Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey and Toppings Recipe
A simple and comforting homemade oatmeal recipe made with old-fashioned rolled oats simmered in milk and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for a nutritious breakfast with customizable toppings.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned or rolled oats
- 1 3/4 cups 2% milk (or milk of your choice, plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
Optional Toppings
- Fresh or dried fruit
- Nut butter
- Spices (e.g., extra cinnamon or nutmeg)
- Nuts or seeds
Instructions
- Cook the oats: In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the oats, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning, until bubbles begin to break the surface and the oats absorb most of the liquid.
- Let it sit: Once the oats have cooked, cover the saucepan and remove it from heat. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes so the oats can fully absorb the liquid and the texture thickens.
- Add honey and combine: Uncover the saucepan and stir in the tablespoon of honey thoroughly for natural sweetness.
- Garnish and serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with your choice of fresh or dried fruits, nut butter, spices, or nuts for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer your oatmeal thinner.
- Use steel-cut oats for a chewier texture but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice.
- Store leftover oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
