Easy Gingerbread Oatmeal (Healthy Recipe) (2024)

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5 from 8 votes

Gingerbread Oatmeal is made with classic gingerbread flavors and healthy wholesome ingredients! This easy breakfast is made on the stove top and takes less than 20 minutes to make!

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Gingerbread Oatmeal

This healthy Gingerbread Oatmeal recipe is filled with warm cozy spices of gingerbread and is a great way to start the day especially during the holiday season, cold winter mornings, or even Christmas morning.

One of my favorite things to do on cold mornings is make a bowl of warm oatmeal. This Gingerbread Oatmeal makes the perfect breakfast when I’m craving comfort, cozy food, and gingerbread flavors. You only need 15 minutes and a sauce pan to make these oats, that’s it!

I love all things gingerbread, especially this time of year. My Gingerbread Men Cookies, Gingerbread French Toast, Ginger Molasses Cookies, and Gingerbread Cookie Bars are all on my list to bake this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Breakfast: You’ll feel good about eating this Gingerbread Oatmeal because it’s packed with whole grains and nutrient-dense ingredients.

Meal Prep: You can double the recipe and meal prep your breakfast for busy mornings. Place oatmeal in an airtight container and microwave when ready to eat.

Packed with Flavor: Each bite is loaded with warm spices of your favorite Gingerbread cookie. This oatmeal makes a fun and festive holiday breakfast that the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

  • Oats: Old-fashioned oats are the most ideal oats to use for this oatmeal. Quick oats will work, the consistency may be a little different and the oats will cook more quickly.
  • Almond milk: You could your milk of choice. Regular whole milk, low-fat, fat-free, coconut milk, and oat milk will work.
  • Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are used to give this oatmeal a gingerbread spice flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a warm flavor and enhances the flavors.
  • Maple syrup: I always prefer to use pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener but you could also use honey, agave syrup, coconut sugar, or brown sugar.
  • Molasses: Adds the signature gingerbread flavor. You can’t makeGingerbread Cookieswithout it so you’ll just need a tablespoon to add a subtle sweet flavor.
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How To Make Gingerbread Oatmeal

Combine Oats, Milk, and Spices. In a small sauce pan on medium heat, add the oats, almond milk, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir to combine.

Boil Oats. Bring the oats to a boil and reduce the heat, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir often.

Add Remaining Ingredients. Stir in vanilla extract, maple syrup, and molasses until combined and let the oats simmer for 5-7 more minutes or until thickened and cooked through.

Add To Bowl. Once the oats are cooked, add them to a bowl and top with your favorite toppings such as crushed gingerbread cookies, pecans, fruit, icing, nut butter, dried cranberries, or a little extra milk and maple syrup. Enjoy!

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Recipe Tips & Variations

Protein Oats: Add a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder to oats once they’ve been cooked. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds and flax seeds for a fiber boost.

Overnight Gingerbread Oats: Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and transfer to two individual bowls and cover with plastic wrap. Let the oats sit overnight and enjoy the next morning.

Gluten-free Oatmeal: Swap the regular old-fashioned oats for gluten-free oats.

Toppings: Top oats with fresh fruit such as berries, bananas, oranges, pears, or apples. You could also add chocolate chips, honey, shredded coconut, more spices, icing, dried cranberries, hemp hearts, chia seeds,crushed gingerbread cookies, Greek yogurt, and sprinkles (fun for a birthday breakfast!).

More Flavor: If you want to add extra flavor, add a little more of each spice and molasses.

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Leftovers & Storage

I like to double this recipe for leftovers! I love breakfast that will last me a few days during the week- it makes mornings extra easy and convenient.This oatmeal will be just as good and creamy the next morning.

To-store: After you make the oatmeal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and when you are ready add to a microwavable safe bowl and add a splash of milk. Stir and heat for 30-60 seconds (depending on your microwave). This oatmeal will be good for up to a week in the refrigerator.

To-freeze: Place cooked and cooled oatmeal in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place on the counter to thaw for a few hours or leave in the refrigerator overnight. Warm oatmeal in the microwave.

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Difference in Oats

Old-Fashioned oats: These oats are the least processed. After steel cut oats get rolled into flat flakes, you get these old-fashioned oats. Cooking time is 4-5 minutes.

Quick-oats: These oats are old-fashioned rolled oats that are rolled thinner and cut into pieces resulting in the oats having a quicker cooking time. Cooking time is about 2-3 minutes.

Instant oats: These are the oats that are used for the instant oatmeal packs. I prefer using quick-oats or old-fashioned oats instead. Instant oats are the most processed oats out of the 3 so the texture of the oatmeal will be different. Cooking time is 30-60 seconds.

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Other Oatmeal Recipes

I love oatmeal so much because it’s versatile and can be dressed up in various ways. You can make them over the stove, bake them or even make them and let them sit overnight in the fridge! Try some of these other oatmeal flavors:

  • Baked Gingerbread Oatmeal Bites
  • Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal
  • Banana Baked Oatmeal
  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
  • Peanut Butter Banana Bread Oatmeal
  • Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
  • Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

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Gingerbread Oatmael

Gingerbread Oatmeal is made with classic gingerbread flavors, healthy wholesome ingredients, and is a great way to start any day! This easy breakfast is made on the stove top and takes less than 20 minutes to make!

5 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Gingerbread Oatmeal

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups almond milk regular milk will work
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • dash cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon molasses

Instructions

  • In a small sauce pan on medium heat, add the oats, almond milk, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). Stir to combine.

  • Bring the oats to a boil and reduce the heat, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir often.

