If you’re looking to start your day with something both nourishing and delightfully delicious, this Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge Recipe will become an instant favorite. It’s a vibrant medley of hearty steel cut oats, antioxidant-rich frozen raspberries, and wholesome chia seeds, cooked to a creamy perfection that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and naturally sweetened with vanilla and optional toppings, this porridge strikes the right balance between health and indulgence — without any fuss or complicated ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays an essential role in the flavor, texture, and nutrition of this porridge. From the wholesome oats that provide a satisfying bite to the tangy raspberries that bring a burst of color and antioxidants, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make this dish a true standout breakfast option.
- Steel cut oats: These whole oat groats give the porridge a lovely chewy texture and keep you full for hours.
- Chia seeds: Added for their fiber and omega-3 content, plus they help thicken the porridge naturally.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers warm depth and an inviting aroma that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish salty.
- Unsweetened milk of choice: I love using almond milk for its subtle nuttiness, but any milk works to create a creamy base.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
- Frozen raspberries: These provide tangy bursts of juicy flavor and a gorgeous blush hue throughout the porridge.
- Optional toppings: Nut butter, yogurt, seeds, nuts, fresh fruit, maple syrup, or honey to personalize your bowl.
How to Make Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by adding the steel cut oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into a large saucepan. Give them a quick stir to distribute everything evenly—this ensures every spoonful delivers consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Add the Liquid and Vanilla
Pour in your chosen unsweetened milk along with the vanilla extract. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid as they start cooking, setting the stage for that creamy consistency we all crave.
Step 3: Stir in the Frozen Raspberries and Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and mix in the frozen raspberries. Keep stirring frequently as the oats cook and the liquid gradually absorbs. This usually takes around 15 minutes for regular steel cut oats or about 7 minutes if you’re using quick-cooking ones. Feel free to add a splash more milk if you prefer a looser porridge—this flexibility makes it easy to tailor to your liking.
Step 4: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings
When the porridge has thickened and the raspberries have softened into sweet-tart pockets of flavor, it’s time to dish it out. I love adding a dollop of nut butter, a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup for that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. Stir everything together for a luscious, cozy breakfast bowl.
How to Serve Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this porridge lies in its versatility, so don’t be shy with garnishes! A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds adds a delightful crunch, while fresh berries or sliced banana brighten the bowl with freshness. A swirl of nut butter or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup completes the experience by layering subtle sweetness and richness.
Side Dishes
This porridge pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green apple or a handful of grapes to add textural contrast. If you want a bit more protein, a hard-boiled egg or a small serving of cottage cheese can round out your breakfast nutritionally without overpowering the flavors of the porridge.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning breakfast presentation, serve this porridge in clear glass jars or bowls layered with your favorite toppings to showcase the ruby-red raspberries against the creamy oats. You can also turn it into a parfait-style breakfast by alternating porridge with layers of yogurt and fresh fruit, creating a visually appealing and delicious meal for company or a special weekend treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra porridge, you’re in luck! Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oats will thicken as they chill, so simply stir in a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing this porridge is possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you choose to freeze, portion it out in individual containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove or microwave, again adding a bit of liquid to loosen it up.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge Recipe gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir frequently and add milk or water a little at a time until the porridge is creamy and smooth. This quick step revives all those fresh flavors and comforts you crave in a morning bowl.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries work just as well and will add a bright, juicy note to your porridge. Just add them toward the end of cooking to prevent them from breaking down completely.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Using a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk along with toppings such as nut butters or coconut yogurt keeps this recipe entirely vegan while maintaining its rich, creamy texture.
What if I don’t have steel cut oats? Can I use rolled oats?
You can substitute rolled oats, but the texture will be softer and the cooking time shorter, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. The hearty chew of steel cut oats is what makes this recipe so satisfying, but rolled oats create a nice alternative if you’re in a pinch.
Is chia seed necessary in the recipe?
Chia seeds help thicken the porridge and add a boost of nutrients, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can leave them out. The porridge will still be delicious and hearty thanks to the oats and raspberries.
How sweet is the porridge without added sugar?
The natural sweetness comes from the raspberries and vanilla extract, which creates a perfectly balanced flavor. However, if you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It proves that healthy breakfasts don’t have to be boring or complicated. Whether you’re fueling a busy day or savoring a slow weekend morning, this porridge offers warmth, nourishment, and a little touch of sweetness in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to breakfast!
Print
Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple, Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Porridge is a warm and nutritious breakfast option made with steel cut oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and fresh frozen raspberries. Sweetened naturally with fruit and customizable with your favorite toppings like nut butter or yogurt, this comforting porridge is easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 25 minutes, serving four people.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Liquids and Flavorings
- 2 cups unsweetened milk of choice (e.g., almond milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 cups frozen raspberries (approx. 320 grams or 11 oz.)
Optional Toppings
- Nut butter
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Fresh fruit
- Maple syrup
- Honey
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add steel cut oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a large saucepan. Stir well to distribute all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Liquids and Vanilla: Pour in the unsweetened milk of choice and add the vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, uncovered, and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Simmer with Raspberries: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the frozen raspberries. Continue cooking the porridge, stirring frequently, until the liquid is absorbed and the oats have softened—about 15 minutes for regular steel cut oats or around 7 minutes if using quick-cooking steel cut oats. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot oatmeal porridge immediately. Add your favorite optional toppings such as a dollop of nut butter, plain Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh fruit. Stir the toppings in for a thick and creamy texture. Enjoy your healthy and hearty breakfast!
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any other unsweetened milk alternative like oat, soy, or cow’s milk depending on preference.
- Adjust the cooking time if using quick-cooking steel cut oats to avoid overcooking.
- To make it vegan, avoid adding yogurt and choose vegan-friendly toppings like nut butter and seeds.
- Add extra sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Leftover porridge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with added milk.
