The magical gingerbread flavor combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice doesn’t have to be limited to cookies – it tastes delicious in oats too! Treat yourself this holiday season with this delicious ginger oatmeal; it’s like a hug in a bowl.
I’m all about a classic breakfast like this cinnamon oatmeal, but if you’re looking to switch up your typical oat flavor and topping combination, you’ll love this Ginger Oatmeal! I love the rich flavor and spice of the molasses, nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s a great way to start a day of holiday baking with something healthier.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- A healthy breakfast with dessert taste! All the delicious warming spices of a gingerbread person served in a bowl of steaming oats.
- Make it in one pot in the kitchen in less than 10 minutes. You can also cook it in the microwave if you want.
- This recipe is vegan, dairy free, egg free, free of nutsand it can be done easily gluten free so that almost everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients you will need
- Oats: I like to use old-fashioned oats for this recipe, but you can use quick-cooking oats if you have them. Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
- Milk: Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) will do for these oats; my favorite milk is unsweetened soy milk. Use a plant-based milk if you want to make vegan oats.
- Maple Syrup: Add some sweetness. You can also use brown sugar or honey.
- Molasses: You want to use a dark unsulphured molasses for this recipe.
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg): This spice combination infuses the oats with all the traditional Christmas spices you’ll find in gingerbread. In a pinch, you can use a pumpkin pie spice or an apple pie spice, but it will taste a little different. You can also buy gingerbread spices; I recommend using 1 teaspoon for this recipe.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Ginger Oatmeal Topping Suggestions
- Fresh fruit: Seasonal fruits like pear and pomegranate pair well with the warming spices of this oat.
- Dried fruit: Raisins or dried cranberries would be perfect with this ginger oatmeal.
- Nuts/seeds: Add some crunch by sprinkling the oats with some pecans, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. I usually sprinkle in some hemp hearts too for extra omega 3s.
- Almond Butter: I like to add a tablespoon of almond butter to hot oats so it melts into the oatmeal. Cashew butter would also be a great option.
- Candied ginger: Add some extra ginger with some chopped candied ginger on top.
- Gingerbread cookies: Make your oatmeal extra special by crumbling a few gingerbread cookies on top for a crunch. This can be a good way to use up any that might be a bit stale, as they will soak with milk in the oatmeal.
Step by step
Step 1: Add all of your ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Second step: Simmer for 5-8 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency. Transfer to bowls and add ingredients.
Expert advice:
- Don’t skip the salt! Just like you season any other dish, it’s important to add a little salt to the oats to bring out all the flavors.
- This recipe can also be made with fast cooking or steel cutting oats However, you will need to adjust the cooking time.
- To feed a crowddouble or triple the recipe and cook in a large casserole dish or Dutch oven over high heat.
Store and move forward
Double or triple the recipe for leftovers if desired. Once cooled, place the oatmeal in containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk when reheating for a minute or two in the microwave OR in a small saucepan on the stove, as the cooled oats will be thick. You can also eat the leftovers cold if you want!
Frequently asked questions about recipes
Add your favorite unflavored protein powder to oats when cooking. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds, hemp hearts, or chia seeds while cooking is another great way to increase protein.
Molasses is the key to this traditional gingerbread flavor, but in a pinch you can use brown sugar, dark corn syrup, or maple syrup.
Yes! Just add all the ingredients to the bowl and stir well. Cover the bowl or transfer to 2 jars and refrigerate overnight. Stir them in the morning, add whatever toppings you like, and serve.
More Oat Recipes You’ll Love
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Gingerbread oats
The magical gingerbread flavor combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice doesn’t have to be limited to cookies – it tastes delicious in oats too! Enjoy this holiday season with this delicious Gingerbread Oatmeal; it’s like a hug in a bowl.
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Instructions
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In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients.
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Bring to a simmer and stir. Stir continuously until the liquid is absorbed and the oats thicken.
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Serve hot with desired toppings.
notes
- Microwave indications: Add all your ingredients to a small bowl and stir. Microwave for 5 minutes, pausing to stir occasionally, until thickened to desired consistency.
- Gingerbread Spice: If you have store-bought gingerbread spice, use 1 teaspoon instead of the spices in this recipe.
- Top tips: almond butter, pumpkin seeds, pecans, chopped pear, pomegranate.
nutrition
Service: 1/2 cup | Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 114mg | Fiber: 8.7g | Sugar: 17g