Blended Oats Recipe

I think many people miss out on the magic of overnight oats because they dislike the texture.

This blended oats recipe is the solution, transforming humble oats into a silky-smooth, creamy pudding that feels truly luxurious.

The secret is a homemade spiced pear-date caramel swirl that adds natural sweetness and cozy flavor without refined sugars, making it a perfect family-friendly breakfast for healthy eating.

It’s an easy-to-prep, make-ahead breakfast, especially if you’re looking for quick meals during a busy week.

Ingredients

• 200 g (2 cups) Rolled Oats: The standard choice for creating a thick, creamy texture when blended and chilled. Avoid quick oats here, as they can result in a gummier texture after blending and chilling. For gluten-free needs, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• 720 mL (3 cups) Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides the liquid base for blending and helps achieve a smooth consistency. You can easily swap this for oat milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk alternative you prefer; full-fat coconut milk will make it extra rich. If using dairy, whole milk or 2% milk works just as well.
• 60 mL (1/4 cup) Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of extra sweetness to the oat base. This can be omitted if you prefer less sweetness, as the date caramel provides plenty. Alternatively, substitute with agave nectar or honey for a similar effect.
• 5 mL (1 teaspoon) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural flavors of the oats and caramel. Ensure it is alcohol-free vanilla for the best flavor when preparing no-cook recipes. A small pinch of almond extract can also be used for a slightly different note.
• Pinch of Fine Sea Salt: Crucial for balancing the sweetness and deepening all the flavors in the recipe. Don’t skip this; a tiny bit of salt makes a huge difference in the final taste profile. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt.
• 150 g (1 cup packed) Pitted Medjool Dates: The natural, rich sweetener for the caramel swirl. Medjool dates are naturally soft and blend easily, providing the necessary thickness and sweetness. If dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before blending.
• 1 medium Ripe Pear (e.g., Bosc or Bartlett), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped: Adds a subtle, fruity flavor and body to the caramel. Bosc or Bartlett pears hold their shape slightly better during cooking and have a pleasant sweetness. Ensure the pear is ripe for a sweeter flavor and easier cooking.
• 60 mL (1/4 cup) Water: Used in the caramel mixture to aid blending and achieve the desired pourable consistency. You may need to add slightly more during blending if your dates are dry or less if you prefer a thicker caramel. Start with the specified amount and adjust as needed to reach a glossy texture.
• 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) Ground Cinnamon: Provides the primary warming spice flavor. Use fresh cinnamon for maximum potency; ground cinnamon loses flavor over time. Can be adjusted to taste, though 1/2 teaspoon is ideal for this recipe.
• 1.25 mL (1/4 teaspoon) Ground Ginger: Adds a complementary spicy kick to the caramel. Pairs perfectly with the pear and date flavors for a complex, cozy taste. Can be omitted if you dislike ginger.
• 0.5 mL (1/8 teaspoon) Ground Nutmeg: A final touch of warming spice that rounds out the flavor profile. Use freshly grated nutmeg if possible for the most intense aroma and flavor. Be careful not to use too much nutmeg as it can overpower other flavors.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious blended oats recipe from scratch.

1. Prepare the Blended Oat Base: In a high-speed blender, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened almond milk, maple syrup, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed to incorporate all oats. If it looks dry, splash in 1–2 Tbsp more milk. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to thicken completely into a pudding-like consistency.
2. Make the Spiced Pear-Date Caramel: If your dates are very firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain to soften. In a small saucepan, combine the pitted Medjool dates, chopped ripe pear, 60 mL (1/4 cup) water, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until the pear is very tender and the dates are softened.
3. Blend the Caramel: Transfer the cooked pear and date mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and thick, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure no lumps remain. Add 1-2 tablespoons more water if needed to achieve a thick, pourable, glossy caramel consistency, aiming for a texture similar to a thick syrup. Set aside to cool to room temperature; it will thicken further as it cools.
4. Assemble and Swirl: Once the blended oats are chilled and thickened, divide them among 2-3 serving bowls or clear glass jars. Take the cooled Spiced Pear-Date Caramel and generously drizzle about half of the caramel over the top of the oats in each bowl. Use the tip of a spoon or a skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the oats, creating distinct ribbons and pools of the dark, glossy caramel against the creamy oat base.
5. Garnish and Serve: For an extra luxurious finish, drizzle the remaining Spiced Pear-Date Caramel over the top of each serving, allowing some to drip down the sides. For visual contrast and aromatic appeal, dust lightly with an additional pinch of ground cinnamon, focusing the dusting slightly off-center or along one edge of the caramel swirl. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Blended Oats Meal Prep

This blended oats recipe is perfect for busy mornings because almost all of the work happens the night before. Making this a staple in your meal prep routine is easy when you follow these simple steps.

• Prepare individual portions in jars or containers to grab and go throughout the week.
• The blended oat base can last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator before assembly.
• Store the date caramel separately; it will last 7 days in the fridge. Swirl just before serving for the best appearance.
• If making a large batch of the blended oats recipe, stir the blended oats thoroughly before dividing to redistribute any sediment that may have settled.

Blended Oats Topping Ideas and Swaps

One of the best parts of making a healthy blended oats recipe is customizing it with different toppings to vary the flavor and add nutrients.

• For extra texture: Add toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts, or seeds (chia seeds, hemp hearts) to the final serving.
• Fruity variations: Top with fresh-sliced apples, extra pear chunks, or dried cranberries for a festive feel.
• Chocolate twist: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the oat mixture before blending for a quick chocolate base. This makes a rich, high-protein snack.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats for this blended oats recipe?

No, steel-cut oats are much harder and will not blend into a smooth base like rolled oats. You must use rolled oats for this method to create the creamy, pudding-like texture of a classic blended oats recipe.

Is it possible to heat these blended oats in the morning?

Yes, if you prefer a warm breakfast, gently warm the portion in a small saucepan over low heat until heated through. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can affect the texture.

Why are my blended oats not thickening overnight?

This can happen if your oats were over-hydrated initially or if the mixture was blended for too short a time. If too thin, try adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds to the base and stir before refrigerating.

How long do these blended oats last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the prepared blended oats will remain fresh for 3-5 days. The caramel sauce lasts for up to 7 days in a separate container, making this a great option for meal prep recipes.

What other fruits work well in the date caramel swirl?

You can use apples instead of pears, or try a simple date caramel by omitting the fruit altogether. Roasted sweet potato or pumpkin puree also creates a similar creamy consistency with seasonal flavors.

Is this recipe good for kids?

Yes, blended oats are very popular with children due to their smooth, non-chewy texture. The date caramel offers a healthier, naturally sweetened alternative to sugary syrups, making it a great family-friendly option for quick meals.

Conclusion

This blended oats recipe takes the fuss out of overnight oats by delivering a consistently smooth and rich breakfast. The spiced pear-date caramel swirl elevates the flavor and makes meal prep a luxurious experience for busy mornings. Make a batch of this healthier breakfast today, and share this recipe with friends looking for easy, comforting family meals.

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