Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Custard Oatmeal is a luxurious take on your traditional oatmeal, offering the perfect combination of creamy, smooth, and slightly sweet flavors. The custard provides a rich, velvety texture that’s both filling and comforting. This dish can be made with simple ingredients, and you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. The great thing about this oatmeal is that it’s versatile — you can enjoy it for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even a dessert. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your day while indulging in a sweet and creamy bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats
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2 cups milk (or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
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Fresh fruit (such as berries, bananas, or apples), for topping
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Chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), for topping (optional)
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Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the oats: In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the milk. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the custard mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated.
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Combine the custard and oats: Once the oats are cooked and creamy, gradually add the egg mixture to the oatmeal while stirring constantly. This will help prevent the eggs from scrambling. Continue to cook the oatmeal over low heat for another 2-3 minutes, until the custard thickens and the oats become smooth and creamy. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
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Serve: Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve the custard oatmeal warm, and top with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness and texture.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2-3 servings
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Fruit flavors: Add mashed bananas, berries, or apples to the oatmeal while it cooks to infuse natural sweetness and flavor. You can also top the oatmeal with your favorite fruit for extra freshness.
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Spices: For added warmth, try adding spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ground ginger along with the cinnamon.
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Sweetener alternatives: Swap sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia if you prefer a different sweetness level.
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Nut butters: Stir in a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for extra creaminess and flavor.
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Chocolate twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey version of custard oatmeal.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover custard oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the oatmeal with a splash of milk, stirring every 30 seconds until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk to loosen it if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this oatmeal without eggs?
Yes! If you’d prefer not to use eggs, you can skip them and instead add extra milk or a thickening agent like cornstarch to achieve a similar creamy texture. You could also try using a plant-based egg replacer.
Is custard oatmeal gluten-free?
Yes, this oatmeal is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to check the labels on your oats if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.
Can I make custard oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Can I use plant-based milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
How can I make this oatmeal richer?
To make the oatmeal richer, you can use full-fat milk or cream in place of regular milk. Adding a spoonful of butter or a dollop of yogurt can also enhance the richness.
Can I use instant oats for this recipe?
Instant oats can be used in place of rolled oats, but the texture may not be as creamy. If using instant oats, reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes after adding the milk.
Can I add protein to the oatmeal?
Absolutely! You can stir in protein powder, Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of nut butter for added protein and creaminess.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
To prevent the eggs from scrambling, be sure to stir constantly when you add the egg mixture to the oatmeal. Adding the eggs gradually while stirring helps prevent them from cooking too quickly and turning into scrambled eggs.
Can I make this oatmeal in the slow cooker?
Yes! To make custard oatmeal in the slow cooker, combine the oats, milk, sugar, and spices in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the egg mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring to combine, and cook until the oatmeal thickens.
Can I add toppings to the oatmeal?
Yes, you can get creative with toppings! Try adding fresh berries, chopped nuts, dried fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the flavor and texture of the oatmeal.
Conclusion
Custard Oatmeal is a creamy, indulgent, and comforting breakfast option that combines the heartiness of oats with the richness of custard. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a warm, cozy note, and it’s highly customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you enjoy it with fruit, nuts, or a touch of sweetness, this oatmeal is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or a special treat on the weekend.
Custard Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Custard Oatmeal is a creamy, indulgent twist on traditional oatmeal, combining the heartiness of oats with the rich, velvety texture of custard. This comforting breakfast is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for chilly mornings or a cozy treat, it’s a nutritious and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats
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2 cups milk (or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
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Fresh fruit (such as berries, bananas, or apples), for topping
-
Chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), for topping (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the oats: In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the milk. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the custard mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated.
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Combine the custard and oats: Once the oats are cooked and creamy, gradually add the egg mixture to the oatmeal while stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Continue to cook the oatmeal over low heat for another 2-3 minutes, until the custard thickens and the oats become smooth and creamy. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
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Serve: Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve the custard oatmeal warm, and top with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness and texture.
Notes
Storage: Leftover custard oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring every 30 seconds until the desired consistency is reached. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding milk as needed to loosen it up.Make it richer: For a richer oatmeal, substitute full-fat milk or add a spoonful of butter or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.Sweetener alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia if you prefer a different level of sweetness.
