Back. To. School.
How is it August already ? I turned a corner in Target last week and literally got tears in my eyes when I saw the Back to School supplies section. Part of me felt the twinge of excitement that I used to get when I took my kiddos shopping for new pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, and backpacks. It was a special time because they were so ready to get back to the classroom, they loved choosing the colors and patterns of their supplies, and—I’m not going to lie—I was giddy with the thought of having time to myself again.
Flash forward to today and a new picture is being painted.
Put on the brakes summer! Give us another month, or two, or three. This glorious season goes way too fast. We haven’t had enough time to check off all of the things on our summer to do list, and now we have to think about going back to school?
If you’re the parent of young children you’re either with me or against me here. I get it. Some of you are in my camp. Keep summer going! And some of you are thinking that I’ve lost my mind. Let’s get back to a schedule! Here’s the thing. You TGIBTST (Thank God it’s Back to School Time) peeps get your wish. The rest of us just have to roll with it.
It may be that time of year—too soon—but it doesn’t have to be all bad. Let’s start the year off right with a good breakfast.
You all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for your little scholars. The last thing that they need to be filling their bodies with is tons of sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives. That stuff is NOT going to produce Nobel Prize winners. At the same time, it’s so easy to tear open a box and rip open a package, add some water or plant milk, and call it a morning. Because, time crunch.
Instead of feeling guilty for sending your little geniuses off to school with a belly full of processed food, take a little time on Sunday to prepare their favorite flavors of instant oatmeal. If you do that you can have a healthy and delicious breakfast on the table in two minutes.
When I was a kid I loved Quaker’s apple and cinnamon instant oatmeal. For the love of life I don’t know why. Have you tasted that stuff? It’s so sweet that it makes my teeth hurt, and the texture is like baby food. Not good.
It’s also filled with ingredients that I can’t pronounce. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients you really shouldn’t be putting them in your mouth. Am I right?
That’s why I’m sharing my homemade instant oatmeal recipes with you. They take a few minutes to put together, they’re made out of real whole food, and they taste SO much better than the stuff that comes in a packet.
You can also take them with you if you make them in these cute mason jars. Even if you’re running late you can pop a jar in the microwave and eat it on the way to school or the office. You could also just bring it to the office and make it there.
Another great thing about making instant flavored oatmeal at home is less waste. You can wash the jar and keep using it over and over. That’s so much better for the environment than throwing away all of those boxes and paper packets.
Here are four delicious, easy, healthy, and fast homemade instant flavored oatmeal recipes for you to make ahead of time and store in your refrigerator. Breakfast at your fingertips.
Homemade Blueberry Vanilla Instant Oatmeal
Chewy oats, fresh sweet and tangy blueberries, vanilla, and a hint of maple syrup. It's like eating dessert for breakfast, without the guilt.
½ of a cup of rolled oats
A handful of fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
1 cup of water (Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal)
Put the ingredients in the Mason jar and put the lid on the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days (this depends on how fresh the fruit is). When you’re ready to make it take the lid off, add a cup of water, less if you like your oats thick, and microwave for approximately two minutes. Add cashew or any plant-based milk if desired.
Homemade Chocolate Banana Instant Oatmeal
Who says you can't eat chocolate for breakfast? Your kids (and you) will love this decadent chocolate oatmeal, and it will keep them fueled and alert until lunch time.
½ cup of rolled oats
2 tablespoons of vegan chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)
1 banana sliced
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
1 cup of water (Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal)
Put the oats and chocolate chips in the Mason jar and put the lid on the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to make it take the lid off, add a cup of water, less if you like your oats thick, and half of the banana slices, microwave for approximately two minutes. Add the rest of the banana slices and cashew or any plant-based milk if desired.
Homemade Walnut, Date, and Spice Instant Oatmeal
This is for the savory lovers. The dates add the sweet and the cinnamon and nutmeg add the savory. So delicious!
½ cup of rolled oats
A handful of chopped walnuts
2 large dates – pitted and chopped
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
Pinch of finely ground sea salt
1 cup of water (Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal)
Put the ingredients in the Mason jar and put the lid on the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to make it take the lid off, add a cup of water, less if you like your oats thick, and microwave for approximately two minutes. Add cashew or any plant-based milk if desired.
Homemade Strawberries and Cream Instant Oatmeal
Strawberry shortcake in a bowl, only better.
½ cup of rolled oats
3 large strawberries – chopped
1 teaspoon of maple syrup or sugar of choice
½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 cup of water (Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal)
Coconut cream or cashew cream (Do not add until after you’ve cooked the oatmeal. Add as much or as little as you like. It depends on how thick you like your oats.)
Put the ingredients in the Mason jar and put the lid on the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days (this depends on how fresh the fruit is). When you’re ready to make it take the lid off, add a cup of water, less if you like your oats thick, and microwave for approximately two minutes. Add coconut cream or cashew cream.
Notes on Microwaving the Instant Oatmeal: All microwaves are different. Watch your oats carefully so they don’t boil over the lid of the jar. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Click on the photo to purchase the sixteen ounce mason jars that I use.
Homemade Flavored Instant Oatmeal Four Flavors!
