January 6, 2025

Cranberry Oatmeal

Breakfast Recipes
Ingredients flat lay for Cranberry Oatmeal. Egg whites, oats, almond milk, honey, salt, pecans, dried cranberries, and cinnamon.

A Sweet and Satisfying Breakfast in Minutes

The Coziest Cranberry Oatmeal Recipe to Warm Your Mornings

When the chill of the morning hits, there’s nothing like a hearty bowl of oatmeal to start your day right. And this isn’t just any oatmeal—it’s a flavor-packed, protein-boosted bowl of goodness featuring cranberries, cinnamon, and nut milk for the ultimate comforting breakfast. Bonus? It’s simple to make and nourishing, so you can tackle your day with energy and confidence.

Why This Recipe Works:

This cranberry oatmeal is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy. It’s got everything you need for a balanced breakfast:

  • Pecans and honey for a delicious topping that balances crunch with sweetness.
  • Oats for slow-releasing energy and fiber.
  • Cranberries for a pop of tart sweetness and antioxidants.
  • Egg whites for an easy protein boost (trust me, they disappear into the oats for a creamy texture).
  • Nut milk and water for a luscious, dairy-free base.
  • Cinnamon for warmth and blood sugar support.
raw honey, ceramic bowl with cooked oats in it, chopped pecans

Why Add Egg Whites to Oatmeal?

Egg whites are a fantastic way to boost the protein content of your oatmeal without adding any extra flavor or heaviness. Since they’re neutral in taste, they blend right into the oats, making them fluffy and adding a great texture. Plus, it’s a simple way to sneak in more protein without cooking a separate side of eggs!

Pouring egg whites into a sauce pan while oatmeal is cooking on the stove.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical morning meal:

  • ½ cup oats (use rolled oats for creaminess or steel-cut for more texture)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup nut milk (almond, cashew, or your favorite)
  • ¼ cup liquid egg whites
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • Honey, to taste
  • Chopped pecans, for topping

How to Make It

1. Prep Your Base:

In a small saucepan, combine the oats, water, and nut milk. Stir in the cinnamon and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

2. Cook Your Oats:

Stir frequently, cooking the oats until they start to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Add Protein Power:

Slowly stir in the liquid egg whites. Make sure to keep stirring so the egg whites blend into the oatmeal and don’t scramble. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the oatmeal is thick and creamy.

4. Sweeten and Brighten

Toss in the dried cranberries and a drizzle of honey. Stir to combine and let it warm through for a minute.

5. Top and Enjoy!

Transfer your cranberry oatmeal to a bowl and sprinkle with chopped pecans for crunch. Add an extra drizzle of honey if you like things sweeter!


Tips for Success with your Cranberry Oatmeal:

  • Customize Your Milk: Almond milk gives a light flavor, while cashew milk adds extra creaminess. Coconut milk can work too for a tropical twist.
  • Boost the Protein: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt after cooking for even more protein.
  • Customizable: Swap the cranberries for raisins or the pecans for walnuts if you’re feeling adventurous.


Your Perfect Morning Ritual:

Imagine sitting down with this warm, fragrant bowl of cranberry oatmeal. It’s not just food; it’s a moment of self-care—a reminder to fuel your body with love and care as you conquer the chaos of life.

Try this cranberry oatmeal tomorrow morning, and let it set the tone for a day where you show up for yourself, just like this nourishing breakfast shows up for you.

Let me know how it turns out—I can already feel the cozy vibes!

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: If you want to make extra cranberry oatmeal for later, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or nut milk to help loosen it up and get that creamy texture back.
  2. Freezing: Yes, you can even freeze your egg white cranberry oatmeal! Portion it out into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of liquid as it reheats to restore the original creaminess.

Tip: If you plan to freeze the cranberry oatmeal, hold off on adding toppings like nuts, fruit, or maple syrup until after it’s been reheated. This way, your toppings stay fresh and crunchy!


Other Preparation Methods

Egg White Overnight Oats Version

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup oats
  • ½ cup nut milk (almond, cashew, or your favorite)
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup liquid egg whites
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
  • Chopped pecans, for topping

Instructions:

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the oats, nut milk, chia seeds, water, liquid egg whites, chopped apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup (if using). Stir or shake well to mix everything together.
  2. Refrigerate: Seal the container and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours). The oats will absorb the liquid, and the egg whites will thicken the mixture, creating a creamy, high-protein texture.
  3. Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Top with chopped pecans for crunch, and enjoy cold or warmed up!

Tips:

  • If you prefer warm oatmeal, just microwave the overnight oats for about 1-2 minutes in the morning.
  • You can also prep several servings ahead of time to have breakfast ready for a few days in advance!

This overnight oats version is a perfect way to get that protein-packed breakfast with minimal prep time!

Vintage Coffee Mugs

Set Includes: 4 vintage coffee mugs + 4 rose-gold spoons, and 4 bamboo sealed lids.

