Avena con leche (old fashioned oatmeal) is a warm Latin American breakfast made by cooking oats with milk and water until creamy, lightly sweetened, and often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.
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This avena con leche recipe is easy and versatile. You can make it with old-fashioned, instant, or quick oats, sweeten it with your favorite sweetener, and enjoy it on cold mornings or busy days.
Ingredients You'll Need
Note: Full ingredients and amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
- Oats: The base of the recipe; rolled, instant, or quick oats all work. I recommend using Quaker brand.
- Water: Starts the cooking process and helps soften the oats.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess; dairy or unsweetened plant milk can be used.
- Sugar: Sweetens the oatmeal; any sweetener works. I personally like using turbinado sugar with a little maple syrup.
- Cinnamon stick: Adds warm flavor while cooking; ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg can be used if desired.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds aroma; omit if not on hand.
How to Make Avena con Leche
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- In a medium pot, add the water and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Once it boils, cover the pot to prevent evaporation and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to release its flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. If using instant oats, cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal begins to thicken, about 5 minutes, or until the oats reach your preferred consistency.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, stir in the vanilla, and remove from the heat. Serve immediately, plain or with your favorite topping, if desired.
Hint: If you like your avena con leche creamier and are using old-fashioned oats, after cooking them for about 5 minutes, let them rest in the hot liquid for 10-15 minutes before continuing to cook. This helps the oats soften and thicken better.
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing
Storage: Store leftover avena con leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed.
Make Ahead: This oatmeal is best enjoyed fresh; I don't recommend making it ahead.
Freezing: Not recommended.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- Prevent Sticking: Stir the oatmeal constantly after adding milk to prevent it from sticking to the pot or boiling over.
- Sweeten to taste: Adjust the sugar or sweetener to your preference.
- Milk options: Use dairy or plant-based milk for a different flavor or creaminess.
- Oat type flexibility: Instant, quick, or rolled oats all work-adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add toppings: Top with fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my oatmeal too thin?
You may not have cooked it long enough or added too much liquid; simmer a few extra minutes to thicken.
Why is my oatmeal too thick?
It cooked too long or absorbed too much liquid; add a splash of milk or water and stir to loosen it.
Can I use only milk instead of water?
Yes, but cook over low heat to prevent the milk from scorching and sticking.
Love this old-fashioned oats recipe?
Make sure to check out our oats recipes, including easy and delicious oatmeal, overnight oats, and creamy breakfast ideas for every morning.
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Recipe
Avena con Leche
Equipment
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or instant oats or 1-minute oats
- 1½ cups water
- 2¼ cups milk
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons Raw sugar, light brown sugar, granulated sugar or maple syrup , to taste
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium pot, add the water and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Once it boils, cover the pot to prevent evaporation and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to release its flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. If using instant oats, cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal begins to thicken, about 5 minutes, or until the oats reach your preferred consistency.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, stir in the vanilla, and remove from the heat. Serve immediately, plain or with your favorite topping, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
