These creamy custard oats are a warm hug in a bowl! With a smooth texture and topped with a fruity mixed berry sauce, they make breakfast feel special.
Plus, who can resist colorful berries dancing on their oats? I love making this for a cozy morning treat that both kids and adults enjoy. It’s yummy and brightens the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for a creamy texture! If you’re in a hurry, you might try instant oats, but they will cook faster and won’t be as creamy. Steel-cut oats can also work, just increase the cooking time significantly.
Milk: I’m a fan of almond milk for its light flavor in this recipe, but feel free to use any milk you like—whole, skim, oat, or soy also work well. Just keep in mind that different milks may slightly change the creaminess.
Egg: The egg helps make the oats creamy and custard-like. If you’re avoiding eggs, try using a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or even a bit of plain yogurt for creaminess.
Mixed Berries: Fresh berries are delightful, but frozen ones work in a pinch, especially when they’re out of season. You could also use other fruits like sliced peaches or bananas if berries aren’t available.
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Creamy Custard Texture?
The key to creamy custard oats is cooking them slowly and being mindful when adding the egg. Here’s how:
- Cook the oats on medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When tempering the egg, do it slowly. Adding too much hot mixture at once can cause the egg to scramble, ruining that smooth custard texture.
- Keep cooking the mixture on low until it thickens. If it seems too thick, you can always stir in a bit more milk later.
If you follow these tips, your custard oats will be luxuriously creamy every time!
How to Make Creamy Custard Oats With Mixed Berry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Custard Oats:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Mixed Berry Sauce:
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend a little time making the creamy oats and mixing up the berry sauce, but it’s so worth it to enjoy this delightful breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Oats:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally until the oats soften, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Preparing the Egg Mixture:
While the oats are cooking, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. This will help create that lovely custard texture.
3. Tempering the Egg Mixture:
To prevent the egg from cooking too quickly and scrambling, you need to temper it. Slowly add a small amount of the hot oat mixture into the egg bowl while whisking continuously. This warms up the egg without cooking it.
4. Combining Mixtures:
After tempering, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the oats. Stir constantly and cook this mixture gently for another 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes creamy. Remove from heat once done!
5. Making the Mixed Berry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine your mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the berries get soft and start releasing their delicious juices.
6. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like your berry sauce thicker, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
7. Serving the Dish:
Once your sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. To serve, ladle the warm creamy custard oats into bowls and top generously with your mixed berry sauce. For a special touch, you can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of your favorite nuts!
Enjoy your luscious creamy custard oats with vibrant mixed berry sauce—a breakfast treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make!
FAQ for Creamy Custard Oats With Mixed Berry Sauce
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind they will cook much faster—about 1-2 minutes. They won’t have the same creamy texture as rolled oats, so adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or a few tablespoons of a plant-based yogurt. Use non-dairy milk for the oats and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover custard oats and berry sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk to the oats to restore their creamy consistency.
Can I Use Different Fruits in the Sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out mixed berries for other fruits like sliced peaches, diced mango, or even apples. Just adjust the sugar and lemon juice to taste, as some fruits may be sweeter or tarter than the berries.