Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal

By Zaynab Issa

Published Sept. 10, 2025

Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal
Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(690)
Comments
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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
  • 1tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4Medjool dates, pitted and torn into smaller pieces
  • 1¼ cups milk (plant-based milk also works well)
  • ¾cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¼teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom
  • Flaky sea salt, for serving
  • Fresh fruit, for serving
  • Heavy cream, for serving, optional
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

427 calories; 16 grams fat; 9 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 67 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 40 grams sugars; 10 grams protein; 168 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small pot over medium heat, melt butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams and browns, about 2 minutes.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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
690 user ratings
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Comments

Gloria

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.

Susan

To up the protein, I use dairy or soy milk to make my oatmeal and then I stir some plain protein powder into it after it's cooked. Haven't tried this recipe so you might need a bit more liquid - you want it a little soupy before you stir in the protein.

Lauren

@Katie Add nut butter or even an egg. Steel cut oats even better (as someone that also just had GDM!)

GGD

Used dried apricots in lieu of the dates--and still cut oats. Agree, you really don't need to brown the fruit in butter: just add it to the top of the oatmeal and definitely add some whipped cream and maybe some walnuts or almonds.

Lisa D

could you use dried figs instead of dates?

rima

I added a little cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, a pinch of fennel, and a teeny bit black pepper after I added the milk for a chai-spice-inspired flavor. Super indulgent and awesome breakfast.

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