Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a comforting bowl of sticky date and brown butter oatmeal, a delicious twist on a classic breakfast. The nutty richness of browned butter pairs perfectly with sweet Medjool dates and warm spices, making each spoonful a cozy delight.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 Medjool dates, pitted and torn into smaller pieces
- 1¼ cups milk (plant-based milk also works well)
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom
- Flaky sea salt, for serving
- Fresh fruit, for serving
- Heavy cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Add the torn dates and stir to coat them evenly in the browned butter.
- Step 2: In a separate medium saucepan, combine the milk, oats, cinnamon or cardamom, and the date-butter mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom.
- Step 4: Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the oats are tender and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract during the last minute of cooking.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and add a pinch of flaky sea salt. Top with fresh fruit and a splash of heavy cream if desired.
- Step 6: Spoon the oatmeal into warm bowls and serve immediately while still steamy and fragrant.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, substitute half of the milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Use cardamom instead of cinnamon for a slightly different aromatic profile.
- Sweeten further with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if desired.
Storage
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried dates instead of Medjool dates?
Yes, but dried dates may need to be chopped smaller and soaked briefly to soften before cooking to achieve the best texture.
Is it possible to make this oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil.
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Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal is a comforting and flavorful breakfast option featuring nutty brown butter, naturally sweet Medjool dates, and creamy oats. Enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom and topped with flaky sea salt and fresh fruit, it’s a delightful way to start your day with a satisfying, naturally sweetened meal.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 Medjool dates, pitted and torn into smaller pieces
- 1¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom
For Serving
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Fresh fruit, for topping
- Heavy cream, optional, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Brown Butter and Dates: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, cooking until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Add the torn Medjool dates and stir to coat them evenly in the browned butter.
- Combine Oatmeal Ingredients: In a separate medium saucepan, add the milk, rolled oats, ground cinnamon or cardamom, and the date-butter mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Simmer the Oatmeal: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook Until Creamy: Continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the oats are tender and creamy. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract for added fragrance and flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the oatmeal from heat. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors. Serve the oatmeal in warm bowls topped with fresh fruit and, if desired, a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Enjoy immediately while warm and fragrant.
Notes
- You can substitute the dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy for a vegan-friendly option.
- Adjust the spice to your preference: cinnamon offers warmth while cardamom gives a unique floral note.
- Heavy cream topping is optional but adds a luxurious touch.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts on top.
- Using Medjool dates provides a natural caramel-like sweetness; dried dates can be used but may require soaking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sticky date oatmeal, brown butter oatmeal, creamy oatmeal, healthy breakfast, warm oatmeal recipe, natural sweetener, Medjool dates recipe, cozy breakfast
