Creamy Coconut Milk Oatmeal (Vegan)
This creamy coconut oatmeal is made with warming ingredients like coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom. It’s super quick and easy to throw this breakfast together, and you can serve it with any toppings you’d like! Recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Is there anything more comforting than starting your day with a creamy bowl of oatmeal? I think not :). You will love waking up to this coconut milk oatmeal – it’s so nourishing and packed with flavour!
You can enjoy these coconut oats all year long – just switch up the toppings according to the seasons! If you’re in need of some inspiration, I’ve included a bunch of topping ideas that pair well with coconut milk below.
This plant-based breakfast is ready in minutes and packs in a ton of nutrition benefits. The fat content of coconut milk and the fiber in the rolled oats really helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long. Enjoy!
Want more inspiration for cooking with oats? Check out my roundup of 25+ easy, healthy recipes using oats for more ideas!
Ingredients Needed
All you need to make this coconut oats recipe are 8 simple, healthy ingredients (+ desired toppings!):
- old-fashioned rolled oats – use a certified gluten-free version if needed
- canned coconut milk – light or full fat
- chia seeds
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- cardamom
- maple syrup – can use honey instead, if preferred
- salt
Full measurements and detailed instructions are located in the recipe card below!
Topping Ideas
- Banana slices taste great with this coconut oatmeal. Add them fresh, or you can even try sautéing them in a touch of coconut oil until they get browned, sweet, and soft (as pictured here!)
- Other fruits – fresh or frozen berries, tropical fruits (like mangos, pineapples, or papaya), apricots, oranges, or kiwis all taste fantastic with coconut milk!
- Chopped nuts, like almonds, pistachios, or peanuts.
- If you want to add more protein to this recipe – I like stirring in a scoop of unflavoured collagen powder. You can’t taste it!
Oatmeal Nutrition Benefits
Oats are a whole grain, complex carbohydrate that’s high in soluble fiber.
Soluble fiber is known to help slow digestion, increase satiety, improve cholesterol levels and glycemic control, promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, and regulate bowel movements.
Rolled oats are also a source of many micronutrients, like:
- B-vitamins (folate, thiamin + pantothenic acid)
- manganese
- phosphorus
- magnesium
- copper
- iron
- zinc
They’re also a source of plant-based protein, at about 6 grams per half-cup serving!
Coconut Milk Nutrition Benefits
Coconut milk is a source of a number of vitamins and minerals, like:
- manganese
- copper
- magnesium
- selenium
- potassium
- iron
- folate
- vitamin C
It’s also a source of fats, which help with the development of our brains, hormones, and all cells throughout our bodies. Fat also helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and helps to keep us feeling full and satisfied – something that I love at breakfast time to fuel the morning!
Despite being higher in saturated fats, research shows that coconut intake may actually improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
More Cozy Oatmeal Porridge Recipes
- Zucchini Bread Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Chocolate Orange Oatmeal
- Blueberry Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Sautéed Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Gingerbread Steel Cut Oatmeal
Did you give this Creamy Coconut Milk Oatmeal Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Milk Oatmeal (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup canned coconut milk, light or full fat
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Toppings as desired – see recipe notes for ideas!
Instructions
- Add oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and pinch of salt to a large saucepan on the stovetop. Stir ingredients together.
- Stir in coconut milk, water, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Bring ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until liquid has absorbed. Feel free to adjust amount of liquid if you prefer thinner oats!
- Serve oatmeal and add toppings as desired. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- While oats and chia seeds are both sources of plant-based protein, if you want to add more you can stir in a scoop of unflavoured collagen powder. You can’t taste it at all! Do note that collagen is not vegan though.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with honey if you’d prefer.
- Be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats if you need to follow a gluten-free diet.
- You can make this recipe with steel cut oats, but the ingredient amounts will differ! The liquid to oat ratio is 3 parts liquid to 1 part oats. To prepare 2 servings of steel cut oats, you will need about 1/2 cup of oats and 1.5 cups liquid. The cooking time is also longer – about 20 minutes.
- Banana slices taste great with this coconut oatmeal. Add them fresh, or you can even try sautéing them in a touch of coconut oil until they get browned, sweet, and soft (as pictured here!)
- Other fruits – fresh or frozen berries, tropical fruits (like mangos, pineapples, or papaya), apricots, oranges, or kiwis all taste fantastic with coconut milk!
- Chopped nuts, like almonds, pistachios, or peanuts.
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
Pin it for later:
2 Comments on “Creamy Coconut Milk Oatmeal (Vegan)”
Love this recipe! I cooked longer because I like thicker oats, will use less water next time.
Hi Kelley! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review – it’s so appreciated! So happy to hear you enjoyed this one 🙂