By Lisa Esile, MS,
There are loads of incredible vegan granola and sweet and savory oatmeal recipes, but there’s so much more you can do with oats. Affordable, quick-cooking, and ultra-versatile, they are a darling ingredient in the healthy plant-based cook’s kitchen. Oats can be used whole or ground into flour for cookies, cakes, pancakes, waffles, and pie crusts. They’re an excellent binder for burgers and lentil loaves, and oat flour is a great way to thicken soups and stews. Want to level-up a scoop of nice cream or baked fruit? No problem, throw on crunchy granola for a delicious topping that adds contrasting texture and tasty flavor. And if you haven’t tried our nut-free Vegan Queso Sauce, you’re in for a treat. Here are 31 of our favorite vegan oat recipes to get you started. As a bonus, all the recipes are free of oil and processed ingredients, so they’re extra healthy.
Oat flour: You can make oat flour by processing rolled oats in a blender. If you want to save time, blend a large batch and keep it on hand.
A note for our gluten-free readers: Oats are naturally gluten-free; however, some are processed in a facility with other gluten-containing grains and are not considered gluten-free. For gluten-free oats, use certified gluten-free brands.
Apple Dessert Pizza
Granola on pizza? Yes, please! These comforting mini dessert pizzas are a luscious sweet treat, perfect for entertaining or munching on yourself. Top with cinnamon- and maple-infused apple slices and hearty granola that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
Sneaky Chickpea Burgers
“These are possibly the best bean burgers I’ve ever had,“ writes one reviewer. “They actually stick together and taste amazing.” We agree. Chickpeas, veggies, and rolled oats are the primary behind-the-scenes actors, but flavorings such as tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard elevate these hearty patties to something special. Writes another fan, “I have made this recipe for years and it’s so, so tasty!!”
Easy Oat Waffles
These banana-sweetened vegan oat waffles are the perfect way to start the day. Ground rolled oats lend a nutty flavor, lemon zest adds subtle citrus notes, and cinnamon gives a sweet, woody undertone. Top with sliced bananas, fresh or frozen berries, or other fruits. For a healthy alternative to pancake syrup, blend fresh berries into a smooth purée. A commenter notes: “The lemon zest really added brightness to the waffles! We drizzled them with a little bit of date syrup and with bananas on top it was delish!” Another stellar oat waffle recipe is Maple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Waffles.
Vegan Apple Pie
Rolled oats do double duty in this sensational vegan apple pie, first in the date-sweetened oat crust and second in the almond-oat crumble topping. A precooked, tender, fruity apple filling overflowing with fall flavor tastes heavenly paired with the nutty oat flavor. “Great vegan pie and simple to make,” writes one reviewer, “Enjoyed by all.”
Vegan Queso Sauce
Vegans and non-vegans alike adore this creamy, cheese-flavored sauce. Rolled oats and jarred roasted bell peppers are blended with water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and chopped onion for a surprisingly cheese-like flavor. A little cornstarch is all you need to thicken it. Use this fabulous vegan cheese sauce in Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies, pour it over a baked potato or other veggies, or serve it as a dip. One reviewer writes, “Holy Cow, this is good! I think I cried a little. My husband said, ‘Wait. This isn’t real cheese??’”
Southwestern Savory Oatmeal
Discovering savory oatmeal is like finding a new food group. These quick-cooking savory oat bowls meld rolled oats with hearty black beans, tender sweet potatoes, and warming spices. Top with avocado, salsa, lime juice, or jalapeño slices for a tasty Southwest flavor. Shares a commenter, “I make this at least once a week!! My husband and I really enjoy the different flavors that are in this recipe! Sweet and savory! I never just cook plain oatmeal anymore!” Also, check out Savory Oats with Asparagus and Peas and Savory Oatmeal Recipe.
Pumpkin Seed Granola with Millet and Oats
Looking for an almost-instant hearty breakfast or snack? This delicious granola is a lifesaver and worth keeping a stash in the cupboard in an airtight jar. The secret to getting the sweet and crunchy flavor without oil or processed sugar is to coat the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, and millet in a date-sweetened flax paste before baking. Ginger and cinnamon add warmth, while raisins give bursts of sweetness. One reviewer writes, “This is a great recipe and so easy to do. It is great with some healthy yogurt and berries as a great start to the day.” Also, check out this delicious Banana Almond Granola.
Outrageously Healthy Black Bean Brownies
One of our all-time most popular recipes, these rich, densely chocolaty brownies from Chef AJ are so simple and absolutely divine. Black beans keep them moist, while rolled oats add bulk, and date syrup, which you can make yourself or buy at the store, gives them a caramel-like sweetness. These freeze well and are great for snacks, make-and-take lunches, or an after-dinner sweet treat. A happy fan shares, “I’ve made these several times and they are always a hit.”
Jerk Grain Bowls with Air-Fried Plantain Chips
Sorghum, wild rice, and steel-cut oats form the base of this hearty grain bowl. Arugula adds green goodness with a peppery bite, fresh pineapple chunks lend juicy notes to every mouthful, and coconut flakes and crunchy air-fried plantain chips perfectly round out the tropical flavor profile. This impressive grain bowl comes together in 35 minutes if you have cooked grains on hand. Feel free to use another combo of mixed grains.