  • Stir in vanilla extract, maple syrup, and molasses until combined and let the oats simmer for 5-7 more minutes or until thickened and cooked through.

  • Once the oats are cooked, add them to a bowl and top with your favorite toppings such as crushed gingerbread cookies, pecans, fruit, icing, nut butter, dried cranberries, or a little extra milk and maple syrup. Enjoy!

Find Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

This recipe was originally published on November 22, 2022. It was republished on December 21, 2023.

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Easy Gingerbread Oatmeal (Healthy Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

How to make oatmeal taste good but healthy? ›

Additions to make it healthier
  1. a couple of spoonfuls of nut butter, nuts, or seeds.
  2. a scoop of protein powder.
  3. beaten egg whites (mixed into oatmeal while cooking) or a fried egg on top.
  4. shredded cheese.
  5. Greek yogurt.
Apr 19, 2022

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Is it healthier to make oatmeal with milk or water? ›

Milk is rich in fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that complements the nutrients in oats. Thus oats cooked in milk have benefits over oats cooked in water. Milk has fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that is normally absent in processed oats. Apart from adding a flavour, it also helps in keeping your muscles and bones healthy.

What is the healthiest oatmeal to eat for weight loss? ›

Emily Baylosis, RDN, specifies that “steel-cut oats are my recommendation due to their minimal processing and rich texture.” Other dietitians echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of choosing whole and minimally processed grains for optimal health benefits.

How to sweeten oats without sugar? ›

How To Sweeten Your Oatmeal Without Sugar
  1. 1. Fruits. Using the natural sweetness of fruits to your advantage is an easy way to add a sweet flavor to your oatmeal. ...
  2. Plant Milks. Oatmeal is delicious with plant milk like cashew, soy, or almond. ...
  3. Syrups and Nectars. ...
  4. Seed and Nut Butter. ...
  5. Spices. ...
  6. Extracts. ...
  7. Protein Powders.
Mar 7, 2023

How do you flavor oatmeal without sugar? ›

Instead of using sugar, boil your water with chopped dates, apricots, or diced apple for sweetness before adding the oats. Stir in spices like cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, or even Ras al Hanout.

Is eating oatmeal every day healthy? ›

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

When should you not eat oatmeal? ›

Disorders of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines: Avoid eating oat products. Digestive problems that could extend the length of time it takes for your food to be digested could allow oats to block your intestine.

Is there anything negative about eating oatmeal? ›

It can cause bloating.

Because of the fiber content in oatmeal, the digestion process may cause some bloating for a person—especially if you're not used to eating oatmeal on a regular basis.

What are the disadvantages of eating oatmeal daily? ›

What are side-effects of oats?
  • Oats are a good source of carbohydrates and overeating may lead to an increase in your weight.
  • As it is bland in nature, overconsuming oats may lead to an increase in sugar intake.
  • Opting for an oats-only diet may deprive your body of getting nourishment from other healthy food sources.
Oct 3, 2023

How do you make oatmeal taste good without brown sugar? ›

Some other things that make oatmeal taste good without sugar are:
  1. Bananas.
  2. Berries.
  3. Unsweetened Applesauce.
  4. Mango Chunks.
  5. Chopped Dates.
  6. Fresh and Dried Coconut.
  7. Unsweetened Almond Milk.
  8. Maple Syrup.
Sep 17, 2020

Is adding honey to oatmeal healthy? ›

According to Healthline.com, oats are a good source of carbs and fiber and are even filled with "important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds." When combined with the natural energy found in pure honey, there is no doubt that honey and oats pack a powerful punch when enjoyed together.

What is a good substitute for brown sugar in oatmeal? ›

Maple Sugar. Another unrefined brown sugar substitute, maple sugar involves crystals culled from maple tree sap. It therefore boasts a flavor similar to that of maple syrup. While not ideal for baking or recipes involving heat, it is perfect as an addition to granola or sprinkled over oatmeal.

How to sweeten oatmeal without sugar? ›

How To Sweeten Your Oatmeal Without Sugar
  1. 1. Fruits. Using the natural sweetness of fruits to your advantage is an easy way to add a sweet flavor to your oatmeal. ...
  2. Plant Milks. Oatmeal is delicious with plant milk like cashew, soy, or almond. ...
  3. Syrups and Nectars. ...
  4. Seed and Nut Butter. ...
  5. Spices. ...
  6. Extracts. ...
  7. Protein Powders.
Mar 7, 2023

What can I add to oatmeal for more protein? ›

  1. Prepare it with milk. A simple way to add more protein to your oatmeal is using milk instead of water. ...
  2. Add protein powder. Protein powders are not only for frequent gym-goers. ...
  3. Use peanut butter. Peanut butter is a pantry staple for many people. ...
  4. Add chia seeds. ...
  5. Put some nuts. ...
  6. Add eggs. ...
  7. Use yogurt.
Feb 12, 2024

What are good protein toppings for oatmeal? ›

From milk to yogurt to protein powder, here are some nutritious and delicious ways to add protein to oatmeal to create a hearty morning breakfast.
  1. 9 Ways to Add Protein to Oatmeal. ...
  2. Make it with milk. ...
  3. Top it with a dollop of yogurt. ...
  4. Add egg whites. ...
  5. Add some cottage cheese. ...
  6. Add a sprinkle of seeds or nuts.
Mar 24, 2022

What are the pros and cons of eating oatmeal? ›

Overall, oats are a low-risk, high-reward food. However, despite their numerous health benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're new to the oat game. Oats are high in soluble fiber, which is good for digestion, but it may also cause bloating, increased gas, and abdominal cramps for some people.

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