Cherry Oatmeal
Looking for healthy recipes for breakfast? Elevate your regular hot cereal with this Cherry Oatmeal! A simple, satisfying and easy breakfast that's a little bit indulgent.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Oatmeal recipe is a real treat, especially when you're focused on healthy eating but want something a little bit special and extra delicious that doesn't take a lot of time. I'm no dietitian, but it's also a great source of fiber too!
Eating a hearty, healthy breakfast that looks as good as it tastes is important, right? Next time you go to the grocery store, grab some frozen sweet cherries and give this recipe a try.
Cherry oatmeal is easy to make (no need to wait for cherry season)
The recipe calls for sweet, frozen cherries, but if you can only find the sour variety, get those instead (and see tip below about sweetening them up).
Make this recipe in advance if you'd like. Put the cooked oats and cherries in 16 ounce jars, a great option for meal prep!
These flavors are kind of cherry pie-like, except on your oatmeal.
I am a huge fan of anything that tastes like cherry pie for breakfast, and this recipe is a keeper.
For the full recipe, list of instructions and ingredients for Cherry Oatmeal, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Oatmeal: Old-fashioned oats are best with their chewy texture, while somehow being perfectly fluffy too.
Almonds: Thin sliced almonds for crunch.
Cherries: Frozen sweet & tart cherries, defrosted, you can also use fresh cherries if you like.
Yogurt: Totally optional, but so, so good.
Honey, Butter, Cinnamon, Lemon: Flavorings that make all the difference.\
For the full list of instructions, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Make the cherry compote by gently cooking the defrosted cherries in a small saucepan with the honey, cinnamon, lemon juice and butter. Let this cool in a large bowl while you make the oatmeal.
Cook your oat mixture (four servings) by following the package directions on your box or bag
Divide oatmeal into four bowls (or 16-ounce mason jars if you do meal plans ahead for the week)
Top with the warm cherry compote
Add a yogurt drizzle and sliced almonds for crunch
Enjoy!
Use whatever type of oatmeal you like, and prepare it according to the package directions. Old fashioned oats are preferred over quick cooking oats for this recipe.
The cherry compote will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Try this recipe with other hot cereals, like eight grain or quinoa.
If you want the cherry compote to be sweeter, add more honey while the mixture is still warm and stir gently to combine.
Use pure vanilla extract instead of almond extract, if you'd like.
Use almond milk yogurt if you want to make the recipe non-dairy.
Go over the top and drizzle some maple syrup on top of the oatmeal too!
Meal prep this cherry oatmeal recipe into four serving containers for the week and you'll spend less time in the kitchen!
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt to your oats when they're cooking for extra flavor.
Add a splash of milk to the oatmeal instead of the yogurt.
Who says the cherry compote can't be used on anything else? Try it on yogurt, vanilla ice cream, pancakes and waffles. Amazing.
Add a drizzle of peanut butter to the oats if you're looking for extra protien.
How about serving a big bowl of the Cherry Oatmeal family style with other breakfast items like bacon or sausage?
Can I make Cherry Oatmeal in advance?
You can make both the day before, but heat and assemble them separately.
Can I use a fruit other than cherries?
You can! Try blueberries, strawberries or raspberries for a tasty variation.
How do I store the cherry mixture?
In a well-sealed container, preferably with a lid. Try using small glass mason jars, like Ball.
What if I don't have or can't find pure maple syrup?
Try brown sugar instead!
Can I substitute the almond extract for something else?
Sure! Use a teaspoon of vanilla extract instead!
Cherry Oatmeal
Cherry Oatmeal really scales up your morning breakfast game with delicious cherry almond flavor and a dollop of vanilla yogurt too
Course: Breakfast
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
▢ 1 teaspoon butter
▢ 2 tablespoons honey
▢ ½ teaspoon cinnamon
▢ 2 teaspoons lemon juice
▢ 1 10-12 ounce cherries Organic, frozen
▢ ½ teaspoon almond extract
▢ 4 cups oatmeal Cooked according to package directions
▢ 4 tablespoons Vanilla yogurt for serving
▢ 4 tablespoons Sliced almonds for serving
Instructions
Make Oatmeal according to the package directions.
For the cherries, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan, then add the honey, cinnamon, lemon juice and the bag of frozen cherries.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and let it simmer for 6-10 minutes until it has a syrupy consistency and the frozen cherries have become soft and released their juices.
Remove from heat and add the almond extract, stirring to combine.
Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes, then divide the cherry compote on top of the hot prepared oatmeal or other grains.
Top with a heaping spoonful of vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
Notes
Use whatever type of Oatmeal you like, and prepare it according to the package directions.
This recipe is for 4 servings, but you can flex this amount up or down.
The Cherry compote keeps well when covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Eight grain hot cereal is a really delicious option instead of oatmeal if you like.
If you want a sweeter cherry compote, add more honey while the mixture is still warm.
You can substitute pure vanilla extract for almond extract if you like.
Add a pinch of salt to the cherry compote if desired, to round out the flavors.