Frozen Banana Treat with Chocolate (Better Than Ice Cream!)
A cross between vegan ice cream and a bliss ball, these tasty frozen chocolate treats from Ann Crile Esselstyn are an ideal snack or dessert for a warm day. Rolled oats give the balls a chewy center, maple syrup and ripe banana lend sweetness, and cocoa gives them chocolatey goodness. Roll the mixture into balls and coat in Grape Nuts Cereal. You could also coat them in semi-blended rolled oats or nuts. Notes a fan: “I made these last night, and they are really good! Easy to make (a little sticky on the fingers), and just the right amount of sweet, chocolate, and crunch when I tried a couple today after freezing them.”
Chewy Apple-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
This fan-favorite rolled-oat cookie recipe is a cinch to make and features apples and raisins for fruity flavor and sweetness. All ages enjoy these beauties, which are great for snacking at home, work, or school. Going on a hike or a multiday car trip? Make a large batch and munch on them as you go. One reviewer writes, “Best of its kind! Freezes well too.” Also, check out these Chewy Lemon-Oatmeal Cookies.
Berry-Stuffed Breakfast Sweet Potato
Up your breakfast game with these stuffed baked sweet potatoes. Prebake the sweet potatoes the night before or over the weekend as part of your meal prep. In the morning, scoop out the flesh and mix it with maple syrup and almond butter. Top with fresh or frozen berries, hemp seeds, and rolled oats for a satisfying breakfast that seems too good to be true. A fan writes, “This is our favorite breakfast recipe! I pregame sweet [potatoes] on the weekend to have on hand for this. It’s just delicious!”
Everything Muesli
Light and tasty, this healthy no-bake vegan muesli mixes rolled oats with puffed whole-grain cereal, freeze-dried fruit, chopped peanuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal flakes. Serve with your favorite plant-based milk. Feel free to mix and match the fruit and grains to suit.
Budget-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie
Crowned with creamy mashed potatoes, this comforting vegan shepherd’s pie warms you up from the inside out. The mixed veggie filling features a velvety white sauce thickened with rolled oats ground into flour.
Lentil and Rice Loaf
This robust lentil loaf features hearty green lentils, earthy brown rice, and umami mushrooms for a meaty flavor. Tomato paste adds moisture and a background tanginess, while a medley of herbs (fresh or dried) augments the flavor. Quick rolled oats help hold the loaf together, but if you only have “slow” oats, pulse them first in the food processor. For a memorable meal, serve with a green salad and a dollop of Creamy Mushroom Gravy. Writes a reviewer, “Made this for my husband and it was a hit especially since we are newly vegan/plant-based.”
Apple Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are prepared the night before and are a great way to start the day quickly. This recipe showcases the classic fall flavor combination of apple, cinnamon, and raisins. One overnight oat lover commented, “I eat this often and I love it! It’s great for breakfast or lunch.” If you are looking for other overnight oat recipes, then be sure to check out Berry-licious Overnight Oatmeal with Fresh Oats and Overnight Oats with Chia.
Oatmeal Breakfast Bake with Berries and Almonds
For a special brunch or weekend breakfast, baked oatmeal is a fun twist on classic oatmeal. You can prepare it the night before if you prefer, then in the morning, add frozen berries and slivered almonds and throw it in the oven. While it bakes, grab a cup of tea and put your feet up as the aroma of fresh-baked oatmeal wafts through the house. A satisfied convert writes, “I love this recipe. I tweaked it using what I had in the house! Very delicious and easy!!!” Also, check out Gājjar No Halvo Baked Oatmeal.
Pumpkin Pie Tart with Oat Crust
Healthy and easy to make with pantry staples, this vegan pumpkin pie with oat crust is a great recipe to have up your sleeve. A little almond butter gives the crust richness without raising the fat content as much as an almond flour crust would. There is no need to struggle to manhandle the crust into the pan (don’t you hate that); just press it in with your fingers. Notes a commenter, “The crust was perfect and held up—my husband and I ate the pie over four days. The filling was great!”
Chocolate Cherry Vegan Cobbler
In this crowd-pleasing cobbler, a chocolate oat biscuit sits atop a sweet and tart saucy cherry filling. Be sure to make plenty, as one commenter notes, “I really enjoyed this recipe. I probably should have doubled it for our group of six. Sadly there were no seconds or leftovers.”
Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake
One of our most popular recipes, this gorgeous vegan carrot cake makes a great special occasion cake or family favorite. Oat flour combines classic carrot cake ingredients such as carrots, walnuts, and raisins to create a rich, sweet, and moist cake. You’ll savor every bite of this one. Shares a reviewer, “This is so good. It doesn’t taste healthy at all.”
