Creamy Vegan Oatmeal Recipe

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A warm bowl of the best creamy vegan oatmeal is one of the simplest ways to start the day, but a few small tricks can make it taste anything but ordinary. In this recipe, I combine rolled oats, creamy coconut milk, and warm cinnamon for a breakfast that is rich, comforting, and ready in just 5 minutes!

Some mornings call for elaborate breakfasts, but most days I just want something quick, nourishing, and satisfying, like creamy vegan oatmeal. And on mornings when I have a little more time to spare, I make strawberries and cream oatmeal, but I always come back to my old faithful recipe. I use simple pantry staples along with almond butter and maple syrup to make the bowl extra tasty. If you do not have loads of time in the morning, this recipe is the perfect breakfast for you.

I am no stranger to oatmeal, but I started making this recipe when I realized that a few simple changes could turn an ordinary bowl of oats into something decadent that my kids actually look forward to. There was a time when the only thing my boys wanted was healthy chocolate oatmeal. And one morning, they saw me adding delicious toppings, including chocolate chips, to my bowl of creamy vegan oatmeal; they were immediately intrigued. They quickly realized that they had been missing out on fun flavors and textures, and now this is their new favorite.

🥘 Ingredients

This creamy vegan oatmeal uses everyday ingredients that work together to create a flavorful breakfast. This is everything I need:

Rolled oats: I use rolled oats as they cook quickly while still giving the oatmeal plenty of texture. 

Lite canned coconut milk: I love using this to give the oatmeal a rich, creamy consistency without making it too heavy. Any dairy-free milk will work too.

Almond butter: A spoonful of almond butter makes the oatmeal even creamier while also adding healthy fats and a mild nutty flavor. 

Maple syrup: This adds just enough natural sweetness while pairing perfectly with the cinnamon and vanilla.

Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and gives the oatmeal a comforting taste.

Ground cinnamon: I add this for a warm note.

Sea salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness while also enhancing all of the other flavors. 

Optional toppings: I change the topping depending on what I have available. I like adding fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, nut butter, or dairy-free chocolate chips.

🔪 How To Make

The key to creating creamy vegan oatmeal with exceptional texture and flavor is in the very simple process. This is how I make it:

Add everything to the saucepan: I add the rolled oats, coconut milk, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a small saucepan.

Cook: Then I place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir frequently as the mixture slowly heats. I continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the oatmeal has just started to thicken, then remove from the heat.

Add toppings: I transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and finish with my favourite toppings, and enjoy.

📖 Variations

This creamy vegan oatmeal recipe is the perfect blank canvas for seasonal flavors and different toppings. You can check out this guide on how to make oatmeal taste good for further inspiration, but these are 3 of my favorite variations:

Apple cinnamon oatmeal: During the fall months, I add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg into the oatmeal while it cooks. Then I top the oatmeal with 1/2 diced honeycrisp apple or a few tablespoons of Instant Pot Apple sauce with cinnamon. My kids love this topped with walnuts. 

Peanut butter banana: I replace the almond butter with 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, then serve the oatmeal with 1 small sliced banana, 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds. My husband says it tastes like a peanut butter banana sandwich in a bowl. 

Mocha oatmeal: I stir in a shot of espresso, or instant espresso powder, and 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder along with all the other ingredients. Then I serve it with vegan dark chocolate chips and toasted chopped pecans. I love this version on cold winter mornings. 

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan oatmeal is delicious on its own, but there are so many great options when it comes to toppings and pairings. If you prefer your oatmeal plain, enjoy it with a side of breakfast fruit salad or some pumpkin protein balls. And if the weather is a bit on the cooler side, a cup of oat milk chocolate with your breakfast is guaranteed to warm you up. 

My boys love it when I give them the go-ahead to raid the fridge and top their oatmeal however they choose. Usually, they go for a sweeter combination of caramelized bananas and a swirl of vegan Nutella. But recently they have been enjoying it with homemade high protein granola, a spoonful of apple curd, and a drizzle of vegan honey. 

🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating

Refrigeration: I allow the oatmeal to cool before storing it in an airtight container in her refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: I portion cooled oatmeal into a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating: If frozen, I thaw the oatmeal in the fridge overnight. Then I warm the oatmeal gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in 1-3 tablespoons of dairy-free milk until it reaches my preferred consistency.

❓Recipe FAQs