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
Scale
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
