9 Plant Based Oatmeal Recipes for Healthy and Hearty Breakfasts
You wake up bleary-eyed to the blaring of your alarm, wondering how the weekend flew by so quickly on Earth. As your fuzzy brain struggles to comprehend the start of a new week, your stomach rumbles, craving sustenance. You need fuel for the daily grind, but the thought of another sad desk lunch makes you crawl under the covers. It would help to have a hearty, wholesome breakfast to power you through until quitting. Something delicious but good to satisfy your taste buds and health goals. Let’s present the solution to your morning malaise: oatmeal. Not just any oatmeal, but 9 plant based oatmeal recipes to spice up your routine and set you up for a stellar week. Banana nut, blueberry coconut, pumpkin pie – we’ve got a flavor for every mood. So rise and shine! Your ideal breakfast awaits. These oatmeal recipes are here to make mornings meaningful again.
9 Plant Based Oatmeal Recipes
1:Basic Plant Based Oatmeal: A Healthy, Hearty Breakfast
So you want to start your day with a healthy bowl of oatmeal, do you? Well, aren’t you just the picture of virtue? Most of us are happy with a donut and coffee, but not you – you want to fill up on whole grains and plant power.
To make your basic vegan oatmeal, you’ll need some rolled oats (not the instant kind, we want the real deal here), plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and whatever mix-ins your little heart desires. The possibilities are endless: chopped nuts or seeds, mashed banana, berries, nut butter. I like throwing in a handful of chocolate chips when no one’s looking. What’s the point of eating healthy if you can’t have a little fun?
Cook the oats according to the package directions using the plant-based milk of your choice. For extra decadence, use coconut milk. Once cooked, stir in your mix-ins and enjoy your warm bowl of morning comfort. Make a big batch on the weekend so you have leftovers to reheat all week. Your coworkers will be so jealous of your wholesome breakfast, you little overachiever.
There is a basic plant based oatmeal recipe to get you started. Now go forth and optimize your mornings, you nutritious little squirrel. The rest of us will be at the donut shop if needed.
2:Overnight Oats: Soak Your Oats for an Easy Meal Prep
Overnight oats are for the irrepressibly lazy yet health-conscious. Why spend 10 minutes cooking oatmeal when you can soak it overnight and wake up to a ready-made breakfast? Genius.
To make overnight oats, you’ll need:
- Oats (old-fashioned rolled oats work best): Oats are high in fiber, protein, and minerals. They’re also cholesterol-free, low glycemic, and aid digestion. In short, oats are a nutritional powerhouse and the perfect base for overnight oats.
- Yogurt or milk: Dairy or non-dairy, your choice. Yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while milk contributes calcium, vitamin D, and creaminess.
- Fruit: Berries, bananas, stone fruit – go wild. Fruit provides natural sweetness, antioxidants, and extra nutrition.
- Nuts or seeds (optional): For extra crunch, protein, and healthy fats.
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): Only if you have a sweet tooth. A little goes a long way.
Combine the ingredients in a jar or container and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, your oats will have absorbed the liquid and softened into a creamy, pudding-like consistency, ready to fuel your day. The best part? The longer overnight oats sit, the creamier and more flavorful they become. A bonus for the time-poor and meal-prep-averse.
Overnight oats are infinitely adaptable. Create your combo with your favorite add-ins – the possibilities are endless. And unlike cooked oatmeal, overnight oats can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed. However you like it, overnight oats are the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast for people on the go.
3:Apple Pie Oatmeal: A Sweet and Cinnamon-Y Treat
The Sweet Smell of Cinnamon
The intoxicating aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen as this oatmeal simmers on the stove. Cinnamon, the spice of the gods, has been used for centuries to flavor foods and lift spirits. As the apple pie oatmeal bubbles, memories of childhood and simpler times will flood back with each whiff of cinnamon.
An Apple a Day
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This oatmeal should cover you for at least a week if that’s the case. Chopped apples, apple juice, and apple pie spice blend into a medley of flavors that scream autumn. As the apples soften in the oatmeal, their tartness balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, maple syrup, and spice. Each spoonful is a perfect bite of apple pie without the crust.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 4 cups apple juice
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
The Spice of Life
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, apple pie spice gives this oatmeal a kick of flavor without overpowering. The sweet spices complement the apples and brown sugar, creating layers of flavor in each bite. As the oatmeal simmers, the spices infuse into the oats and apples, releasing their essential oils and fragrances. The result is a comforting bowl of oatmeal with warmth, sweetness, and spice.
This oatmeal is sweet, spicy, and satisfying. One bowl will fill you with contentment and nostalgia for simpler times. As the tantalizing smells of cinnamon and apples wafting through your home, you’ll be transported to memories of crisp fall days, cozy sweaters, and homemade apple pie. With each spoonful of this apple pie oatmeal, you’ll be wrapped in the warm embrace of comfort food at its finest.
4:Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal: Fall Flavors Any Time of Year
The Breakfast of Champions
Oatmeal isn’t just for old-timey storybooks anymore. This fiber-filled, heart-healthy whole grain has been given a modern makeover. Pumpkin spice oatmeal is like autumn in a bowl, with warm spices that evoke cozy feelings of togetherness. Curl up on the couch with a steaming bowl of this seasonal specialty, and you’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug.
Spice is the Variety of Life
The intoxicating blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves adds flavor without excess sugar. Studies show spices have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects so you can feel virtuous with every spoonful. For an extra nutrition boost, stir in pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, flax seeds, or chopped nuts. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you.
Rise and Dine
Mornings are rough. Why not start your day with something that makes you smile? The comforting aroma of pumpkin pie spices wafting through your home will have you bounding out of bed. And the knowledge that a hearty, wholesome breakfast awaits will motivate you to get your keister in gear. You’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in no time, ready to seize the day.
Flex Your Creative Muscles
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the variations are endless. Add maple syrup, honey, or stevia for sweetness, coconut milk for creaminess, or fresh or frozen berries for tartness. For extra decadence, top your bowl with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a drizzle of chocolate. The possibilities for customization will keep your taste buds guessing and boost your creativity in the kitchen. You’ll become a breakfast bowl Picasso in no time!
Pumpkin spice oatmeal is the little black dress of breakfasts—suitable for any occasion and always in style. Treat yourself to a bowl, and you’ll fall head over heels for this classic autumnal delight. Your belly and your budget will thank you.
5:Blueberry Oatmeal: Bursting With Antioxidants
Oats: The Breakfast of Champions
Oatmeal is the superhero of the breakfast world. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and whole grains to give you energy that lasts for hours. Blueberries add antioxidants for an extra nutritional punch. This combo is a bowl of nutritional wonder.
Blueberries: Tiny but Mighty
Blueberries may be small, but they are bursting with flavor and nutrition. Just one cup contains 24% of your daily vitamin C needs, not to mention manganese, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage and provide anti-aging benefits. No wonder blueberries are considered a superfood! When added to oatmeal, their sweet-tart flavor provides the perfect contrast to hearty oats.
A Match Made in Breakfast Heaven
Oatmeal and blueberries were meant to be together. The oats provide a thick, creamy base for the little bursts of blueberry flavor to shine through. As the blueberries heat up, they release more juice, creating a vibrant purple-colored oatmeal. The textures also complement each other, with the soft oats and slightly firm blueberries. This combination of flavors and textures just can’t be beaten.
Instructions for Bliss
To create this antioxidant-packed breakfast, simply:
- Bring 1 1⁄2 cups water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, reduce heat, and simmer.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until oats are tender and liquid is absorbed about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Top with milk, yogurt, honey, or more blueberries. Enjoy!
This recipe is a perfect way to start your day with a burst of nutrition and lots of natural energy. The oats keep you full for hours, while the blueberries provide beneficial antioxidants. A bowl of blueberry oatmeal is a great way to be good to yourself. Now that’s what we call a balanced breakfast!
6:Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal: A Flavor Combo You’ll Crave
The Breakfast of Champions
Oatmeal—it’s not just for horses anymore. This hearty, wholesome grain has been fueling humans for centuries. Once considered peasant fare, oats have had a major glow-up and now reign supreme as a nutrition powerhouse. Loaded with fiber, protein, and various minerals, oatmeal should be on regular rotation in your morning meal menu.
A Spoonful of Peanut Butter Helps the Oats Go Down
If there’s one thing that makes oatmeal even more irresistible, it’s peanut butter. This dynamic duo is a match made in breakfast heaven. The nutty, creamy peanut butter melts into the warm oats, creating a flavor sensation. With each spoonful of this peanut butter banana oatmeal, you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to breakfast food nirvana.
Going Bananas
To take this oatmeal over the top, add fresh banana slices. The sweet banana pieces contrast perfectly with the salty peanut butter. As the bananas warm in the hot oatmeal, they become soft and saucy, creating little pockets of banana bliss in each bite. The bananas also add natural sweetness to cut back on any added sugar. Between the fiber-filled oats, protein-packed peanut butter, and potassium-rich bananas, this bowl of goodness will give you the energy to power through your morning.
A Recipe for Deliciousness
To whip up this crave-worthy peanut butter banana oatmeal, cook 1 cup of rolled oats in 2 cups of water or milk of your choice. Stir 2-3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter and one mashed banana. Top it off with a drizzle of honey (optional), an extra dollop of peanut butter, sliced banana, and crushed peanuts. This irresistible, satisfying breakfast will give you life and leave you wanting more. Oatmeal never tasted so peanut-buttery good!
7:Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal: Dessert for Breakfast
The Breakfast of Champions
Oatmeal—it’s not just for horses anymore. This hearty whole grain has been fueling humans for centuries. But if you’re still stuck in a bland, boring oatmeal rut, it’s time to spice things up. Enter this decadent chocolate peanut butter oatmeal. One spoonful of this sweet and savory treat will transport you back to childhood.
