Plum Crunch Steel Cut Oats are easing my transition back to reality.
Every time we return from a vacation, reality sets in.
It looks a lot like laundry piles, an intimidating collection of unread emails, and the old carton of buttermilk (from making Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins for the plane ride) that I forgot to toss before we left.
The first few days back home are y time to reset my body (and bank account) and return to a healthier routine.
However, that doesn’t mean I have to give up the sense of vacation indulgence (more Bostock, please).
Enter plum steel cut oats with granola crunch.
How to Make Plum Crunch Steel Cut Oats
An amped-up version of my classic, perfect Steel Cut Oats, this wholesome breakfast that tastes like a treat. Hearty steel cut oats topped with roasted plums and crunchy granola, this dish is sassy, earthy, and fabulously fruity.
The Ingredients
- Plums. A gorgeous fruit that, I feel, doesn’t always receive the attention they deserve. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and other healthy nutrients, they’re an ingredient you don’t need to feel guilty about topping your oatmeal with.
- Honey. Adds some extra sweetness and shine to the plums as they roast and caramelize in the oven. Pro tip: don’t leave that sticky fruit “butter” on the pan behind. It’s ripe for scraping and drizzling over the top of the steel cut oats.
- Steel Cut Oats. A great source of plant-based protein that also packs in a daily dose of fiber, iron, and other vital nutrients that will help you jumpstart your day. (Overnight Steel Cut Oats are another fav of mine.)
- Homemade Granola. If you have a batch of this Crock Pot Granola on hand, go ahead and use that or your favorite store-bought variety. Otherwise, you can whip up an easy granola right with the plums with some oats, walnuts, coconut, and cinnamon. I tweaked it to roast at the same time/temperature as the plums.
- Milk. I like to finish my bowl of oats (especially Pumpkin Oatmeal) with a quick pour of milk. Use as much, or as little, as you like (and make it dairy-free if you prefer).
Other Great Granola Toppings
Feel free to use a different granola recipe of your choice to top these simple steel cut oats with roasted plums. Here are a few of my favorites:
- You can never go wrong with this classic Healthy Granola.
- Chocolate Granola is a perfect option for chocolate lovers.
- Gingerbread Granola compliments the fruit plums so nicely.
- Gluten Free Granola if you want to make this recipe gluten free.
- AND Maple Quinoa Granola for my Well Plated Cookbook.
The Directions
- Arrange the halved plums cut-side up on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, honey, and cinnamon.
- Toss together the granola ingredients and spread in a single layer on the other half of the baking sheet beside the plums.
- Roast until the plums begin to bubble and the granola is golden.
- Prepare the steel cut oats in a saucepan, cooking to the desired thickness and chewiness. Let stand, covered, for 2 minutes off the heat.
- Serve by spoon some steel cut oats into a bowl, then top with milk (if desired), roasted plums, and some granola. ENJOY!
Although my vacation has come to an end, plum steel cut oats (and even these Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats) are a sweet reminder that arriving home from a food-focused vacation doesn’t mean I’m leaving lovely meals behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish or coarse oats, are different from rolled oats in a few ways. First, they are not as processed as rolled oats and contain more fiber than old-fashioned oats. This gives steel cut oats a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor. The one drawback? They take longer to cook.
Steel cut oats are considered a naturally gluten free food. However, that does not mean they are not processed and packaged in a gluten free facility. If you are particularly sensitive to gluten, it’s always a good idea to check your labels to ensure the brand you choose is made in a certified gluten free facility.
I have never made this recipe with peaches before so it would be an experiment. However, it sounds like a delicious swap that I’m fairly certain would turn out great!
Plum Crunch Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
For the Plums:
- 4 whole ripe plums halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Granola Crunch:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnut halves, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the Steel Cut Oats
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- Milk for serving as desired
- Extra honey for serving as desired
Instructions
- Place rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Place the plums cut-side up to one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Place the old fashioned rolled oats, walnuts, coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Drizzle with honey and olive oil, then toss until evenly moistened. Spread in a single layer on the open side of the baking sheet beside the plums.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, until the plums begin to bubble and the granola is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Meanwhile, prepare the steel cut oats. In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the steel cut oats. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, cooking to the desired thickness and chewiness and stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 2 minutes.
- To serve, spoon 1/4 of the steel cut oats into each bowl. Top with milk (if desired), roasted plums, a sprinkle of granola, and an extra drizzle of honey. Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
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