Equipment
- 1 storage jar
Ingredients
Homemade Blueberry Vanilla Instant Oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ of a cup of rolled oats
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 1 cup of water or plant-based milk Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal
Homemade Chocolate Banana Instant Oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup of rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips I use Enjoy Life brand
- 1 banana sliced Add just before cooking
- 1 cup water or plant-based milk Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal
Homemade Walnut Date and Spice Instant Oatmeal
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 large dates – pitted and chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch finely ground sea salt
- 1 cup water or plant-based milk Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal
Homemade Strawberries and Cream Instant Oatmeal
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 3 large strawberries – chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup water or plant-based milk Do not add to the jar until you’re ready to make the oatmeal
- 2 tablespoons Coconut cream Do not add until you're ready to make the oatmeal.
Instructions
For the Blueberry Vanilla Oatmeal
- Put the maple syrup and vanilla in a small mason jar, then add the blueberries. Add the oats and seal the jar with the lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days
- When ready to eat, add the water or plant-based milk and stir to combine. Remove the lid and microwave for approximately 2 minutes, or until the oats are cooked. Handle the jar with care as it may be hot.
Homemade Chocolate Banana Oatmeal
Homemade Walnut Date and Spice Instant Oatmeal
- Add the oats, walnuts, dates, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a glass mason jar and store with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- When ready to cook the oats, add the water or plant milk and stir until completely combined. Cook in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes, or until the oats are cooked. Handle the jar with care as it may be hot.
Homemade Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
- Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the bottom of a glass mason jar, then add the strawberries. Add the rolled oats to the jar and seal with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- When ready to cook, add the water or plant milk and the coconut cream and stir until combined. Cook in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes, or until the oats are cooked. Handle the jar with care as it may be hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kerri says
Hi! Can this be made with gluten free oats? Thanks
Linda Meyer says
Hi Kerri! Yes, you can definitely use GF oats. 🙂
natasha says
I just loved Homemade Walnut Oatmeal, Always looking to make something healthy for my kids
Alex Meyer, MA says
Hey Natasha! We love it too! That's so awesome that you take the time to create healthy recipes for your kids : ) What lucky kiddos!
Evi @ greenevi says
Super difficult to pick a favourite, but maybe blueberry vanilla. Though I'm sure I would have loved all of these back in my school days....who are we kidding...still today!
Linda Meyer says
That's my favorite, Evi! My husband loves them, I made a another week's worth of them on Sunday. 🙂
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
What a great idea. I hate those packets of instant oatmeal. It's so easy to make yourself that I can't understand why anyone buys them. I am digging the Walnut Date & Spice flavour! Yum!
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Melanie! I know, they're so sickeningly sweet. I just had a bowl of the walnut date oatmeal! So good!
Gin says
Linda, I feel you so much on wanting to squeeze a few more months out of summer. It's my favorite season and I'm trying to keep a good head as it winds down. LOL I also feel you on the Quaker apple cinnamon oatmeal - it was weirdly addictive! Your instant oatmeals here look so cute and delish, I have to try them all!
Linda Meyer says
If only we could bottle summer.... Yes, why was that, probably all of the sugar. EEK!
alisamarie says
I love making instant oatmeal! I freeze packets of it for my husband and love this flavor inspiration.
Linda Meyer says
Isn't it so nice to have something that's healthy and ready to go in the morning? Thanks, Alisa!
veggiesdontbite says
Love it Linda!! Super fast breakfasts are the way to go right now. These look delicious. I'm always needing something quick in the morning because the faster we can get to the beach the better! Ha!!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Sophia! The great thing about making these ahead of time is that you and every one of your littles can eat their favorite flavor combination. 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
I was hit with so many memories seeing the back to school aisle too! Good memories of getting to pick out pretty notebooks and pencils and stuff, but then the sadness of summer is over already. If only I had known that overnight oats existed back then, they are the perfect school breakfast. I really love the sound of all 4 of these flavors! One each day of the week and then double up on blueberry vanilla on Fridays--that's what I would do 🙂
Linda Meyer says
The blueberry vanilla was so good, Natalie. My husband ate the walnut and date one this morning and loved it. We still have a month of summer, so let's keep the spirit of it going! 🙂
Leah M @ love me, feed me says
Love these!! I don't know which I want to make first! They all sound so sweet and delicious (and soooo much better than storebought instant oats)!
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Leah! My favorite is the blueberry vanilla.
Jenn says
Love this idea. Like overnight oats, but not really. I usually make a huge batch of oatmeal on the weekend and then just reheat all week long, but I think I like this idea much better! And I have a love/hate relationship with Back to School time. I definitely need to get back on a schedule and get some time to myself, but then again, we've been having a blast this summer and I love the laziness and easy that having no schedule brings. I'm torn....
Linda Meyer says
Exactly, only you get to eat it hot and fresh. 🙂
I totally get it, Jenn. I felt the same way when it was time for my kids to go back to school. Enjoy it now, that's all I can say.
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
Such a fun and great idea, thanks! The chocolate banana is calling to me!
Linda Meyer says
The chocolate banana is great and so is the blueberry vanilla. Thanks, Christine!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
This is such a great idea! I'm going to make these to bring to work.
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Amy! You could make a savory one for work with spinach, tomatoes, a little Italian seasoning, salt and pepper....
Becky says
What a great idea! I need to do this for my guys.
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Becky! I'm sure they'll love them. 🙂
Strength and Sunshine says
O i'm headed for that chocolate banana 😉 Load me up!
Linda Meyer says
Oh yeah, one of my favorites!