Oatmeal with Milk: Creamy Comfort with Dates, Honey, and Cinnamon

Ingredients Overview

For 2 hearty servings, you’ll need:

• 100g oats (old-fashioned/rolled or quick-cook)

• 300ml milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, soy, or oat milk)

• 100g dates, pitted and chopped

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Optional add-ins: A pinch of salt, chopped nuts for crunch, sliced banana, or a splash of vanilla extract.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 2)

• Calories: ~300

• Protein: 9g

• Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 28g

• Sodium: 90mg

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with milk type, added fruit, and toppings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Milk

• Pour 300ml milk into a medium saucepan.

• Heat over medium heat until the milk just begins to boil, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch.

2. Add Oats and Cinnamon

• Add 100g oats and 1 tsp cinnamon to the hot milk.

• Stir well and reduce heat to low.

• Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oats are soft and the porridge is creamy.

• If it gets too thick, add a splash of more milk or water to adjust consistency.

3. Add Honey

• Remove the pan from heat.

• Stir in 1 tbsp honey until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

4. Top with Dates and Serve

• Spoon the oatmeal into bowls.

• Top each with a generous handful of chopped dates (or swirl them in, if you like).

• Serve warm, with extra honey or milk on the side.

Tips for the Creamiest Oatmeal

• Stir often: Prevents sticking and makes the porridge extra creamy.

• Chop dates small: This spreads sweetness throughout the bowl with chewy, caramel bites.

• Add a pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors of the oats and dates.

• Try overnight oats: For a summer version, soak oats, milk, honey, and cinnamon together overnight in the fridge, then top with dates in the morning.

• Make it plant-based: Use almond, soy, or coconut milk and maple syrup instead of honey.

Variations & Serving Ideas

• Nutty twist: Add toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.

• Extra fruit: Add sliced banana, apple, or berries along with dates.

• With yogurt: Swirl in Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.

• Dessert treat: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs on top!

• Savory alternative: Skip honey and dates, and add a poached egg, cheddar, and chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this oatmeal vegan?
A: Yes! Use plant-based milk and swap honey for maple or agave syrup.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Oatmeal thickens as it cools, but yes—store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk and stir well.

Q: What type of oats work best?
A: Old-fashioned or rolled oats give a nice creamy but textured result. Quick oats cook fastest but are softer; steel-cut oats require longer cooking.

Q: Are dates very sweet in oatmeal?
A: Dates offer rich, caramel sweetness. Adjust honey to taste if you prefer it less sweet.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with milk.