Cherry Hazelnut Oatmeal Delight

This cherry hazelnut oatmeal thing is my cozy, slightly crunchy, wildly forgiving breakfast — somewhere between a creamy bowl of oats and a warm-fruited crumble. It’s tangy little cherries, toasty hazelnuts, a touch of sweet, and oats that soak up all the good flavors. Perfect for mornings when you want something bright but not precious.

My husband calls it “the gorgeous breakfast” which is code for “don’t mess with it or I will be hangry.” Our kid loves digging for the hazelnuts like treasure, and once my in-laws ate a whole pan and asked for the recipe twice in one week. It started as a pantry-cleaner on a dreary Sunday and somehow became a repeat offender on our weekend table. Also — confession — I’ve reheated leftovers for dessert. No shame.

Kitchen Talk

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I burned a batch once because I wandered off to negotiate with the dryer and came back to a smoldering edge — learned to stir more and judge the heat by smell, not bravado. I also subbed almond butter for hazelnuts one chaotic morning and the family declared it “equally valid” (we argued about that for two days). If cherries are out of season I use frozen ones straight from the bag — they sing when warmed through and make the oats a little jammy in the best way.

Shopping Tips

– Produce/Fruit: Pick cherries that are firm and glossy if fresh; otherwise frozen pitted cherries are fine and often cheaper out of season.
– Nuts & Seeds: Whole hazelnuts toast better than pre-chopped — if you can, buy whole and chop at home for fresher flavor.
– Grains/Pasta: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture here; instant oats will get mushier, steel-cut will take longer.
– Dairy: Use any milk you like — whole milk makes it creamier, plant milks keep it lighter and still tasty.
– Sweeteners: Maple syrup or honey both play nicely; pick one based on how sweet and maple-y you want the final dish.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Pit and halve cherries or thaw frozen cherries the night before and keep in a covered bowl in the fridge.
– Toast hazelnuts and store them in a jar so they’re ready to sprinkle any morning.
– Mix dry oats with any spices and store in a container — saves decision-making on sleepy days.

✔Time-Saving Tricks

– Use frozen cherries so you don’t have to pit anything; they break down quickly and flavor the whole pot.
– Toast nuts in a pan while your oats are warming to multitask like a domestic wizard.
– Make a big batch and reheat portions in the microwave or on the stove — it only gets better as leftovers.

✔Common Mistakes

– Turning the heat too high and scorched oats — I did this once while texting and had to scrape a smoky rim and start over. Fix: lower the heat and stir more.
– Adding too much liquid early — ends up soupy. Solution: add less, then splash more if needed.
– Forgetting to taste at the end — you’ll need a pinch of salt or a squeeze of sweet to wake it up; taste and adjust.

What to Serve It With

– A dollop of Greek yogurt for tang and protein.
– A simple green salad if you’re having it for a late-brunch and want something fresh.
– Toasted seeds or a slice of crusty bread to sop up any leftover fruit syrup.
– Fresh fruit on the side for extra brightness.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Use medium heat; slow and steady wins the texture race.
– Salt early but adjust at the end — it makes the flavors pop.
– If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk rather than water for extra creaminess.
– If too sweet, a squeeze of lemon brightens everything.

✔Storage Tips

Leftovers keep nicely in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen it up — microwaving is fine and fast. Eating it cold? Totally acceptable; it’s like overnight oats with extra personality. You can freeze portions in zip bags for longer storage, then thaw in the fridge overnight.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap hazelnuts for almonds, pecans, or walnuts if that’s what you have.
– Use maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar — each gives a slightly different vibe.
– Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats.
– Dairy-free? Any plant milk works; coconut milk gives a richer, tropical note.
– No cherries? Try stewed apples, berries, or canned peaches in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cherry Hazelnut Oatmeal Delight

Creamy stovetop oats studded with juicy cherries and crowned with crunchy hazelnuts. A cozy, nutty-sweet breakfast in minutes.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ▢ 1.5 cup milk (2% or whole) or use unsweetened almond milk
• ▢ 0.75 cup water
• ▢ 1.25 cup pitted cherries, halved fresh or frozen; reserve a few for topping
• ▢ 0.33 cup hazelnuts, chopped toast lightly for best flavor
• ▢ 1.5 tbsp maple syrup plus more to taste
• ▢ 0.75 tsp vanilla extract
• ▢ 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• ▢ 0.13 tsp fine sea salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp unsalted butter for extra richness; optional
• ▢ 0.5 tsp orange zest optional, brightens the cherries
• ▢ 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt for serving; optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.
• Warm milk and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in salt and cinnamon; bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in oats. Cook, stirring often, until creamy and tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Fold in cherries, vanilla, and orange zest. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes to plump the fruit.
• Remove from heat; swirl in butter and maple syrup. Cover and rest 2 minutes to thicken.
• Spoon into bowls. Top with toasted hazelnuts, reserved cherries, and a dollop of yogurt if you like.

Notes

Swap hazelnuts with sliced almonds or pecans, or replace maple syrup with honey. For meal prep, refrigerate cooked oats up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk. Prefer overnight oats? Combine all ingredients except nuts and yogurt, chill overnight, then warm and add toppings.

This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cherry Hazelnut Oatmeal Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.