Five-Ingredient Veggie Burger
A little lime juice and chili powder are all you need to transform rolled oats, black beans, and onion into these delectable plant-based patties. These are easy! Combine the ingredients in a food processor, shape the cakes, then let them chill for 20 minutes before cooking. Writes an excited fan, “These burgers are great, and so easy to make. I make 3-4 batches at a time and they freeze wonderfully.”
Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Muffins
These are not the quickest muffins to make compared to some other recipes, but they are some of the best and well worth the effort. There is no flour; instead, rolled oats absorb the flavor of orange juice and orange zest, and raisins and mashed bananas create a moist meal-in-a-mouthful. Pro tip: For recipes you love that require more prep time, double or triple the recipe and freeze the leftovers for easy-to-grab snacks. Notes a fan, “These are the perfect bread replacement. Super moist and the taste is fantastic. I shared these with quite a few people, and they all love them. Definitely a keeper recipe.”
Lemon-Glazed Oatmeal Snack Cakes
A lemon-maple glaze gives these supremely snackable oatmeal cookies a lustrous lemony finish. These mini cakes are a cross between a cookie and a muffin, and lemon zest, lemon essence, and cloves deliver a warm and bright citrusy flavor to every bite. A reader notes, “Beautifully moist and very moorish…love the lemon and clove combo and the texture of the oats. Second cake recipe I’ve made using ground rolled oats. Works wonderfully!”
Blooming Baked Apples with Cinnamon Nice Cream
A crunchy cinnamon-infused granola featuring earthy walnuts and sweet dried cranberries is the perfect topping for these crowd-pleasing tender baked apples. Not sure you can master the “blooming” presentation? No problem: It’s just a few simple knife strokes, and using the directions in the recipe, it’s a lot easier than it looks. For summer, try these drip-down-your-chin delicious Baked Peaches with Granola Topping.
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Grated carrot, chopped dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg give these overnight oats that melt-in-your-mouth carrot cake flavor, while flaxseeds and pepitas add crunch and extra oomph. Feel free to sprinkle with other goodies, such as hemp seeds, chopped pecans, and raisins. One reviewer writes, “I love this recipe, easy, nutritional, and delicious. I can easily prepare 7+ servings at a time, leaving out the carrots and milk.”
Grapefruit Nice Cream with Maple-Pecan Skillet Granola
An earthy homemade toasted granola adds sweetness and nutty flavor to this show-stopping grapefruit and strawberry nice cream. The nice cream uses plant milk and maple syrup instead of frozen bananas and has a sorbet-like texture. This memorable dessert is perfect for a special occasion or to surprise a loved one.
Peanut Butter Granola Bars
For breakfast on the go, a snack, or an after-dinner sweet treat, these nutty, just-sweet-enough oat bars are ideal. Notes one reader, “So easy and positively fantastic. My husband—who likes almost nothing—ate most of this first batch in one sitting.”
Valentine’s Day Treats: Chocolate Pistachio Mint and Strawberry Rose Bliss Balls
Toasted rolled oats form the heart of these two unique bliss ball flavors, which look stunning served together. The Strawberry Rose Balls get their gorgeous pink color and enchanting sweet rose flavor from freeze-dried strawberries, rose water, and raisins. Semi-ground pistachios add a nutty green-hued coating to the Chocolate Pistachio Mint Balls. The recipe walks you through how to make both without starting from scratch.
Oatmeal-Lemon Pancakes with Raspberry-Date Syrup
These mouthwatering vegan oat pancakes have a subtle nutty flavor and they’re light enough so that you don’t leave the table feeling like you had cake for breakfast. The raspberry-date sauce is an excellent option if you’ve got raspberries, but feel free to get creative and top with your favorite nourishing pancake toppings like maple syrup, fresh or frozen berries, slices of bananas or other fruit, or a delectable date-sweetened chocolate sauce. A delighted commenter writes, “I don’t normally care to eat pancakes, but these were really good! Easy to make and a great alternative to get your oats in when you don’t feel like having a bowl of oatmeal! The syrup was perfect and this recipe satisfied my husband’s craving for pancakes!”
Apple-Raspberry Crisp
Rolled oats do it again, creating a golden and crispy topping for this fruity dessert. Perfect for cold nights, this crazy-good crumble is ready in 35 minutes and is excellent for entertaining and a spur-of-the-moment family dessert. Shares a commenter, “Really good! Love that it isn’t overly sweet. But still seems decadent.”
Fabulous Un-fried Falafel Burgers
These robust vegan falafel burgers are family-friendly, delicious, and wickedly healthy. Chickpeas give them an earthy, nutty base, while rolled oats bind them together, and plenty of herbs and seasonings add mouthwatering falafel flavor. Serve with a creamy-tangy tahini sauce, lettuce, onion, and a slice of tomato for a tasty meal that will keep you powered up for hours. To save time later in the week, make extra and reheat them for lunch or dinner.
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
Lisa Esile is an author, illustrator, blogger, vegetable gardener, and whole-food enthusiast with a special fondness for potatoes. She has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is passionate about showing people how to live happier, healthier lives. She is the author of Reach Your Big Calm and the co-author of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Find her on Facebook.
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