Almond Butter Oatmeal
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This almond butter oatmeal is quick and easy, but takes it to the next level: Who knew healthy could also be this decadent? Creamy, rich, and oh-so-comforting, this velvety oatmeal feels like a hug in a bowl.
Nuts for starting your day this way? You'll also love our peanut butter oatmeal recipe.
Imagine a cozy, warm breakfast on a chilly morningā¦ It's likely that a steaming bowl of oats comes to your mind? It's a classic, and there is a reason good old-fashioned oats have stood the test of time.
Welcome to breakfast heaven. ALL the good adjectives apply: it's quick, easy to make, healthy, creamy, cozy, satisfying, and delicious! It's made from pantry staples, so you probably already have most of the ingredients. It's gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free and vegan. It also wins for nutrition: high in fiber and protein, satisfying you with long-lasting energy to fuel the rest of your day.
Ingredients needed
For the oatmeal:Ā
- Water ā For cooking the oats.
- Rolled oats ā We use old-fashioned rolled oats. But if you have quick oats or steel cut oats, you can use those instead. Just make sure to check the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the time as needed.
- Vanilla ā Just a splash adds wonderful warm notes.
- Almond butter ā The star of the show! It makes the oatmeal creamy and more filling.
For the toppings:Ā
- Coconut oil + banana + brown sugar ā Slices of banana sprinkled in sugar and cooked in coconut oil becomes sweet and crispy and make an incredible topping.
- Chopped almonds ā A sprinkle adds a great contrast in texture.
- Maple syrup ā This is our preferred oatmeal sweetener.
- Your milk of choice ā If you like a thinner oatmeal, add a splash of milk.
How to make almond butter oatmeal
- Cook the oatmeal: In a small pot, bring water, oats, and vanilla extract to a boil before letting it simmer for 10 minutes. Add the almond butter and stir briskly for a minute.
- Caramelize the bananas: Slice a banana and sprinkle brown sugar on either side while some coconut oil melts, then sear the bananas until they're golden brown.
- Optional creaminess: Blend oatmeal for a smoother texture.
- Serve: Divide oatmeal into bowls and top with your caramelized bananas, maple syrup, and whatever other delicious toppings you're craving!
More oatmeal toppings
The caramelized bananas are so delicious! Honestly, it's hard not to snack on them straight from the pan. However, the beauty of oatmeal is you can customize it with whatever you'd like! Some suggestions include:
- Cozy Spices: Some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom enhance the warmth of this oatmeal.
- Sweet: If you're feeling extra indulgent, go wild and bust out the dark chocolate chips! Drizzles of honey, agave nectar, or a blueberry syrup, or another sweetener are divine, or sprinkle some brown or coconut sugar on top.
- Nuts & seeds: Swap out the chopped almonds for another nut like walnuts or pecans, to add a different crunch. You could also sprinkle some sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds.
- Fruits: Our top picks are sliced apples, apricots, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries (okay, any berries!), raisins, or chopped dates.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use another nut butter?
We love the balance the almond butter provides, but this oatmeal is also delicious with other nut butter like peanut butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter. Each different nut butter will bring a unique flavor profile to the oatmeal, so you can adjust the sweetness or seasoning according to your tastes.
Are oats gluten-free?
Yes, but if you are considerate of gluten then you should look for certified gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free however a small amount of those with celiac disease can still react to them. Try these gluten-free baked oatmeal bars!
Can you store cooked oatmeal in the refrigerator?
While oatmeal is best enjoyed warm and fresh, you can store oatmeal in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Let the cooked oatmeal cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. When reheating, add some liquid, like a splash of your preferred milk.
Can I use another type of oats?
Rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, are usually the most stocked oats you'll find in your supermarket. If you substitute for any other oats, such as quick oats, just be sure to check the cooking instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
More oatmeal recipes
Almond Butter Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Ā¼ cup almond butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 medium bananas (ripe but firm)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- Chopped almonds, almond butter, maple syrup, and milk of choice (to serve)
Instructions
- Place the water, rolled oats, and vanilla in a small pot over high heat. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the almond butter to the pot and stir briskly for 1 minute. Continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes, or until the oats are soft.1 cup rolled oats, Ā¼ cup almond butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups water
- While the oats are cooking, make the bananas. Melt the coconut oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Slice the bananas and sprinkle the brown sugar over both sides. Add them to the pan in a single layer and fry until they're golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the bananas over and let them caramelize on the other side, about 1-2 minutes more.1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 medium bananas, 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Optional step: For super creamy almond butter oatmeal, place the oatmeal into your blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Divide the almond butter oatmeal between 2 bowls and then top with the caramelized bananas and any or all of the toppingsChopped almonds, almond butter, maple syrup, and milk of choice
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our breakfast recipes!