- To make this oatmeal extravagance, start with your usual rolled oats or instant oatmeal packet. Cook according to package directions. Use milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk instead of water for extra decadence.
- Once cooked, stir in a few heaping spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter. Any brand will do, but for the full experience, opt for crunchy peanut butter with bits of nuts. The peanutty chunks pair perfectly with the oats.
- For chocolatey goodness, stir in a few squares of chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips. Milk chocolate also works great here if you prefer a sweeter treat. Let the chocolate melt into the hot oatmeal for a fudgy, peanutty delight.
- Top your creation with more peanut butter, chocolate, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries. A drizzle of honey is also a welcome addition.
- This breakfast will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full for hours. The healthy fats from the peanut butter and oats, protein, and fiber provide lasting energy. You’ll be ready to take on the day, even if you face Mondays.
While this decadent treat may not qualify as a “healthy” breakfast every day, as an occasional indulgence, it can’t be beaten. For the ultimate “dessert for breakfast,” add a splash of milk or cream and maybe even a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Your taste buds—and inner child—will thank you. Now if only we could get away with having dessert for every meal! A person can dream…
8:Maple Pecan Oatmeal: Nutty, Sweet, and Satisfying
The Breakfast of Champions
Oatmeal is the undisputed champ of morning meals. It’s filling, nutritious, and perfect for powering you through until lunchtime. This maple pecan oatmeal recipe is the heavyweight champion of oatmeals. Sweet, nutty, and satisfying, it’ll knock out your hunger in the first round.
Throw Down in the Kitchen
To make this prizefighter of breakfast, you’ll need the following:
- Rolled oats (not instant): The contender with the most fiber and nutrition.
- Chopped pecans: Adds crunch, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Pecans pack a punch.
- Maple syrup: The sweetener with real knockout power. Maple syrup contains manganese, which helps convert food into energy.
- Milk or non-dairy milk: The liquid that helps all the ingredients come together in the bowl. Almond or oat milk are solid plant-based options.
- Cinnamon (optional): A pinch adds spice and warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble
- Combine the oats, pecans, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Add the milk and 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Use your judgment here—you can always add more maple syrup later, but you can’t take it out!
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Stir and enjoy! The oats will continue to thicken as they cool.
- Add more maple syrup to taste if needed. But remember, you’re not in a heavyweight match here—no need to overpower the other flavors!
Eat this breakfast champ, and you’ll be ready to take on the day. Your hunger won’t stand a chance! Maple pecan oatmeal is a total knockout.
9:Coconut Almond Oatmeal: Toasted Nuts and a Tropical Twist
The Coconutty Cousin
Is your standard oatmeal routine getting boring? This coconut almond oatmeal will shake up your breakfast in the best way. When you thought oatmeal couldn’t get any dreamier, this tropical twist comes along.
Are you ready to go nuts for nuts? Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch that’s slightly nutty, perfectly complementing the chewy oats. Shredded coconut adds a subtle sweetness and texture that’s downright delightful. A splash of almond milk helps thin the oats to your desired consistency while enhancing the nutty flavor profile.
If this oatmeal wasn’t already over the top, go ahead and gild the lily by topping it with fresh fruit like mango, banana, or berries. Maybe a drizzle of honey, too, if you’re feeling wild. At this point, you might as well throw a tiny paper umbrella in there—this oatmeal is a tropical vacation in a bowl!
Ingredients for Your Tropical Getaway
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups water or almond milk
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Toppings: sliced mango or banana, berries, honey (optional)
Directions to Paradise
- In a medium saucepan, combine the oats, water or almond milk, coconut, almonds, and almond extract (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, frequently stirring, until oats are tender and the mixture has thickened about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Stir and enjoy your tropical getaway!
This oatmeal is so transportive you’ll hear steel drums in your head with the first bite. One thing’s for sure; your usual oatmeal will seem utterly boring after this coconut almond escape. This new classic may replace your usual go-to—it’s just that good!
Conclusion
So there you have it, 9 delicious ways to start your morning with a hearty bowl of oatmeal. Whether you prefer sweet or savory oats, chunky or creamy, piping hot or chilled, this list has you covered. Now all that’s left to do is pick a recipe, gather a few simple ingredients, and get cooking. Before you know it, you’ll enjoy a wholesome, satisfying breakfast packed with fiber, protein, and all the energizing nutrients you need to seize the day. Just don’t forget to Instagram your oaty masterpiece – your followers will be green with envy (and hunger!) over your vibrant and virtuous morning meal. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for banana bread oatmeal that must be satisfied. My oaty adventures await!
- Can Vegan Eat Chocolate? Unwrapping the Truth - November 24, 2023
- What to Eat: A Plant-Based Diet for Diabetes Menu - November 6, 2023
- Top 3 Plant-Based Fiber Supplements for Digestive Health - November 4, 2023