Sticky Date and Brown Butter Oatmeal
Published Sept. 10, 2025
- Total Time
- 15 minutes
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Cook Time
- 10 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
- 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
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
- 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.
Private Notes
Comments
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.
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.
@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. :)
My three-star review is only because neither my husband nor Ioved it... It was too sweet for our taste, and I personally wouldn't go to the trouble to make it again (not that it was difficult to make -- LOL -- just not worth the extra time in my opinion).
This is a delicious recipe. I've made it many times over the past year or so, and I always enjoy it. Cinnamon and vanilla give the oats a wonderful flavor. Happy to have this in my repertoire!
For those suspicious of textures/variety, I use an immersion blender after the dates have softened. I also like to add a few tsp of chia seeds. Four dates is a bit too sweet for our household though.