I’m pretty obsessed with my new breakfast routine. In trying to eat healthier, I discovered that there are some fun ways to doctor up an old childhood favorite. I’ve always loved oatmeal (maple and brown sugar, apple spice, yum!) but can’t get over the sugary additions. When you make your own, it can be so much healthier. My current favorite is this version: banana, coconut, and date quick oatmeal.
I like my oatmeal warm. Overnight oats are super trendy and fun, but I just can’t get behind eating my oatmeal cold out the fridge. Since I’m warming it up anyway, I’d rather mix it up fresh in the morning. I use quick oats in this recipe so it comes together really fast.
I also prep the milk mix at the beginning of the week, and keep it in portioned jars in the fridge. That way, I don’t have to think about measuring and blending before I’ve had my coffee. Another thing I prep in advance is to chop up all the dates. I buy dates whole, so they are more versatile, but you can just buy the pre-chopped ones to save this step.
I include some topping ideas in the recipe, but my favorites have been tropical fruits like kiwi, strawberries, or fresh banana. You can also toss some pecan halves on top for an extra crunch. I probably do some combination of pecans, a fruit, and something extra each morning. It’s fun to mix it up.
Banana, Coconut, and Date Quick Oatmeal
Ingredients
Coconut Banana Milk (makes 3 servings)
- 1 14 oz can Light Coconut Milk
- 1 Banana fairly ripe: yellow with large brown speckles
Oatmeal
- 7 oz Coconut Banana Milk
- 1/3 cup Quick Oats heaping*
- 1 Date chopped
Topping Ideas
- 1/4 cup Pecans halves or roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp Chocolate Pieces
- 1/2 Banana sliced
- 3-4 Strawberries sliced
- 1/2 Kiwi sliced
- 1 Tbsp Almond Butter or other nut butter
- 2 Tbsp Coconut shredded or flaked
- 1 tsp Honey
Instructions
- To make the coconut banana milk: add the coconut milk and banana to a blender, and blend until smooth and combined.**
- In a small saucepan, heat the 7 oz of the coconut banana milk until it has reached a light boil. Add in the quick oats, and cook, stirring continuously for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the dates. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, until the oatmeal has thickened slightly.
- Scoop into a bowl, and top with your desired toppings. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- *I use a heaping scoop of oats, because I like my oatmeal thicker. If you prefer yours thinner, you can use a flattened scoop.
- **I like to split the remaining coconut banana milk into small jars to use later in the week. You can either make the milk all at once, or portion into jars before blending. Standard mouth mason jars will fit on most blenders, and you can blend each portion on its own.
- Calories and nutrition facts assume a single portion topped with pecans only. Other listed toppings will change the nutrition values.
This looks SO GOOD. Oatmeal is one of my ultimate comfort foods. I will eat it at any meal when I want something comforting. I like the idea of strawberries and coconut on this.
Thanks! I totally agree. I ate oatmeal all the time, and it’s grown up a lot with me. Strawberries and coconut sounds like a perfect topping for this, I’ll have to try it!
This looks perfect! Also, love that it’s vegan.
Denise | http://theelleaesthetic.com/
Thanks so much! I’ve been eating more plant-based lately, and I feel so much better. Lots more vegan (or vegan option) recipes to come!
This is great. I’m always looking for ideas for breakfast. What I love the most are your ideas for toppings. Some honey drizzled over strawberries sound great with this.
Ooh that does sound like a great combination! I can’t wait for strawberry season, and then I can try with some fresh, local berries.
I used to not like oatmeal but I’ve gotten more into it lately, especially when I find fun and tasty recipes! I love bananas so this sounds good.
Oatmeal is super trendy right now so there’s tons of fun recipes out there. Enjoy!
I can’t do cold oatmeal either!
This looks so tasty!
This sounds amazing! I’m excited to try this banana coconut milk mixture! Do you use it in any other recipes?
Thanks! I haven’t tried it in anything else yet, but I bet it would make an excellent base for a smoothie or in some sort of baked good. I’m brainstorming a few things!