Creamy Hazelnut Steel Cut Oats

With a rich base of coconut milk, maple crystals, and velvety hazelnut butter, this creamy bowl of steel-cut oatmeal hits that sweet spot between indulgent and nourishing. This breakfast is incredibly easy to make and delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Like my Vanilla Protein Steel Cut Oats, this steel cut oatmeal recipe is a healthy breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl.  The chewy texture of steel-cut oats is unbeatable, especially when simmered in coconut milk and sweetened just right with maple crystals from my favorite brand, Wilderness Poets. I'm also using their deep, rich, and creamy hazelnut butter as my favorite topping to make a five-star plant-based breakfast from your own kitchen. Make it every time you need something indulgent yet substantial to fill you up til lunch. I've even made it for weekend brunches, and reheated a bowl on the fly after a workout. Plus, it's so versatile. Let's make it!

This post is sponsored by Wilderness Poets - A company that aligns with The All Natural Vegan Mission. Thank you for supporting brands that make The All Natural Vegan Possible!

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Ingredients To Make This Healthy Breakfast Recipe: 

Every ingredient can be either purchased at your local grocery stores or online. And as always, I'll leave some links to some of my favorite products. 

• Regular Steel Cut Oats: These are the least processed type of oats, chopped into small pieces with a steel blade. They take longer to cook but have a wonderful bite and offer a lower impact on blood sugar compared to instant oatmeal or quick oats. It's important to use certified gluten-free oats if you follow a gluten-free diet.
• Coconut Milk (from the carton): Adds healthy fats and a lovely creamy consistency without the heaviness of canned versions. The perfect liquid ratio helps ensure you get those creamy, dreamy oats.
• Maple Crystals: These unrefined sweeteners are like maple syrup in dry form. They dissolve beautifully into the oats and give a natural sweetness with added minerals. It's my favorite healthy sweetener that I use in many of my recipes, like Vegan Dubai Chocolate Brownies or Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Frappe, to name a few-plenty of options on the blog to use this wonderful sweetener.
• Vanilla Bean Powder: A beautiful flavor boost. You can sub in vanilla extract, but the powder keeps things fragrant without extra moisture. I highly recommend the one from Wilderness Poets, because it's not only organic, but contains no alcohol, no preservatives, just raw and pure sun-cured ground vanilla powder. You'll notice the delicious, delicate taste; a little goes a long way. 
• Wilderness Poets Hazelnut Butter: This adds a rich, nutty flavor and plant-based fats for a satisfying breakfast. It's lusciously creamy with a super-rich hazelnut taste.
• Chopped Hazelnuts & Fresh Fruit: It adds texture, color, and natural sweetness! Think sliced bananas, fresh berries, or thin apple slices. If you're looking for good raw nuts, Wilderness Poets sells their bags with deliciously sprouted and roasted hazelnuts. Plus, I love that they support US farms.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make It: 

Let me show you how easy it is to make this amazing bowl of oatmeal.

1. Cooking Steel Cut Oats: Place oats in a large saucepan with coconut milk, maple crystals, and vanilla bean powder. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat until the oats are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally so the oats don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
2. Add Flavor: Stir in hazelnut butter and cook for 5 more minutes for extra flavor and creaminess.
3. Serve & Enjoy: Spoon into bowls. Add the toppings and fruits of choice. Serve warm!

Top Tips: 

This hazelnut steel-cut oats recipe is quickly made over the stovetop, but I still have a few tips for making the creamiest breakfast.

• Avoid Sticking or Burning: Stir occasionally to avoid scorching, especially as the oats thicken.
• Adjust Texture: Add gradually more coconut milk if you prefer super creamy oats. But I wouldn't recommend more than 6 cups of liquid to maintain the perfect texture.
• Add a Little Bit of Salt: Although totally optional, a tad of sea salt (tsp salt) is the easiest way to bring out the natural sweetness and nutty notes of the oats.

Variations And Substitutions: 

This creamy hazelnut steel-cut oats recipe is so versatile, and it's so easy to switch things up. Here are some of my personal favorite variations or subs.

• Overnight Oats: In a hurry in the morning? Pre-soak your oats in water and coconut milk overnight to reduce cook time.
• Swap Hazelnut Butter: Go for vegan butter if you have leftovers from making my Matcha Pancakes, almond butter, or even coconut oil for different results.
• Alternative Sweetener: Sweeten with coconut, brown sugar, or maple syrup if you don't have crystals on hand.
• Add More Toppings: Stir chia or hemp seeds for extra protein.

Storage: 

Store cooled oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or a cup of coconut milk to loosen the texture in a saucepan over the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl.

Equipment Needed:

• Large Saucepan (non-stick or stainless steel): To simmer the steel-cut oats.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and combine.
• Measuring Cups & Serving Bowls
• Airtight container: For storing leftovers.

Recipe FAQs: 

More Amazing Vegan Hearty Breakfast Recipes To Try Next: 

Looking for other healthy vegan breakfast recipes like this? Try these:

If you try this Creamy Hazelnut Steel Cut Oats recipe, I'd really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!

Related Vegan Oatmeal Recipes:

Make sure to check out some of the other vegan oatmeal recipes on my website!