During the winter months, a big bowl of steaming oatmeal porridge becomes the perfect way to start the day. It’s wholesome, comforting, and easily adaptable. This “mixed berry” raspberry, cranberry, and blueberry oatmeal is just one of many (many many many) oatmeal recipes that I plan to share with you all (I’ve already shared this banana oatmeal and baked blueberry oatmeal). This recipe can be enjoyed in one of two ways: with the mixed berries mixed in during the cooking process (yielding a wonderfully pink porridge) OR as a simple oatmeal base topped with a mixed berry compote and several nutritional oatmeal toppings. The result is sweet and tart oatmeal bursting with berry flavor. Plus, this berry oatmeal is also super customizable – pick your berries based on what you have available and use a combination of several or just one. In fact, this is the exact method I use for my favorite blueberry oatmeal too! Using a careful selection of ingredients and toppings that include berries and seeds, this is also a super simple paleo oatmeal option – great as a fall/winter paleo breakfast or ‘snack’ during the day. I also make this healthier by using a combination of water and oat milk for cooking the oatmeal – so it’s creamy but light. Plus, the use of fresh, in-season berries (though frozen also work) makes for a delicious and nutritious breakfast every single time!
The Ingredients
Cooked Mixed Berry Oatmeal
This method adds the berries directly into the cooking oatmeal.
Water – I use a combination of water and milk when making my basic vegan oatmeal. Feel free to use all milk or water if you want it creamier vs. lower calorie. Rolled oats – make sure to use certified gluten-free, if necessary. Different types of oats will affect the cooking time (I.e. steel-cut oats can take up to 30 minutes!). Oat milk – feel free to swap this with your plant-based milk of choice. (i.e. almond milk or rice milk) Salt – just a pinch Mixed berries – you can use fresh or frozen berries. You can also use a combination of berries (i.e. raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, and blueberry) or just a single berry. This is super versatile. Maple Syrup (optional) – or your favorite sweetener of choice. You can use unrefined sugars/syrups or even brown sugar. For a sugar-free option, erythritol (also Paleo-friendly) or stevia could work.
Oatmeal with Berry Compote
For a different way to enjoy mixed berries, use this method – make basic oatmeal and add freshly-made berry compote. For the berry compote, you’ll need:
Mixed berries – use what you have on hand – fresh and frozen berries will work. I love to use mixed berries, but it’s just as delicious using just blueberries, etc. Water Lemon juice – optional, but adds a lovely freshness to the berries along with the sweetness. Maple syrup – or your favorite sweetener of choice (as written above).
Topping Ideas
Omega seed mix – great for adding protein, fiber, and omega-3s to the dish. Nut butter – for flavor and protein (my favorites are almond butter and homemade peanut butter for this oatmeal bowl). Choose your favorite nut or seed butter (when making homemade you literally only need 1-2 ingredients!). Herbs – optional, but I’ll often add some herbs for extra flavor (here I used lemon thyme). You could also add these directly to the berry compote and remove them before serving. Zest: lemon zest or orange zest both pair wonderfully with fresh blueberries and berry mixes in general. Protein: you could mix some protein powder directly into the oatmeal or a tbsp of chia seeds, for extra nutrients. Vanilla extract: add it to the oatmeal or compote, for extra flavor. Strawberry Compote: add some extra flavor to this berry oatmeal recipe.
How To Make Berry Oatmeal
In a small saucepan, heat up the oats with the water and salt. Let them simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding the berries into the oatmeal then do so now. If you’re using frozen berries it may be best to reduce the full liquid for the recipe to just 1 cup if you don’t want it runnier like I have (see video)– otherwise you’ll need to cook the oats for longer to thicken it up further. After 4 minutes, add the milk to the oatmeal mixture, stir well and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes or until your texture of choice, mixing occasionally. To make the berry compote (optional): In a separate small saucepan, add the berries, water, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat – just long enough for the water to start bubbling. You can do this at the same time as the oatmeal base is cooking. Pour the oats mixture into a bowl, then add the berry compote (if using). Top this basic oatmeal recipe with a sprinkle of omega seed mix, nut/seed butter, and some herbs (optional) or the toppings of your choice.
How To Store
I prefer to make my oatmeal fresh every day or use healthy overnight oats as a meal-prep option. However, if you want to store any berry oatmeal leftovers: Fridge: the cooked oatmeal will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to refrigerate it within an hour or two of making it though, otherwise, bacteria can start to grow. Freezer: store the oatmeal in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the oatmeal either in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add an extra splash of water or milk to get it back to the creamy texture. The fruit compote can also be stored – I’ll often make enough for 2-3 portions so it’s ready to go the next time I want porridge (or mini pancakes or french toast!). Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 7 days (possibly up to two weeks, though I’ve always used mine within a week).
Recipe Notes
Liquid Ratio: I usually use a ratio of 1 1/4 cups liquid to 1/2 cup oats, for creamy results (the standard is 1 cup per 1/2 cup oats). For this recipe, however, as the berries will add extra liquid to the recipe (especially if frozen), feel free to reduce the recipe to just 1 cup liquid (3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup milk). Water Or Milk? I use a combination of the two however you could use just water or just milk and add it all at the beginning rather than adding some at the end.
Related Recipes
The Best 5 Healthy Dessert Inspired Overnight Oats How To Make Oatmeal On The Stove (Basic recipe) Healthy Banana Oatmeal (GF, Refined sugar-free, Vegan) Easy mixed berry compote Healthy Banana Oatmeal (GF, Refined sugar-free, Vegan) Simple Savory Oatmeal (Egg Oatmeal)
If you try this berry oatmeal bowl recipe, then let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating and would love to see your recreations – just tag @AlphaFoodie.
