Ingredients
Oatmeal Base
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon half and half
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (two occurrences, combined it totals ¼ teaspoon cinnamon)
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
Toppings
- ½ banana, sliced
- ½ cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Microwave Cooking: Place the rolled oats, water, and a pinch of salt into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 90 seconds. If the oatmeal isn’t puffed or softened enough, continue heating in 15-second increments until fully cooked. This step is generally only needed the first time to determine your microwave’s optimal cooking time. After microwaving, stir in the milk of choice before serving.
- Stovetop Cooking: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the oats. Cook the oats, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the water. Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the milk, then cover the pan and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the oats to finish cooking and thicken.
- Assembly: Once the oatmeal base is ready, stir in your preferred toppings including the dark brown sugar, maple syrup, half and half, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cocoa powder, sliced banana, strawberries, walnuts, pecans, ground flaxseed, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and roasted peanuts. Mix well to combine the flavors. Let the oatmeal rest a few minutes to cool slightly and thicken. Add a little more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize the sweetness level by adjusting the amounts of maple syrup, honey, and brown sugar according to your taste.
- Use any milk of choice (dairy or plant-based) to suit dietary preferences.
- For a vegan option, substitute half and half with a plant-based cream alternative or omit entirely.
- Microwave times may vary depending on your appliance; always monitor while cooking to prevent overflow.
- Adding ground flaxseed boosts fiber and omega-3 fatty acid content.
- This recipe serves as a base for multiple servings; scale ingredients up accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (stovetop) or 2 minutes (microwave)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Microwaving and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian