This creamy custard oats dish is perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack! Topped with a sweet mixed berry sauce, it’s like having dessert first thing in the morning.
I love how simple this recipe is! Just mix the oats with milk, cook, and top it off with the berry sauce. It feels like a hug in a bowl—so good for any chilly day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Choose rolled oats for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb liquid well. If you’re looking for a quicker option, instant oats work too, but they may alter the texture a bit.
Milk: Use any milk you like! Dairy milk gives a nice creaminess, but almond, oat, or coconut milk are tasty plant-based alternatives. Just make sure they are unsweetened if you prefer to control sweetness.
Custard Powder: This ingredient might be tricky to find. You can substitute it with cornstarch mixed with a little vanilla extract for flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still give a great texture!
Mixed Berries: Use any berries you have on hand. Frozen berries are perfectly fine and can often be cheaper. If you’re fresh out of berries, mashed banana or applesauce could be a delightful substitute for a fruity sauce!
How Do You Make Custard Oats Creamy and Delicious?
The key to perfect custard oats is the slow cooking process. It helps the oats absorb the milk fully and become creamy. Here’s how to ensure your oats turn out just right:
- Start with medium heat: This prevents the oats from sticking and burning.
- Stir regularly: Keep stirring to avoid clumps and ensure even cooking.
- Mix the custard well: Make sure you dissolve the custard powder in milk first to avoid lumps and promote a smooth texture.
- Cook until thick: After adding the custard, keep cooking until the oats are thick and creamy. This usually takes just a few minutes!
Easy Custard Oats with Mixed Berry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Custard Oats:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp custard powder
- 1 tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice
- A pinch of salt
For the Mixed Berry Sauce:
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; e.g. blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp water (if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a few minutes preparing the oats and another 5-7 minutes to create the delicious berry sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a sunny morning or a cozy afternoon!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard Paste:
In a small bowl, take 2-3 tablespoons of cold milk and add the custard powder. Stir well until it forms a smooth paste. Make sure there are no lumps; set this mixture aside for later.
2. Cook the Oats:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, the rest of the milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats start to soften and the mixture begins to bubble, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Mix in the Custard:
Once the oats are soft, stir the custard paste you made earlier into the pot. Keep stirring continuously as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens up and becomes creamy. You’ll see it turn into a delightful, custard-like texture!
4. Make the Mixed Berry Sauce:
While the oats are cooking, grab another small saucepan. Add the mixed berries, sugar (or honey), and lemon juice. Heat it over medium heat while gently stirring until the berries break down and become saucy, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If your sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out to your liking.
5. Combine and Serve:
Once the berry sauce is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Now, it’s time to serve! Spoon the warm custard oats into a bowl and generously pour the mixed berry sauce on top. You can even add an optional drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you want a bit more sweetness!
There you have it! Enjoy your comforting bowl of easy custard oats with a vibrant, fruity mixed berry sauce!
FAQ for Easy Custard Oats with Mixed Berry Sauce
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats! Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different. Reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness, as instant oats cook much faster—about 1-3 minutes should suffice.
How Long Can Leftover Custard Oats Be Stored?
Store any leftover custard oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the mixture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for the Berry Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fruit you like, such as chopped apples, bananas, or peaches. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s softness; for example, apples may need a bit longer to break down.
Is There a Sugar-Free Option for This Recipe?
Of course! You can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to keep it sugar-free. Additionally, you might try using ripe mashed bananas for natural sweetness in the oats or berry sauce.
