Berry Nut Butter Swirl Oatmeal

Creamy and just a little sweet, this stovetop oatmeal is made with nut butter and jam for an easy breakfast that’s ready in minutes.

This post is sponsored by Quaker Oats.

Reminiscent of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this gluten-free* stovetop oatmeal recipe is a creamy and delicious way to help start the morning. *Look for specially marked gluten-free products.

Since May is Celiac Awareness Month, I’m answering a few questions about specially marked gluten-free oats and how to find them.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I am often asked about the need for gluten-free foods. Are they healthier? Do I need them? Well, there is one group of people who need gluten-free foods for their overall health – those with celiac disease.

What is celiac disease?

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) defines celiac disease as a chronic digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine. It’s triggered by eating foods that contain gluten. Left unchecked, celiac disease can cause chronic digestive problems and keep your body from getting all of the nutrients it needs.

Sticking to a gluten-free diet is essential for those diagnosed with celiac disease.

Gluten is a protein naturally present in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. And these can show up in many other foods. So if you’re thinking, “aren’t oats gluten-free already?” Yes. Even though oats are inherently gluten-free, they can come in contact with gluten-containing grains, such as wheat–on the farm or during processing or storage.

For people with celiac disease, I like that I can point them to the specifically marked packages of Quaker® Gluten Free Oats. Whether it’s Quaker® Gluten Free Old Fashioned or Quaker® Gluten Free Quick 1-Minute Oats, these oats are made from expert milling techniques to remove stray gluten-containing grains while keeping the same flavor.

These specially marked gluten-free oats are made with 100% whole grain oats and are a good source of fiber. So, including oats in your diet can help you meet your whole grain goals on a gluten-free diet.

How to find gluten-free oats?

Quaker^® Gluten Free Old Fashioned Oats are easy to spot on the shelf since they are specially marked and can be found in the gluten-free section of most major supermarkets. You can also buy gluten-free oats online.

Gluten-free oatmeal recipe idea

A bowl of oats is a go-to breakfast option for me. I love using nut butter for creaminess, extra protein, and good fats. The jam helps add sweetness and color to brighten the morning.

I also like to add any fruit I have to top things off. I’m using fresh raspberries and blackberries here but you can use whatever you like–thawed frozen berries, bananas, or other fruit or chopped nuts or seeds.

Use your creativity. It’s a forgiving and flexible recipe, but here I’m to share a base to get you started.

Gather these ingredients

To make this recipe gluten free, all ingredients should be gluten free.
Quaker^® Gluten Free* Old Fashioned Oats (*Look for specially marked gluten free packages)
Nut or seed butter
Berry jam
Water for cooking the oats
Optional: salt, cinnamon, crushed nuts or seeds, fresh berries

Tips for success

• Double the oatmeal base for an even faster breakfast option tomorrow. When making stovetop oats, I like to make extra. The next day, it’s easy to add a splash of water or milk, cover, then reheat in the microwave. Add a fresh swirl of nut butter and jam!
• Use a nut or seed butter that’s loose or runny at room temperature. Look for an ingredient list that simply reads “peanuts” or “almonds, salt” .
• Try fresh seasonal berries or thawed frozen ones. This also works if you want to skip the jam and just mash a few sweet berries as a substitute.