Introduction

This Oatmeal Brûlée transforms your morning oatmeal into a decadent treat with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. It’s creamy, comforting, and has that satisfying brûlée crunch that will make breakfast feel extra special.

A close-up image shows a white ceramic cup filled with a warm dessert. The dessert has a golden caramelized top layer with some burnt spots and a rough, bubbly texture. Below this top, a creamy white layer is visible, partially mixed into the caramelized surface. A silver spoon is dipped into the dessert, scooping from the middle, with the spoon's bowl covered in creamy white sauce and bits of the caramelized top. The cup is held on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk (any type, including almond, coconut, or soy; full fat dairy milk recommended)
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
4 tsp granulated sugar (regular white sugar works best for caramelizing)
Cream or half and half for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the milk in a saucepan until small bubbles form around the edges. Add the oats and cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the oatmeal thickens.
Step 2: Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Spoon the oatmeal into two serving bowls.
Step 3: Smooth the tops of each bowl with the back of a spoon to create an even surface for the sugar.
Step 4: Evenly sprinkle 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar over the surface of each bowl.
Step 5: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in small circles until the sugar is browned and you see tiny black spots. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 6: Serve immediately, optionally adding a dash of cream or half and half on top for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, use almond, coconut, or soy milk. The caramelization will still work well.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can briefly broil the bowls in the oven—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Use light brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor twist, but granulated white sugar caramelizes best.

Storage

Oatmeal Brûlée is best enjoyed immediately to keep the sugar crisp. If you have leftovers, store the oatmeal portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and sprinkle fresh sugar on top before caramelizing again.

How to Serve

A close-up of a creamy dessert in a white cup with floral patterns, showing one layer of smooth, slightly golden cream topped with a caramelized, burnt sugar crust with small black charred spots scattered across the surface; a spoon rests inside the cup on the left side, and the background shows a dark pot with a wooden spoon out of focus, all placed on a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats may become too mushy and won’t provide the same texture. Rolled oats work best for a creamy yet textured oatmeal.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can place the bowls under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the sugar, but watch closely to avoid burning. A kitchen torch gives more control and better results.

Oatmeal Brûlée Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 146 reviews

Oatmeal Brûlée is a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal that combines creamy, spiced oats with a perfectly caramelized sugar topping. This comforting breakfast recipe is easy to make on the stovetop and finished with a kitchen torch to create a crisp, brûléed crust similar to the classic dessert, crème brûlée.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups whole milk (any type, including almond, coconut, or soy; full fat dairy milk recommended)
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
4 tsp granulated sugar (regular granulated white sugar recommended for best caramelization)
Cream or half and half for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat the milk and cook oats: Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, then add the rolled oats. Cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the oatmeal thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add flavorings: Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract evenly into the thickened oatmeal to infuse it with warm spice and aroma.
Prepare for brûlée topping: Spoon the oatmeal into two serving bowls and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon to create a flat surface for the sugar layer.
Apply sugar layer: Evenly sprinkle 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar over the surface of each bowl, making sure the sugar is spread thin and covers the top fully.
Caramelize the sugar: Using a kitchen torch, move the flame in circular motions over the sugar until it melts and caramelizes, turning golden brown with small black spots. This creates the signature crisp brûlée crust.
Garnish and serve: Serve the oatmeal brûlée hot, optionally topped with a dash of cream or half and half to add richness and creaminess.

Notes

Use regular granulated white sugar for best caramelization results; brown sugar or alternatives may not crisp properly.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can briefly place the bowls under a broiler, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
This recipe can be made with non-dairy milks like almond, coconut, or soy for a vegan-friendly option.
Leftover oatmeal brûlée can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop before adding the sugar topping.
Adjust cinnamon quantity to taste for a milder or stronger spice flavor.

Keywords: Oatmeal Brûlée, caramelized oatmeal, breakfast recipe, creamy oats, brûlée topping, easy stovetop oatmeal, cinnamon vanilla oats