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Home Recipes Breakfast

Sweet & Satisfying Microwave Oatmeal (in just 90 seconds)

2 min
GF Gluten-Free VG Vegetarian EF Egg-Free NF Nut-Free
Avatar by: Lindsay Grimes
May 9, 2023 (Updated: May 9, 2023)
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This is an overhead vertical image of a pink glass bowl with oatmeal in it. A silver spoon is dipping into the oatmeal and leaning against the side of the bowl with the handle pointing to the right bottom side of the image. The oatmeal is topped with fresh raspberries, walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The bowl sits on a white marble surface with walnuts and fresh raspberries scattered around it.
Microwave oatmeal is the perfect breakfast made with only a couple ingredients in 90 seconds! Treat yourself with your favorite toppings!

Microwave oatmeal is something that I grew up on! I went through countless packets of instant oatmeal and have happily introduced the same breakfast tradition to my own kids.

One morning I was low on store-bought packets and I thought the best course of action was to make our own! Turns out, it’s way easier than I thought.

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Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or simply looking for a fuss-free breakfast option, microwave oatmeal is a great choice.

It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and flavors, but it’s also packed with fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients that will keep you full and energized all morning long.

If you love starting your day with oats you have to try my 1-Min Microwave Chocolate Baked Oats and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe for Microwave Oatmeal

  1. Convenience: The recipe is quick and easy to make, making it a great option for busy people who don’t have a lot of time in the morning. They only take 2 minutes to make in the morning and they are unbelievably delicious!
  2. Healthy: Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option that is high in fiber and protein, and low in fat and calories. Top it with your favorite fruit for an extra nutritious boost!
  3. Customizable: The recipe is very versatile, allowing people to add their favorite toppings or flavors to create a breakfast that suits their tastesbuds perfect no matter what your tastebuds are calling for.
  4. Only a few ingredients: The base of this recipe is only 2 ingredients that are super accessible (oats + milk). I always add a splash of vanilla and come cinnamon for the best flavor!

What are the best oats to use for microwave oatmeal?

The best oats to use for microwave oatmeal are old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats.

These oats are thinner and flatter than steel-cut oats, which makes them cook more quickly and evenly in the microwave.

Instant oats are not recommended for microwave oatmeal because they are precooked and have a finer texture, which can result in a mushy or gluey consistency when microwaved.

Steel-cut oats also aren’t recommended because they take much longer to cook and require more liquid than old-fashioned oats. Subbing them in for this recipe would make for undercooked, tough oats.

Ingredients for Microwave Oatmeal

Old Fashioned Oats. Old fashioned oats are a great choice for oatmeal because they are minimally processed and retain their natural fiber and nutrients. They are also a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy throughout the morning.

Milk. Adding milk to oatmeal makes it creamier and more flavorful. Milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. I tend to always use dairy milk in this recipe but any milk would work – almond, oat or soy are great options!

Vanilla Extract. It adds a sweet, rich flavor to the oatmeal without adding any additional calories or sugar.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a spice that adds warmth and depth to oatmeal. It gives it that home cooked, cozy vibe that is the perfect base for topping with all your favorite things.

This is a vertical image looking into a pink glass bowl with oatmeal in it. A silver spoon is dipping into the oatmeal and leaning against the side of the bowl with the handle pointing to the right bottom side of the image. The oatmeal is topped with fresh raspberries, walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The bowl sits on a white marble surface with walnuts and fresh raspberries scattered around it.

How to Make Microwave Oatmeal

  1. Measure out the old-fashioned oats and add them to a microwave-safe bowl along with the milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
  2. Use a spoon to stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure the oats are fully submerged in the milk so they cook evenly.
  3. Place the bowl in the microwave and microwave on high for 90 seconds. Keep an eye on the oatmeal while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t boil over. If the oatmeal starts to rise too high, stop the microwave and let it settle before continuing to cook.
  4. Once the oatmeal is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, add your favorite toppings. Some options include fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar or brown sugar.

My Favorite Toppings

Berries: Adding berries to oatmeal is a great way to add natural sweetness and flavor to the dish without adding any extra sugar. Berries are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious choice.

