This all in one Microwave Oatmeal Recipe guide includes four easy options: a simple base plus Banana Peanut Butter, Strawberries and Cream, and Maple Brown Sugar.
author’s note
This Microwave Oatmeal Tastes Like Dessert!
I was practically raised instant oatmeal packets—maple and brown sugar was always my go-to! And, I’ll admit I still enjoy them every now and again. They’re a nostalgic breakfast for me!
You really can’t beat the convenience and how quickly they come together. That is, until today’s post—Microwave Oatmeal that’s nearly as easy as the packets—no more than 5 minutes of prep time! And, these oats are ridiculously tasty, thick, and creamy!
Not only is it more economical to make your own oatmeal, but also, when you ditch the packets, you can make your bowl of oats exactly how you’d like them. You don’t need to worry about what preservatives or chemicals may be lurking in your breakfast.
Microwave Oatmeal Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips & Easy Swaps |
|---|---|
| Quick oats | Best for fast, creamy microwave oatmeal |
| Milk | Any milk works. Almond, macadamia, 1%, 2%, or whole milk all taste great |
| Light brown sugar | Adds warmth and depth. Swap with maple syrup or coconut sugar |
| Salt | A small pinch brings out all the flavor |
| Cinnamon | Optional but adds warmth and flavor |
| Vanilla extract | Makes oatmeal taste more dessert-like |
Microwave Oatmeal Recipe Toppings
- Fresh or frozen fruit
- Granola
- Nuts or seeds
- Dried fruit
- Nut butter
- Coconut
- Extra sweetener like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
Quick Tip
I also have a full guide for stovetop oatmeal and another for overnight oats, each with four recipes. Those are great, but they take more time to cook or chill. These Microwave Oatmeal recipes are all about the fastest prep possible with zero flavor sacrifice.
Microwave Oatmeal Recipe Tips
- Let oats rest: Let them sit for a minute after cooking. They thicken as they cool.
- Taste and adjust: Add a pinch of salt or a little more sugar if needed.
- Adjust texture: Microwave 30 seconds longer for thicker oats. They keep firming up as they sit. If too thick, stir in a splash of milk or creamer.
- Microwave tip: All microwaves vary. Start with less time and add more as needed until you find the right timing.
More Easy Breakfast Ideas:
Breakfast
Breakfast Cookies
Desserts
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Breakfast
Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe
Breakfast
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Microwave Oatmeal
Here’s what you need to know about all things Microwave Oatmeal! Start with my go-to base recipe, then try Banana Peanut Butter, Strawberries and Cream, or Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal for easy, delicious breakfasts.
Equipment
- Large bowl microwave-safe
Ingredients
Base Oatmeal Recipe
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 cup milk I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1-1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Toppings as desired fresh berries, drizzle of sweetener or extra brown sugar, nuts/seeds, chia seeds
Peanut Butter Banana
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 cup milk I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1-1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sliced banana
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Toppings as desired additional sliced banana, chia seeds, an extra scoop of nut butter, peanuts or other nut
Strawberries and Cream
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 cup milk I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk; plus 2–3 tablespoons more milk or coffee creamer if desired
- 1-1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Toppings as desired additional strawberries, chia seeds
Maple brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 cup milk I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Toppings as desired extra sprinkle of brown sugar, nuts (I like pecans), chia seeds
Instructions
- Base Recipe: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine quick oats, milk, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon if using. Microwave for 1 minute, remove, and stir for about 15 seconds. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Remove and stir. I love it at this consistency—it continues to thicken as it sits. Let stand to thicken 2–3 minutes or return to microwave for another 30 seconds for thicker (less creamy) oats. Remove and stir. Add the vanilla extract if desired. Add any desired toppings and enjoy!
- Peanut Butter Banana Recipe: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine quick oats, milk, salt, and brown sugar. Microwave for 1 minute, remove, and stir for about 15 seconds. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Remove and stir. I love it at this consistency—it continues to thicken as it sits. Let stand to thicken 2–3 minutes or return to microwave for another 30 seconds for thicker (less creamy) oats. Remove and stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and peanut butter. Use the back of a spoon to thoroughly mash the peanut butter into the oats. Stir until peanut butter has integrated into the oats, then mix in the diced bananas. Add any desired toppings and enjoy!
- Strawberries and Cream Recipe: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine quick oats, milk, salt, and brown sugar. Microwave for 1 minute, remove, and stir for about 15 seconds. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Remove and stir. I love it at this consistency—it continues to thicken as it sits. Let stand to thicken 2–3 minutes or return to microwave for another 30 seconds for thicker (less creamy) oats. Remove and stir in the vanilla extract if using. Gently mix in the strawberries. Drizzle on some coffee creamer or additional milk for extra creamy oatmeal. Add any desired toppings and enjoy!
- Maple Brown Sugar Recipe: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the quick oats, milk, salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon if using. Microwave for 1 minute, remove, and stir for about 15 seconds. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Remove and stir. I love it at this consistency—it continues to thicken as it sits. Let stand to thicken 2–3 minutes or return to microwave for another 30 seconds for thicker (less creamy) oats. Remove and stir. Add in the vanilla extract if using. Add any desired toppings and enjoy!
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Note: Calories are for the base recipe with no add-ins.
Storage: Microwave oatmeal doesn’t store well and becomes gummy when reheated.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 13.3g | Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 4.9mg | Sodium: 105.4mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 21.2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi Chelsea! This Oatmeal looks just glorious, i also love what vanilla does to oatmeal! Fresh strawberries are also my favourite along with fresh raspberries, thanks for sharing a delicious recipe! xx
Thank you so much Samantha! 🙂
I’m super picky about my oatmeal, but strawberries ‘n’ cream hanging out in my oatmeal bowl? TOTALLY down with that!