This hearty vegan cream of wheat recipe is a quick and easy twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Made with creamy plant-based milk, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a wholesome way to start your day!
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As someone who loves a warm and comforting breakfast, indulging in a bowl of cream of wheat is always a cozy start to my day. There’s a misconception that achieving that creamy texture requires dairy, but I’ve discovered that it’s surprisingly easy to make it dairy-free. By swapping out traditional dairy milk for plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or coconut milk, you can still enjoy that velvety smoothness without any animal products.
If you love hot cereal as much as me and are looking for more warm and comforting breakfasts, don’t miss checking out my warm chia pudding recipe and my apple cinnamon oatmeal. You could also turn any overnight oats recipe into a warm bowl of goodness by simply heating it up in the microwave the next day! Berry cheesecake oats and snickers overnight oats would both be delicious heated up!
Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
- Cream of Wheat: Despite the word “cream” in the name, there are no dairy ingredients in the product making it suitable for a vegan diet! Opt for the original flavor of Cream of Wheat for this recipe. You can use either the Instant variety or the stovetop variety. For a heartier option, try the whole grain version. If you need a gluten-free option, you can try Cream of Rice.
- Plant-based Milk: Choose your preferred non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut coconut, or oat milk. I like to use unsweetened varieties so that I can control the sweetness level.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a delicious aroma and flavor to the cream of wheat.
- Sweetener: I like using maple syrup, agave syrup, or coconut sugar. These natural sweeteners provide a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the cream of wheat. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness and personal taste preferences.
Flavor and Topping Variations
This hot breakfast cereal is easy to customize with different toppings and flavor mix-ins. Here are some of the best ways to shake things up:
- Berry Bliss: Top your creamy bowl with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top for added crunch and a rich, nutty flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some fresh lemon or orange zest into the cream of wheat for a bright, citrusy twist that wakes up your taste buds. You can even add a tablespoon spoon of fresh lemon juice for more flavor.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder or vegan chocolate chips for a decadent chocolatey treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
- Savory Cream of Wheat: Skip the vanilla and sweetener and instead experiment with savory toppings like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or avocado slices for a hearty and satisfying breakfast option.
- Coconut Cream: Add a splash of coconut milk or sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical flair and creamy coconut flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: Mix in pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that’s perfect for autumn mornings.
- Added Fiber: Stir in some chia seeds or ground flax seeds to up the fiber content and omega-3’s.
How to make
You can have an easy breakfast ready in mere minutes with this vegan cream of wheat recipe. It can be made either in the microwave or on the stovetop! Here’s how to do both.
By Stovetop
Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring the plant-based milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the milk is boiling, gradually whisk in the cream of wheat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and let the cream of wheat simmer gently, stirring often, for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Be sure to keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: When it has reached your desired thickness. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, sweetener of choice, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Taste and adjust the flavors as desired by adding more sweetness, vanilla, or salt.
Step 5: Pour the vegan cream of wheat into serving bowls. Top with your favorite toppings such as sliced fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, or vegan whipped cream.
By Microwave
Step 1: To a microwave-safe bowl, add the cream of wheat cereal with the milk and mix well.
Step 2: Cook in the microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy.
Step 3: Stir in the sweetener, vanilla, and salt, then top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer your hot cereal thicker, use a little less liquid. If you like it thinner, use a little more liquid. This recipe is very forgiving and easy to adjust!
- Stir regularly: Cream of wheat has a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pot, so stir it frequently, especially as it thickens, to prevent lumps.
- Avoid boiling over: Watch the pot closely, especially as the cream of wheat cooks and thickens, to prevent it from boiling over. Lowering the heat and stirring regularly helps.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
FAQ’s
Yes, Cream of Wheat on its own is vegan-friendly as long as it’s prepared with plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. The traditional recipe for Cream of Wheat typically involves cooking wheat farina with water or milk until it reaches a creamy consistency. By using non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk, you can easily make Cream of Wheat vegan without sacrificing its creamy texture or delicious taste. It’s also easy to customize it with vegan toppings and flavorings to suit your taste.
Farina is a type of milled wheat flour made from the innermost part of the wheat kernel, known as the endosperm. It is finely ground to create a smooth texture, similar to other types of wheat-based flour. Farina is commonly used to make hot breakfast cereals, such as cream of wheat, as well as in baked goods like breads, cakes, and pastries. It’s often enriched with vitamins and minerals to enhance its nutritional value. While “Cream of Wheat” is a specific brand name for farina cereal, farina itself refers to the type of flour used to make it.
Cream of wheat can be a nutritious choice when part of a balanced diet. Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, it provides sustained energy and can be a low-calorie option. However, be mindful of added sugars and opt for whole grain varieties for extra fiber.
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Vegan Cream of Wheat (Easy 5-Min Breakfast)
Ingredients
- ½ cup cream of wheat
- 1 ½ – 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk use less for thicker cereal or more for creamier
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup, or coconut sugar
- pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- sliced fruit
- chopped nuts
- seeds
- coconut flakes
- vegan whipped cream
Instructions
By Stovetop
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the plant-based milk to a gentle boil.1 ½ – 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- Gradually whisk in the cream of wheat once the milk is boiling, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until it reaches your desired thickness.½ cup cream of wheat
- Once it's thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, sweetener, and a pinch of salt to enhance flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness, vanilla, or salt as desired.½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, pinch of salt
- Serve the vegan cream of wheat in bowls, topping with sliced fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, or vegan whipped cream according to your preferences.
By Microwave
- To a microwave-safe bowl, stir together the cream of wheat cereal with the milk until well combined.½ cup cream of wheat, 1 ½ – 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- Cook in the microwave on high for 1 to 1 ½ minutes until it becomes thick and creamy.
- Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, pinch of salt
- Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
