When you’re used to artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, and cane sugar, it can be hard to let nature sweeten your food. You won’t see any of these added to my Cinnamon Sunrise Steel Cut Oats Recipe, but I think the natural touches of sweetness will come as a pleasant – and delicious -surprise!
Adding banana, honey, dates, raisans, or coconut as a sweetener takes some adjustment. I think the biggest trick is to stop looking for “just like”, paleo, gluten-free, or sugar-free versions of your favorite foods. Try to go on a new flavor discovery instead and the natural flavors of foods without additives just might surprise you.
I found inspiration for my Cinnamon Sunrise Steel Cut Oats from Cookie and Kate. Kate has the most delicious recipe for basic, creamy, steel cut oats. Make a big batch and refrigerate it to use over a week. This oatmeal recipe from Cookie and Kate is pretty full-proof and ready for you to jazz up with your favorite flavors.
I then looked at Kate’s suggestions for toppings, along with so many delicious ideas from Pinterest, and did a little pantry inventory. I found some items I know I love in oatmeal – cinnamon, (almond) milk, and nutmeg – and then pulled out some more adventurous items like dried apricots, carrots (a real leap of faith), and dates. The end result? A hearty, creamy Steel Cut Oats Recipe with a touch of natural sweetness in every bite. Yum!
Cinnamon Surprise Steel Cut Oats Recipe
A hearty, creamy oatmeal with a touch of natural sweetness in every bite. Yum!
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Almond Milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 Cup Steel Cut Oats
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2/3 Cup Chopped Dates
- 2/3 Cup Chopped Dried Apricots
- Zest from 1 Orange
- 1 Grated Carrot
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Grated
- 3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (or more to taste)
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
- Easily make this recipe gluten and nut free by removing nuts and choosing gluten free steel cut oats.
Instructions
1. Combine the water and milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
2. While the liquid heats, put the coconut oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the steel cut oats. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
3. Add steel cut oats to liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add salt, dates, apricots, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Turn down heat to prevent scorching, if necessary.
5. Take oatmeal off of the heat and add in orange zest, coconut, vanilla, honey or syrup,and walnuts. Stir to combine.
6. Let oatmeal rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
Notes
Recipe can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.
Steel cut oats take a bit longer to make than traditional oatmeal, but I think this wholesome porridge is worth it! Plus, make extra and you just need to reheat it on the stove for your next meal. What are your favorite mix-ins?
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I would love to try your special recipe. This sounds so special and delicious, so thanks for sharing it.
This looks great and will have to try it for breakfast one morning
This sounds so hearty and amazing!! What an awesome breakfast with such an inviting name 🙂 Sounds like a lot of work but totally worth it!!
This sounds like it tastes delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
I love oatmeal! I eat it everyday for breakfast so I’m always looking for new recipes to try and this one looks delicious!