut, this oatmeal is certainly not lacking in flavor or ‘yum’ factor.
Blueberry Cinnamon Oatmeal
Often overlooked in favor of more traditional flavor combinations, pairing blueberries with cinnamon is truly a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the fruit perfectly complements the warm, spicy taste of the cinnamon, making for a delightful and refreshing start to any day. To elevate this delicious duo even further, add some butter, brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg, and salt to create a delectable breakfast that can be prepared in just 15 minutes or less.
Spiced Pear Oatmeal
Taking a cue from the previous recipe, pears are another fruit that pairs exceptionally well with cinnamon. This new creation combines the two, along with crunchy walnuts, drizzled with maple syrup and seasoned with just a pinch of salt. The result is remarkably similar to the cinnamon apple oatmeal, but with the sweet and buttery flavor of pear taking center stage.
Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal
Delving into the world of baked oatmeal, it’s clear that this breakfast option requires a bit of patience. Unlike some quicker alternatives, preparing and baking baked oatmeal takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. Despite the longer preparation time, the end result is well worth the wait. Once you’ve tried it for yourself, you’ll likely find yourself craving it daily.
The flavor profile is incredibly diverse, with subtle hints of bananas, vanilla, nuts, cinnamon, coconut, and other delightful notes. When served, the rich and creamy texture is perfectly complemented by a crunchy topping that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re in need of a comforting breakfast or a satisfying brunch option, baked oatmeal is sure to hit the spot.
Vanilla Almond Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast with these simple vanilla almond steel-cut oats. They require just five ingredients: steel-cut oats, soy milk or almond milk, water, vanilla extract, and salt. Cooking time is approximately 40 minutes, making them a great option for those in a hurry.You can serve them as is, or add your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, brown sugar, almonds, etc. Either way, this meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Healthy Vanilla Cake Batter Oatmeal
Breaking free from traditional breakfast ideas, you can now indulge in a dessert-inspired treat that’s surprisingly healthy. This innovative recipe combines the best of both worlds: the flavors of vanilla cake batter with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, minus the guilt.
Raspberries and Cream Oatmeal
Starting your day with a flavorful breakfast is essential, especially when it comes to something as simple yet satisfying as raspberries and cream oatmeal. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, taking just 10 minutes to prepare. With only six ingredients required – milk, old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, fresh raspberries, and whipping cream – you can whip up a nutritious and tasty meal even on the busiest of mornings.
What’s more, this oatmeal is a masterclass in contrasting flavors, with its sweet and tart notes perfectly balanced by the vibrant colors and rich textures. So, if you’re looking for a zesty breakfast option to kick-start your day, look no further than this mouth-watering raspberries and cream oatmeal.
Easy Instant Pot Oatmeal
Starting with a basic ingredient list, making Instant Pot oatmeal is surprisingly straightforward. Simply combine butter, oats, milk, water, salt, and cinnamon in the pot, and you’re ready to go. While the recipe suggests it takes around 10 minutes to cook, I’ve found that it’s often quicker than that. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – with a wide range of toppings at your disposal, you can customize the flavor to suit your taste buds.
Think bananas, berries, walnuts, pistachios, maple syrup, honey, milk, spices, peanut butter, chocolate, and more. The possibilities are endless, and you could even use this recipe as a starting point for other oatmeal variations on our list!
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Warm up to the delightful combination of creamy, orange oatmeal that’s perfect for fall. This versatile recipe can be prepared in a variety of ways, taking as little as 8 minutes from start to finish, whether you’re cooking it on the stove, microwaving it, or setting it aside as overnight oats. The inclusion of pumpkin puree, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and maple syrup gives this oatmeal an authentic fall flavor profile that’s reminiscent of a pumpkin pie, but in oatmeal form.
If you want to add some extra texture, sweetness, or creaminess, feel free to top it with your favorite oatmeal toppings – think berries, dried fruit, yogurt, nuts, and more. That being said, this delicious recipe stands on its own two feet, so there’s no need to get creative with the additions.
17 Best Ways to Cook Oatmeal
Elevate your breakfast routine with these mouth-watering oatmeal recipes that are as delicious as they are diverse. Expect to find an array of flavors, from classic combinations like apple cinnamon and chocolate, to more adventurous options such as spiced pear, each one carefully crafted to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized for the day ahead.
Instructions
Making a quick and easy breakfast can often come down to choosing the right recipe, organizing the necessary ingredients, and having a plan for preparation. This is especially true when it comes to oatmeal recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
