This energizing Instant Coffee Oatmeal is a unique and delicious morning meal! Ditch the storebought oatmeal packets and make your very own microwave oatmeal.
You'll love this recipe for mornings when you're in a rush or days when it's chilly outside and you're craving something hearty and warm. Easy to make and great to wake you up and help you stay full all day!
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🩵 About This Recipe
I always feel good about feeding the family a good hearty breakfast and I bet you do, too. But it's not necessary to sacrifice ease and convenience when you make this recipe!
We reach for the packets for the win because of convenience. Everything is already measured and all you have to do is add hot water.
The packets are quick to make because the oatmeal is par-cooked, then dried for quick cooking.
But they are expensive, and loaded with sugar; the typical brand will have 3-4 teaspoons! Many are packed with preservatives also.
If you can spare the extra 30 seconds to measure your oats, and an extra minute or two for cooking (hooray for microwaves!), you can save yourself some money and have more control over the content.
For me, that is totally worth it!
Do you know the difference between the various types of oats? You can find out more in this article on the nutrition in oats.
They're great for making desserts and snacks like these Oatmeal Banana Cookies!
What readers are saying...
This recipe is amazing! I absolutely loved the flavor!
- Christina
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- old fashioned oats - hearty and filling, this stick-to-your-ribs grain is a terrific breakfast to start your day.
- instant coffee - gives it depth.
- cinnamon - for flavor and spice.
- sugar or sweetener - just a bit!
I try to minimize the sugar in this coffee oatmeal recipe, although a little bit really is delicious! But feel free to vary it according to your tastes. Start on the conservative side though, because you can always add more later if needed.
🔪 Let's Make Coffee Oatmeal!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Combine
Combine all the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.
Microwave
Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then let stand for a bit to thicken and cool slightly.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Keep an eye on the oatmeal as it cooks to prevent the mixture from bubbling over and making a mess.
- Use potholders or a towel to remove the bowl from the microwave to prevent burning your hands!
- Make this oatmeal creamier by using milk instead of water.
❔ FAQs
white sugar
brown sugar
honey
maple syrup
molasses
low or no calorie sweetener of choice
Start with two minutes and then microwave in thirty-second intervals until it's as thick as you'd like it.
Yes, you can microwave steel-cut oatmeal also, but it takes much longer.
The microwave heats oatmeal with a high intensity. Because it happens so quickly, it can boil over. Cooking in 30 second intervals, stirring, and then cooking again will help alleviate that problem.
Be sure to have hot pan holders handy because the bowl will be HOT coming out of the microwave and you may burn your fingers! Or a good bowl cozy comes in super handy for this also!
So tomorrow morning, fire up your microwave and make a hearty, delicious, hot breakfast for you and your family!
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- No instant coffee? No problem, just add the cinnamon. Use milk instead of water to add creaminess.
- Add a dash of vanilla or some nutmeg for a little extra flavor!
- What's your favorite topping for microwave oatmeal? Try diced apples, peaches, or pears.
- Toss in a handful of raisins, craisins, or dried blueberries for natural sweetness.
- Bump up the nutrition with a sprinkle of chia seeds. These little seeds are PACKED with great nutrients. Calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron to name a few!
- Add some cocoa powder to give this coffee oatmeal a mocha flavor.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
Be careful when handling the bowl, as it will be hot when you take it out of the microwave!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover coffee oatmeal, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat by zapping in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You may need to add a splash of water or milk if the oatmeal is too thick.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this coffee oatmeal recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Make this coffee flavored oatmeal even richer by topping with a splash of milk or cream. This is also great to serve with sliced bananas, cherries, or chopped nuts.
😋 More Easy Oatmeal Recipes You'll Love
- Strawberry Overnight Oats - Great for a tasty and convenient breakfast.
- Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal - Make this slow cooker maple cinnamon oatmeal ahead of time and store in single-serve containers for a quick, hearty breakfast!
- Pumpkin Overnight Oats - Warm and delicious, this oatmeal cooks overnight in the crock pot and provides a healthy, hearty breakfast for the whole family.
- Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats - This recipe from Jordo's World is a fun dessert-inspired breakfast!
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Coffee Flavored Oatmeal
⭐ Did you make this recipe? Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇
📋 Recipe Card
Cinnamon Coffee Microwave Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup old fashioned oats
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (regular or decaf)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar (use more or less, according to your tastes)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large microwaveable bowl.⅔ cup old fashioned oats, 1 ⅓ cups water, 2 teaspoons instant coffee, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir, and microwave for 1 minute, then stir and microwave for 1 minute again. Test the oatmeal for thickness. If you would like it a little thicker, keep microwaving at 30 second intervals. Watch carefully during the whole cooking process in case the oatmeal starts to boil over.
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Keep an eye on the oatmeal as it cooks so that it doesn't bubble over the edge of the bowl. Use a large microwave-safe bowl to give it more room, if you like.
- The bowl will be very hot, so handle it carefully when removing from the microwave.
Variation Suggestions:
- Use milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond milk) instead of water for a creamier texture.
- Swap the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
- Add a little cocoa powder for a mocha flavor.
- Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with a splash of milk or cream for extra richness.
- Add sliced bananas, berries, or chopped nuts.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the texture.
- Stir well after reheating to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in October 2019, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in April 2026.
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Happy cooking!
Cindy says
This oatmeal is divine! I used both instant coffee & espresso powder and half maple syrup & half muscovado sugar. (I'm very indecisive. 😉) When it was cooked, I mixed in about 10 dark chocolate chips so there were little pockets of chocolate. I topped it with extra cinnamon and pecans. It was the best oatmeal I've ever had! Would never have thought of coffee oatmeal. Thank you!!
Kristin says
Wow, that is QUITE a breakfast! I love your ideas! So glad you liked it and thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Beks says
Love Love Love this recipe. We will be making this recipe again and again. We doubled the recipe for each person and cooked it on the stovetop. Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe.
Kristin says
Awesome! I'm so glad you guys like this. Thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Lori says
I made this with my daughter and we loved this delicious recipe!
Kristin says
Yay! So glad to hear it! 🙂
Barbara Bellatti says
How many servings is this for? Thank you.
Kristin says
This is for 2 servings. Let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂
Alison says
Can i just simmer everything in a saucepan or boil? I am not a fan of microwave, I only use it for frozen foods.
Kristin says
Oh absolutely! There's nothing wrong with doing it that way and it should turn out just fine. 🙂
Kristy Still says
We love this for breakfast!
Kristin says
Thanks, Kristy! We do too!
Christina says
This recipe is amazing! I absolutely loved the flavor!
Kristin says
Thanks, Christina! 🙂
Rachel says
This looks really good. I always look for ways to spice up breakfast, and coffee in oatmeal is a great idea! Definitely trying this one in AM. Thanks!
Audrey says
I can have my coffee and eat it too. Or something like that Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids' Tasty Tuesdays link up. Hope to see you back next week.
Deb- It's me, debcb! says
Sounds so tasty! Thanks for linking up at the Best of the Blogosphere Linky party this week!