This Rise & Shine Date & Almond Porridge is a naturally sweet and wholesome breakfast that I love starting my day with. The dates give it a beautiful caramel-like sweetness, the almond milk makes it creamy, and the touch of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the flavors. I don’t even need honey or extra sweetener because the dates do all the work. It’s a simple yet nourishing bowl that fuels me for the morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this porridge because it feels indulgent without being heavy or overly sweet. The almond milk makes it vegan and dairy-free, which works perfectly for me when I want a lighter start to the day. I also enjoy how quick it is—I can prepare it in minutes and garnish with extra dates and almonds for a nice crunch. It’s cozy, filling, and a recipe I return to often when I want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

30 g porridge oats
30 g chopped dates
250 ml almond milk
Pinch of cinnamon
Garnish of dates and crushed almonds

Directions

1. I mix the oats, chopped dates, almond milk, and cinnamon together in a pan.

2. I place the pan over medium heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the oats are cooked and creamy.

3. Once ready, I pour the porridge into a bowl and top it with extra chopped dates and crushed almonds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 serving. It takes about 2–3 minutes to prep and around 8–10 minutes to cook, so in less than 15 minutes I have a warm and nourishing breakfast ready.

Variations

• Sometimes I swap almond milk with oat milk for extra creaminess.

• I like adding a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for more protein.

• For extra flavor, I stir in a drop of vanilla extract while cooking.

• I occasionally add chopped fresh fruits like bananas, apples, or berries for a refreshing twist.

storage/reheating

I usually make this fresh, but if I prepare extra, I keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of almond milk to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this porridge overnight instead of cooking it?

Yes, I sometimes soak the oats and dates in almond milk overnight in the fridge, and then just warm it in the morning or eat it chilled.

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely. I like almond milk for the flavor and creaminess, but cow’s milk or any other plant-based milk works well.

Are the dates necessary, or can I replace them?

I like dates because they add natural sweetness, but I sometimes swap them with raisins, figs, or dried apricots.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use certified gluten-free oats to keep it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How can I make it more filling?

I add nut butter, chia seeds, or a scoop of protein powder if I want a heartier breakfast that keeps me satisfied for longer.

Conclusion

This Rise & Shine Date & Almond Porridge is one of my favorite ways to start the day. It’s quick, naturally sweet, and nourishing without needing refined sugar. I enjoy customizing it with different toppings, but the base recipe is so good on its own that I find myself coming back to it often. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, and it never fails to brighten my mornings.