Safe & Durable: Made from premium, thick, lead-free, BPA-free glass, ensuring durability and food safety with a large 14oz capacity.

Versatile Use: Ideal for hot and cold drinks, including overnight oats, iced coffee, lattes, smoothies, tea, and more.

Crock Pot Egg White Oatmeal Version

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple, chopped
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 cups oats
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups nut milk (almond, cashew, or your preferred choice)
  • 1 cup liquid egg whites (added at the end)
  • Maple syrup, to taste
  • Chopped pecans, for topping

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Add the chopped apples, cinnamon, oats, water, and nut milk to the crock pot. Stir to combine everything well.
  2. Cook: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the sides. You’ll know it’s done when the oats are thick and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Add the Egg Whites: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, pour in the liquid egg whites and stir constantly for a few minutes to incorporate. Cover the crock pot and let the egg whites cook through. Be sure to stir frequently during this step to prevent scrambling.
  4. Sweeten and Serve: Once the oatmeal is done, drizzle with maple syrup and top with chopped pecans. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later!

Tip:

  • If you want to meal prep, you can make a large batch and portion it into containers for easy breakfasts throughout the week. Just reheat and add any toppings!

Slow Cooker

Slow Cook or Sous Vide: Slow cooking or precision sous vide for perfectly cooked meats, fish, and veggies.

Travel-Friendly Locking Lid: The cook & carry locking lid prevents spills and leaks during transport.

Custom Cooking: Program cook times and temperatures with the digital display for up to 30 hours.

Easy Cleanup: Removable stoneware and glass lid are dishwasher-safe; stoneware is also oven-safe.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bites

Natasha Pehrson Print Recipe
ceramic plate with stacked heart shaped chocolate oatmeal bites
Forget store-bought treats—these Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bites are the easy, no-bake, totally snackable answer to your Galentine’s party (or, let’s be real, your solo mom break with a coffee in hand)
Yield 20 Bites
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½¼ cup Coconut Oil (or Grassfed Butter)
  • ½ cup Almond Butter (or your choice alternative nut/seed butter)
  • ½¼ cup Honey (or 2T Maple Syrup or vegan option)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (like Fleur de Sel)
  • cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (or shredded coconut)
  • 2 Tbsp Flax Seed Meal (or chia seed for texture)
  • ¾ cup Unflavored Whey Protein (or vanilla protein powder)
  • ¾ cup Chocolate Chips (like Enjoy Life or Guittard Keto Chips)
  • Optional: Additional flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  • 1.Melt & Mix: In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil, almond butter, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
  • 2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  • 3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Using a silicone spatula, fold in the oats, coconut flakes, flax seed meal, protein powder, and chocolate chips until well combined.
  • 4. Shape Your Bites:
    Option 1: Press the mixture into a silicone mold (heart-shaped molds work great for Galentine’s Day!).
    Option 2: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls using your hands.
    Option 3: Press the mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan. Refrigerate until set, then cut into 1.5-inch squares.
  • 5. Set & Enjoy: Place bites in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up. Unmold or cut into pieces, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Coconut Oil: Use unrefined coconut oil for the best flavor and to help the oat bites set well. Grassfed butter is a great alternative if you’re not dairy-free.
  • Almond Butter: We find almond butter provides the ideal flavor for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with your favorite nut or seed butter, such as peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
  • Honey: Any honey works here, but we recommend using local honey for the freshest flavor. If you’re making these vegan, swap with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
  • Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the bites. If you have it on hand, vanilla bean paste makes a great substitute for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: We love fleur de sel for this recipe because it adds a delicate crunch and balances the sweetness beautifully.
  • Sprouted Quick Oats: Sprouted oats are our preference because they’re easier to digest, but quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats work too. For a slightly smoother texture, pulse old-fashioned oats a few times in a food processor before adding.
  • Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Coconut flakes add a lovely texture to these bites. If you only have shredded coconut, that works just as well!
  • Flax Seed Meal: This adds fiber and a boost of omega-3s. Hemp hearts or chia seeds can be used as substitutes, but note that these will slightly alter the texture.
  • Unflavored Protein Powder: While not a significant source of protein in this recipe, this ingredient balances the macronutrient profile. Vanilla protein powder also works—just skip the vanilla extract if using it.
Chocolate Chips: We recommend Enjoy Life or Guittard Santé Chips for a dairy-free, high-quality option. These brands melt beautifully and complement the other flavors.

Shop The Essentials

  • caraway pots and pans
  • mason jar lids
  • mason jars
  • oatmeal jar

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I’m Natasha Pehrson

Your ultimate hype girl and weight loss bestie! I’m a wife and mom to 4 who has lost 100 pounds by ditching diets and instead focusing on creating healthy habits and changing my overall mindset around losing weight. Get to know me.