Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal

Name: Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 Medjool dates, pitted and torn into smaller pieces; 1¼ cups milk (plant-based milk also works well); ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom; Flaky sea salt, for serving; Fresh fruit, for serving; Heavy cream, for serving, optional

By Zaynab Issa

Published September 9, 2025

Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.

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Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rating: 5(1,673)
Comments: Read comments

This oatmeal relies entirely on the caramel-like flavor of medjool dates for sweetness. Briefly cooking the dates first allows them to almost completely dissolve into the oatmeal, permeating every bite. Brown butter and a hint of vanilla enhance the richness, giving the oatmeal a dessert-like quality. Sliced ripe bananas or stone fruit, chopped apples or berries are ideal for serving, and the recipe can be easily scaled up to feed more people.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 Medjool dates, pitted and torn into smaller pieces
1¼ cups milk (plant-based milk also works well)
¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom
Flaky sea salt, for serving
Fresh fruit, for serving
Heavy cream, for serving, optional

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
In a small pot over medium heat, melt butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams and browns, about 2 minutes.
Step 2
Add dates and ½ cup water and cook, undisturbed, until the dates soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, mash the dates into a paste.
Step 3
Add milk, oats, vanilla and cinnamon, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the oatmeal has reached your desired consistency, 4 to 6 minutes.
Step 4
Divide the oatmeal between bowls, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve with chopped fruit and a drizzle of cream, if desired.

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Ratings

5 out of 5

1,673 user ratings

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Comments

AE8 months ago

Delicious! For those who are looking for protein: Maybe find another recipe and leave this one alone.

Gloria9 months ago

Wow, what a treat! I prefer steel cut oats, so I added 1/2 cup of oats and increased almond milk to two cups. It does take longer to cook and more stirring, but I thought the result was worth it. I otherwise followed the recipe. Served my oatmeal with sliced banana and a sprinkle of slivered almonds.

Pekio Meow9 months ago

@Katie - it sounds like at least a few people do not have or know anyone with diabetes as they assume that sugars are necessarily fine if they are wrapped up in other good things. If you are dealing with high blood sugar, 40 grams, even in something lovely like dates, can be too much. I love to do 1/2 a chopped apple, cinnamon and chopped walnuts to get a hint of sweetness without quite as much sugar. :)

Sola8 days ago

First time I’m making oats and my kids finishing their bowls without complaint!!

MED14 days ago

Try to find the red box Silver Palate rough oats as it’s still sold. (Zabars, Harris Teeter) You can just make it as usual (with water not milk) add chopped dates in early and then add rest at end. I’m an oatmeal snob and those oats with water are perfect. The best on the market.

Anne17 days ago

Just about the best comfort food ever. Bananas are a must.

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