12 Delicious Oatmeal Recipes that Give “Dessert for Breakfast” Vibes

If you’re like me and you’re trying to eat healthier – especially for breakfast – it can be a challenge! Sure, I’ve found a couple cereals that don’t taste like cardboard and I’m not totally sick of yet, but for the sake of variety, I’ve been experimenting with different variations on an old classic: Oatmeal!

Now, I’m definitely not the type of person who can just whip up a batch of plain oats and water and eat it as is — if you are, teach me your ways, oh wise and healthy sage — but, I’ve come to embrace oatmeal as a warm breakfast canvas of sorts. Not only is it healthy, but it makes for a great go-to breakfast option that can be tailored to fit your changing flavor cravings, and can usually be doctored up with ingredients you may have already! Check out these recipes below, and let me know which ones you like the best! **Note** I’m all for efficiency, so feel free to use packaged oatmeal for any of these variations! Prepare oatmeal according to package directions – you can opt to use plain or pre-flavored depending on each individual recipe. Enjoy!

1. Berry Bliss Oatmeal

 Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup raspberries.
3. Top with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp chia seeds.

• Nutritional Value: High in antioxidants, fiber, and protein.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 280 calories, 5g fiber, 6g protein.

2. Nutty Banana Delight

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Stir in 1 sliced banana and 1 tbsp peanut butter.
3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped almonds or walnuts and a pinch of cinnamon.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in healthy fats, potassium, and protein.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 350 calories, 7g fiber, 10g protein.

3. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream

        Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Mix 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips into oats.
3. Top with 1 sliced banana and dust with cocoa powder.

• Nutritional Value: Indulgent yet balanced with antioxidants and potassium.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 320 calories, 5g fiber, 6g protein.

4. Tropical Escape

        Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Stir in 2 tbsp shredded coconut and 1/4 cup sliced pineapple.
3. Add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt and a few nuts.

• Nutritional Value: Provides healthy fats, probiotics, and vitamin C.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 300 calories, 4g fiber, 8g protein.

5. Cinnamon Raisin Comfort

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup raisins, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp allspice.
3. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar.

*Tip: Add some extra texture by slicing up apples and adding them as well.*

• Nutritional Value: High in fiber with natural sweetness.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 290 calories, 5g fiber, 5g protein.

6. Maple Pecan Crunch

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Drizzle 2 tbsp maple syrup over oats.
3. Add 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts and a pinch of nutmeg.

• Nutritional Value: Contains healthy fats and natural sweetness.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 310 calories, 4g fiber, 6g protein.

7. Spiced Carrot Cake

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup finely grated carrot.
3. Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
4. Top with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt and a handful of walnuts.

• Nutritional Value: High in fiber and healthy fats.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 320 calories, 6g fiber, 8g protein.

8. Apple Pie Oatmeal

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Mix in 1 sliced apple.
3. Top with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp granola.

*Tip:Before adding apples, cook them in a mix of sugar, water, vanilla, and cinnamon for an extra boost of apple pie flavor.*

• Nutritional Value: Packed with fiber and antioxidants.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 300 calories, 6g fiber, 5g protein.

9. Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Swirl in 1 tbsp peanut butter and 1 tbsp berry jam.
3. Top with fresh berries and 1 tsp flaxseeds.

• Nutritional Value: High in protein and omega-3s.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 340 calories, 7g fiber, 9g protein.

10. Gingerbread Morning

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk.
2. Mix in 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
3. Top with 2 tbsp crushed walnuts and 1 tbsp molasses.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in omega-3s and minerals.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 330 calories, 5g fiber, 7g protein.

11. Chia Seed Pudding Oatmeal

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats with 1 tbsp chia seeds and 1 cup water or milk.
2. Fold in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and 1 tbsp agave nectar or honey.

• Nutritional Value: High in fiber and omega-3s.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 310 calories, 8g fiber, 9g protein.

12. Coco-Mocha Magic

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup oats using 1 cup brewed coffee as the cooking liquid.
2. Stir in 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice.
3. Top with dark chocolate shavings, sweetened coconut flakes, and 2 tbsp granola.

• Nutritional Value: Contains caffeine and antioxidants.
• Nutritional Facts: Approximately 370 calories, 4g fiber, 7g protein.

Incorporate these variations into your oatmeal routine for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal each morning. Enjoy fueling your body and soul!