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A warm bowl of oatmeal from a creamy oatmeal recipe, topped with walnuts, a strawberry slice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Creamy Vanilla Custard Oatmeal

A rich and comforting breakfast, this custard oatmeal combines the warmth of oats with the luxurious smoothness of a vanilla custard, creating a truly decadent start to your day.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Oatmeal Base
  • 1 cup rolled oats not instant
  • 2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Custard Mixture
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar or sweetener of choice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
  • as needed Fresh berries
  • as needed Sliced banana
  • as needed Maple syrup or honey
  • as needed Chopped nuts

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Oatmeal
  1. Combine rolled oats, 2 cups milk, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until oats are mostly cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Make the Custard Mixture
  1. While the oats are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, 1/4 cup milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
Combine Custard with Oatmeal
  1. Remove the saucepan with the oats from the heat. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot oatmeal into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to temper the egg yolk and prevent it from scrambling.
  2. Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining oatmeal. Return the saucepan to low heat.
  3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula, until the oatmeal thickens to a creamy, custard-like consistency. Do not boil.
Serve
  1. Divide the custard oatmeal into two bowls. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, sliced banana, a drizzle of maple syrup, or chopped nuts.

Notes

For a richer custard, you can use heavy cream for part of the milk in the custard mixture. If the oatmeal becomes too thick upon standing, stir in a splash of milk to reach desired consistency. This recipe can be scaled up or down.