A delicious breakfast recipe for creamy coconut oatmeal with all the fixings! It’s got a great coconut flavor and a wholesome, hearty thickness. Just sweet enough and full of energy – perfect for a get-up-and-go breakfast!
Coconut oatmeal ingredients
- Organic rolled oats. It’s the “oat” in oatmeal! Great rolled oats make for a thick and hearty oatmeal – if you’re looking for a brand, here’s a good one.
- Whey, yogurt, kefir, lemon juice, or vinegar. These ingredients help break down phytic acid in oatmeal, which can otherwise prevent the full absorption of some vitamins and minerals. (Think of them as a health boost for your oatmeal!) Of course, you’re going to get slightly different tastes based on which you include – if you don’t have a preference going in and don’t have a dairy allergy, I’d start with whey.
- A little sea salt. Ever had really bland oatmeal? Salt helps combat blandness by enhancing flavors. Just a little goes a long way. (You can sprinkle a little on top too if you’re looking for a more savory oatmeal.)
- Palm sugar or raw honey. Breakfast should be sweet!
- Whole coconut milk. You can sub in other milks if you prefer, but I love the thickness and heartiness that coconut milk brings to oatmeal. (Plus the coconut flavor!) You can easily make your own coconut milk, or if you’d prefer to buy, here are the best coconut milk brands.
- Toasted shredded coconut. This is TOTALLY optional, but it really enhances that coconut flavor and adds a nice crunch. Here’s how to find the best shredded coconut.
Coconut oatmeal toppings
These are all totally optional, but let’s face it – just like froyo and homemade granola, the fun is in the toppings. I highly recommend toasted shredded coconut. It really enhances that coconut flavor and adds a nice crunch. Here’s how to find the best shredded coconut.
Fruit toppings for oatmeal
- Dried cranberries
- Raisins
- Dried apricots
- Prunes
- Dried cherries
- Dates
- Dehydrated raspberries
- Fresh blueberries
(My two cents? Fresh blueberries for a nice zing that wakes your tongue up first thing in the morning. But it all depends on what tastes you’re looking for!)
Nut toppings for oatmeal
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Macadamia nuts
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
(I’d recommend hazelnuts – they go surprisingly well with coconut.)
How to make coconut oatmeal (creamy coconut oatmeal recipe)
This recipe is VERY simple and straightforward. You mix warm water and whey (or vinegar, or lemon juice, or whatever else you picked from that list) with the oats in a bowl, then cover in a towel and soak overnight.
In the morning, drain the oats, boil the coconut milk and salt, and then cook for a few minutes (usually I go for 3-5 minutes). Add your sugar, top with toasted shredded coconut and/or any other combination of toppings from above, and voila. You’re done and ready to go.
Creamy Coconut Oatmeal
A delicious breakfast recipe for creamy coconut oatmeal made with organic oats, coconut milk, coconut sugar and toasted coconut!
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic rolled oats
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons whey, yogurt, kefir, lemon juice, or vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt –
- 2–4 tablespoons palm sugar or raw honey
- 1 cup whole coconut milk
- shredded coconut, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Mix warm water and whey (or other choices) with rolled oats. Cover bowl with towel and soak 8 – 24 hours. (Note: soaking oats in whey or vinegar helps to break down phytic acid in the oats).
- Drain soaked oats. Bring coconut milk and salt to boil. Add oats and cook 3-5 minutes.
- Add sweetener (if desired) and top with toasted shredded coconut.
What kind of coconut milk do you use in this recipe.
I have been enjoying my morning porridge with coconut milk for some time but had never heard of the phytic acid thing so hope I can find time to try that enhancement.
Are you supposed to refrigerate this or leave on the counter overnight? If using whey/yogurt specifically? Thanks
When soaking the oats overnight, leave on the counter or in the frigde? I’m assuming in the fridge if using yogurt.
I have never soaked my oats in whey and warm water before, vinegar sounds gross and I feel would change the taste. Do I just use the whey that you would buy at a nutrient store that you add to shakes ?
I used white vinegar since it doesn’t specify. Horrible. Even after cooking it with the coconut milk it just tasted like straight vinegar. So, I don’t recommend using that.
This is the second time I am making it and while it tastes great. I never have any water left from soaking the oats…is that ok?
Can we skip the overnight soaking if we are using sprouted oats? And do I need to be worried about the guar gum that seems to be in all the coconut milk I can find?
Try it in the crockpot over night on low. 1 C oatmeal (steel cut or organic rolled oats) 1 C water 1 C coconut milk (or ditch the water and do 2 C milk) ,1/2 (or more/less to yr taste) pure maple syrup 1 tsp sea salt. In morning top with shredded coconut, toasted or dried fuit. I put this in my small crock pot and my boys devour it.
How long does whey stay good? Are there any signs that it has gone bad? Thanks!!!Â
This looks so good. I am going to have to try this. I do have a question however – what does the whey, yogurt, kefir, lemon juice or vinegar do?Â
The whey/vinegar/lemon juice hels to break down the phytic acid, makeing the oatmeal healthier and easier to digest. http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/living-with-phytic-acid
This was awesome! I fed it to my 7 month old with some fruit puree. Do you think I could freeze this in an ice cube tray for future servings for baby? Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Yes! Freezing is a great idea and should work well for this. So glad your little liked it 🙂
Wow, this was just amazing. Â Wonderful comfort food and a beautiful way to start the day! Â I burned the coconut the first time because I left it in too long. Â It only takes a minute or two. I think I like it best without the shredded coconut though – creamy smooth! Â Dessert for breakfast is right!
oh wow that sounds good. I'll have to stock up on coconut milk. and I can eat oatmeal again!
this recipe is new to me. You really rocks! I love to try and have this for breakfast:)
This is dessert for breakfast! I made this for breakfast this morning and fell head over heals for it. Aside from almost burning down my apartment trying to toast coconut flakes at what obviously was too high of a heat setting this was hands down the best real food breakfast I've ever had! Thanks for sharing this Tiffany!
What an interesting recipe! I love the idea of coconut in oatmeal – looks lovely with the blueberries too!
This is how to make oatmeal heavenly.
Thanks for linking this up. You have enriched the breakfast of many, I hope.
This sounds like dessert for breakfast! Yummy!