Turbinado Sugar: Turbinado sugar is a less processed type of sugar that retains more of its natural molasses content. It has a slightly coarser texture and a subtle caramel flavor, which can add sweetness and complexity to oatmeal. Using a small amount of turbinado sugar can be a good way to sweeten oatmeal.

Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Adding chopped walnuts to oatmeal can add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, as well as increase the overall nutrient content of the dish. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup tops the oatmeal with a rich, caramel flavor. Maple syrup is also a good source of antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

Variations and Toppings to Try

Peanut Butter Banana: Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the oatmeal before microwaving. Once the oatmeal is cooked, top with sliced banana and a drizzle of honey.

Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the oatmeal before microwaving. Once the oatmeal is cooked, top with chopped walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Double Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the oatmeal before microwaving. Once the oatmeal is cooked, top with some chocolate chips.

Blueberry Lemon: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the oatmeal before microwaving. Once the oatmeal is cooked, top with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar.

This is a vertical image focusing on a silver spoon with oatmeal and a raspberry on it. A hand is holding the handle of the spoon and is in the bottom right corner of the image. Blurred in the background behind the spoon is a bowl with more oatmeal and raspberries on a white marble surface.

Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

This is an overhead vertical image of a pink glass bowl with oatmeal in it. A silver spoon is dipping into the oatmeal and leaning against the side of the bowl with the handle pointing to the right bottom side of the image. The oatmeal is topped with fresh raspberries, walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The bowl sits on a white marble surface with walnuts and fresh raspberries scattered around it. Recipe
GF Gluten-Free VG Vegetarian EF Egg-Free NF Nut-Free

Sweet & Satisfying Microwave Oatmeal (in just 90 seconds)

Microwave oatmeal is the perfect breakfast made with only a couple ingredients in 90 seconds! Treat yourself with your favorite toppings!

AvatarRecipe by:Lindsay Grimes
Prep: 30 secCook: 90 secTotal: 2 min
Print recipe Rate recipe Pin Save recipe
Servings: 1 serving 1x

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup milk (any milk works)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • toppings: berries, walnuts, turbinado or brown sugar, drizzle of maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Measure out the old-fashioned oats and add them to a microwave-safe bowl along with the milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
    This is an overhead horizontal image of a white bowl on a white marble surface. In the bowl is milk, oats, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  2. Use a spoon to stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure the oats are fully submerged in the milk so they cook evenly.
    This is an overhead horizontal image of a white bowl on a white marble surface. In the bowl is a milk, spice and oat combination. A silver spoon is in the oatmeal and leaning against the side of the bowl with the handle pointing to the bottom right corner of the image.
  3. Place the bowl in the microwave and microwave on high for 90 seconds. Keep an eye on the oatmeal while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t boil over. If the oatmeal starts to rise too high, stop the microwave and let it settle before continuing to cook.
    This is an overhead horizontal image of a white bowl on a white marble surface. In the bowl is cooked oatmeal.
  4. Once the oatmeal is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, add your favorite toppings. Some options include fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar or brown sugar.
    This is an overhead horizontal image of a pink glass bowl with oatmeal in it. A silver spoon is dipping into the oatmeal and leaning against the side of the bowl with the handle pointing to the right bottom corner of the image. The oatmeal is topped with fresh raspberries, walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The bowl sits on a white marble surface with walnuts and fresh raspberries scattered around it.

Nutrition Info:

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 382
  • Sugar: 7.9g
  • Sodium: 58mg
  • Fat: 7.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60.9g
  • Fiber: 8.4g
  • Protein: 14.1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
© The Toasted Pine Nut

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This is an overhead vertical image of a pink glass bowl with oatmeal in it. A silver spoon is dipping into the oatmeal and leaning against the side of the bowl with the handle pointing to the right bottom side of the image. The oatmeal is topped with fresh raspberries, walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The bowl sits on a white marble surface with walnuts and fresh raspberries scattered around it. Text overlay reads "microwave oatmeal only 2-min!"
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Lindsay

Hi Friend!

I'm Lindsay I love sharing simple, better-for-you recipes. When I'm not in the kitchen, you can find me at the beach watching my kids boogie board and soaking in that warm Cali sun (with sunscreen, of course).

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