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Oatmeal Brûlée 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add flavorings: Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract evenly into the thickened oatmeal to infuse it with warm spice and aroma.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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