Discover the joy of mornings with this quick Creamy Coconut Oatmeal, topped with jam and cream – a perfect start to your day!

I never expected to develop an oatmeal addiction, but here we are. Oatmeal always seemed like the bland or healthy choice on the breakfast menu. It took me 28 years to realize that my mother was right: the secret to great oatmeal is all about the toppings!
Raid your grocery store’s bulk section to make this quick Creamy Coconut Oatmeal with Macadamia Nuts. Whether you stick with your favorite jam or get creative with something festive like blueberry-cranberry sauce, this breakfast will turn you into a morning person!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Creamy Oatmeal
- Coconut Oatmeal has the perfect, smooth texture that makes every morning feel special.
- This recipe is packed with health benefits as oats are fantastic for your health. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
- Creamy Coconut Oatmeal recipe is so quick and easy, it’s a lifesaver on busy mornings.
Recipe Ingredients

- Dried Sweetened Coconut Flakes: These add tropical sweetness and a bit of chewiness.
- Macadamia Nuts: I love the buttery, rich taste and satisfying crunch these nuts add.
- Jam and Cream: Optional, but let’s be real, they’re essential! They add a sweet and creamy finish.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Fruits: Banana slices are a great addition to this tasty oatmeal; you can add them fresh or sauté them in coconut oil until they’re browned, sweet, and soft. Other fruits like fresh or frozen berries, and tropical fruits like mangos, pineapples, papaya, apricots, oranges, or kiwis also make wonderful toppings.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, or peanuts add a delightful crunch and flavor to your oatmeal.
- Protein Boost: For an extra protein boost, stir in a scoop of unflavored collagen powder into your oatmeal. You can also add super seeds like chia and hemp seeds to give you a boost of plant-based proteins and healthy fats.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Oatmeal
Step #1: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat and stir in the oats. Add the sugar, coconut, and macadamia nuts (reserving some for topping if desired) and gently mix into the oatmeal.
Step #2: Transfer to a bowl, top with a spoonful of jam, and drizzle with cream. Serve warm.

Expert Tips
- Blend for Smooth Texture: For a smoother texture, blend the oatmeal with some coconut milk before serving. This makes it extra creamy and delicious.
- Toast the Coconut Flakes: Lightly toast the coconut flakes in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown to enhance their flavor and add a delicious crunch.

More Methods to Prepare This Oatmeal
- Use a Slow Cooker: Prepare the oatmeal in a slow cooker for a hassle-free breakfast. Combine all ingredients (except the toppings) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Wake up to a warm, ready-to-eat meal. Great for making multiple servings for your whole family.
- Microwave: For an even quicker option, you can prepare the oatmeal in the microwave. Combine the oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl, cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the remaining ingredients and toppings.
- Instant Pot Method: Prepare the oatmeal in an Instant Pot for a quick and convenient breakfast. Combine all ingredients (except the toppings) in the Instant Pot, set to “Porridge” mode, or cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Stir and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use your sweetener of choice to suit your taste or dietary needs. Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar are great alternatives to brown sugar.
To make the oatmeal creamier, try replacing some of the water with milk of choice like soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk, or adding a splash of coconut milk while it cooks. Stirring in a bit of coconut cream at the end works wonders too!
For this recipe, quick-instant oats are ideal as they cook quickly and provide a creamy, hearty base. However, you can also use rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Storage Info
Store Creamy Coconut Oatmeal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, portion the oatmeal into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm it on the stove top with a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.

Creamy Coconut Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quick instant oats
- 1/8 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup loosely packed dried sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts
- Jam and cream for serving - optional… but not really
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat and stir in the oats. Add the sugar, coconut, and macadamia nuts (reserving some for topping if desired) and gently mix into the oatmeal.
- Transfer to a bowl, top with a spoonful of jam, and drizzle with cream. Serve warm.
NOTES
Nutrition














Loved how warm and smooth this turned out, and the nuts made it extra fun to eat.
What’s a macadamia nut when it’s at home? In the uk I don’t think we have them – sounds like some kind of mania …
No idea! Just always call them macadamia nuts. I think people buy them in Hawaii a lot 🙂