17 Healthy Oatmeal Recipes : Oatmeal is usually seen as a simple breakfast, but it can be so much more! It’s super flexible and can easily be turned into a tasty treat that tastes like dessert. Whether you want something sweet to begin your day or need a healthy snack to curb your afternoon cravings, oatmeal is a great choice. Packed with fiber, protein, and important nutrients, oats are a perfect base for all kinds of delicious dishes.
17 Healthy Oatmeal Recipes That Taste Like Dessert
From fruity flavors to chocolatey goodness, these oatmeal dishes are perfect for anyone who loves dessert but wants to keep their meals nutritious. So, let’s dive into these mouth-watering, healthy oatmeal recipes!
1. Banana Bread Oatmeal
If you love banana bread, this oatmeal recipe will quickly become your go-to breakfast. The natural sweetness of the ripe banana combined with cinnamon and vanilla creates a flavor that’s reminiscent of a warm slice of banana bread. It’s a great way to enjoy the comforting taste of banana bread, but with all the health benefits of oatmeal.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Oatmeal:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped walnuts, sliced banana, honey
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine the oats, milk, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir occasionally until the oats are soft and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the mashed banana and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Serve with your choice of toppings.
2. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This cozy, warm oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day on a chilly morning. The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and oats creates a dessert-like flavor that’s full of comfort and sweetness. You can even top it with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or any milk substitute)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- Chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the oats with the milk and cinnamon over medium heat.
- While the oats cook, sauté the diced apple in a pan until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the oats are cooked, stir in the sautéed apples and maple syrup if using.
- Top with chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
If you have a sweet tooth but still want a healthy breakfast, this chocolate peanut butter oatmeal is the perfect combination. Rich cocoa powder and peanut butter make it taste like a decadent dessert, while the oats keep it filling and nutritious.
Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk over medium heat until creamy.
- Stir in the peanut butter, cocoa powder, and sweetener of your choice.
- Top with chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal
This oatmeal recipe is inspired by the classic dessert, strawberry shortcake. The combination of fresh strawberries, oats, and a little touch of vanilla creates a light, dessert-like oatmeal. It’s refreshing and sweet, making it perfect for a summer breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk (or any milk substitute)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp honey or sweetener of choice
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the oatmeal by cooking the oats in the milk until soft and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and honey.
- Top with fresh sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
5. Coconut Macadamia Oatmeal
This tropical-inspired oatmeal is packed with coconut and macadamia nuts, making it taste like a luxurious dessert. The sweet and nutty flavors blend together perfectly, giving you a delightful treat that’s also nutritious.
Ingredients for Coconut Macadamia Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp macadamia nuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the coconut milk over medium heat until soft.
- Stir in the shredded coconut and maple syrup.
- Top with chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
6. Peach Cobbler Oatmeal
Peach cobbler is a southern classic, and this oatmeal recipe gives you all the flavor without the extra calories. The juicy peaches and a sprinkle of cinnamon will make you feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast!
Ingredients for Peach Cobbler Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or coconut milk)
- 1 peach, diced
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Crumbled graham crackers for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk over medium heat.
- Stir in the diced peaches and cinnamon, allowing the fruit to soften.
- Top with a drizzle of honey and crumbled graham crackers.
7. Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal
Who doesn’t love a freshly baked blueberry muffin? This oatmeal recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite muffin into a warm and comforting breakfast bowl. It’s sweet, fruity, and satisfying.
Ingredients for Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Chopped almonds or walnuts for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk over medium heat until creamy.
- Stir in the blueberries and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and top with nuts for crunch.
8. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Pumpkin pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving! This oatmeal recipe gives you all the flavors of pumpkin pie in a healthy, comforting bowl. It’s perfect for fall mornings or any time you want a taste of autumn.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Chopped pecans for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk over medium heat.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Top with maple syrup and chopped pecans for an extra fall-inspired touch.
9. Churro Oatmeal
If you love churros, this oatmeal recipe will be your new favorite! The cinnamon and sugar combination gives this dish the sweet, spicy kick of churros, while the oats make it a filling and healthy breakfast.
Ingredients for Churro Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or coconut milk)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk until creamy.
- Stir in the cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Top with extra cinnamon sugar for a churro-inspired finish.
10. Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Carrot cake is another dessert favorite, and this oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to enjoy those flavors in a healthy and hearty breakfast. With shredded carrots, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, this oatmeal tastes like a slice of carrot cake.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp honey
- Chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the oats with milk and spices over medium heat.
- Stir in the shredded carrots and honey.
- Top with walnuts for a crunchy finish.
11. S’mores Oatmeal
S’mores oatmeal is the ultimate combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavors. It’s a dessert-inspired oatmeal that’s fun, sweet, and surprisingly nutritious!
Ingredients for S’mores Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- Crushed graham crackers for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk with cocoa powder.
- Stir in the marshmallows as the oats finish cooking, allowing them to melt slightly.
- Top with crushed graham crackers for a true s’mores experience.
12. Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, and this oatmeal recipe mimics all those sweet, gooey flavors. With a swirl of cinnamon sugar and a touch of vanilla, you can enjoy a cinnamon roll-inspired breakfast that’s much healthier!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or any milk substitute)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in milk over medium heat until creamy.
- Stir in the cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Top with extra cinnamon sugar for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
13. Pina Colada Oatmeal
Escape to a tropical paradise with this pina colada oatmeal. The coconut and pineapple combination is sweet, refreshing, and just the thing to brighten your morning.
Ingredients Pina Colada Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in coconut milk until soft and creamy.
- Stir in the pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
14. Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal
Chocolate and cherries are a perfect pair, and this oatmeal recipe brings them together for a decadent but healthy breakfast. It’s sweet, tart, and rich, with all the benefits of oats.
Ingredients Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or any milk substitute)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey or sweetener of your choice
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in milk over medium heat.
- Stir in the cherries and cocoa powder.
- Top with a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
15. Chocolate Banana Oatmeal
Banana and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and this oatmeal recipe gives you the best of both worlds. With a creamy base of oats, mashed banana, and cocoa powder, it’s a rich and satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients Chocolate Banana Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in milk over medium heat until creamy.
- Stir in the mashed banana and cocoa powder.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
16. Almond Joy Oatmeal
Inspired by the classic candy bar, this oatmeal is full of chocolate, coconut, and almonds, making it a dessert-worthy breakfast.
Ingredients for Almond Joy Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or coconut milk)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk with cocoa powder until soft.
- Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped almonds.
- Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
17. Raspberry White Chocolate Oatmeal
This oatmeal recipe pairs tart raspberries with sweet white chocolate for a creamy, dessert-like treat. The combination of fruit and chocolate makes it feel like a luxurious breakfast option.
Ingredients for Raspberry White Chocolate Oatmeal:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or any milk substitute)
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in the milk until creamy.
- Stir in the raspberries and white chocolate chips.
- Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
With these 17 healthy oatmeal recipes that taste like dessert, you can enjoy a sweet, satisfying meal while still making good choices for your health. Whether you’re craving chocolate, fruit, or nuts, there’s an oatmeal recipe here for everyone! Enjoy these easy-to-make recipes for breakfast, snack time, or anytime you want a dessert-inspired bowl of goodness.
