Oatmeal 3 Ways

Oatmeal is probably my favorite breakfast and it is super easy to make in the mornings for days I don't have a lot of time. But sometimes the regular cinnamon gets old. So here are easy ways to spice up any oatmeal. In all of these recipes I used steel cut oats made in my instant pot. Directions for that is here. Feel free to adapt the recipe to how much oatmeal you usually eat. I usually go for about 1 cup in one sitting but you can make more or less. All of these are easily doubled or halved! You can use any oats of choice (traditional, quick, overnight, etc) and sweetener (coconut sugar, vegan brown sugar, agave, etc).

Carrot Cake 

This is a super fresh take on traditional oats! Adding in the fresh grated carrot really lightens them up! 

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 2 tbs maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of grated carrot (about 1 carrot)
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbs raisins(optional)
• 2 tbs chopped walnuts(optional)
• 1 tbs chia seeds(optional)

Directions:

1. Grate carrot(s) until you can pack a 1/4 measuring cup full
2. In a bowl mix the oats, maple syrup, grated carrot, spices and raisins
3. Add on toppings of choice. I used chopped walnuts and chia seeds but pecans or flax seeds would be good too! 
4. Enjoy!

Apple Pie

Probably my favorite of the flavors, this apple pis oatmeal is super easy to make! It combines your fruit and the oatmeal into one bite :)

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 2 tbs maple syrup
• 1/2 cup cubed apple
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbs chopped pecans
• 1 tbs sunflower seeds(optional)
• Extra apple (optional)

Directions:

1. In a bowl mix the oatmeal, maple syrup, apple, cinnamon, and pecans
2. Add on the toppings of choice. I chose sunflower seeds, more pecans, and the rest of the apple but some hemp seeds or buckwheat would be yummy too!
3. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Chocolate

This is definitely the richest, more indulgent one of the three but so so so good every once and awhile....or all the time :)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 2 tbs maple syrup
• 2 tbs PB2 powder
• 2 tbs cocoa powder
• 2-3 tbs non-dairy milk (depends on the consistency you like your oats)
• Sliced almonds (optional)
• Dairy-free chocolate chunks (optional)

Directions:

1. In a bowl mix the oats, maple syrup, PB2 powder, and cocoa powder
2. Add in the non-dairy milk until you reach the desired consistency. The flavors will dry out the oats slightly.
3. Add on toppings of choice. I chose sliced almonds and dark chocolate chunks but coconut chips or chia seeds would be great too! Feel free to change up the toppings to your liking.
4. Enjoy on the go or at home