This warm quinoa cereal is served with a caramelized banana and walnut compote, finished with a drizzle of almond butter and garnishes like goji berries and chia seeds. A buckwheat groats option is included in the recipe below.
*Note: This quinoa cereal recipe originally appeared on February 26, 2012. The recipe has been updated to include a buckwheat option and the photos were refreshed. The images shown use the buckwheat version.
I used to be obsessed with this quinoa cereal. It’s warm, cozy and far more satisfying than boxed cereals. The topping options are endless. A few years ago quinoa stopped agreeing with me, so I began making the same bowl using buckwheat groats. Buckwheat is heartier than quinoa and makes a comforting bowl—similar to oatmeal—when topped with caramelized bananas and walnuts.
Both quinoa and buckwheat instructions are included below. Try both and choose your favorite.
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Some mornings I miss slow, pajama-clad breakfasts with a cup of coffee and a bowl like this. It’s a quick recipe you can make before a busy day and it still feels indulgent and nourishing.
Make this bowl by warming cooked quinoa (or cooked buckwheat groats) in coconut milk and topping it with a quick caramelized banana, walnut and spice mixture. A spoonful of almond butter adds creaminess and extra flavor.
This is an easy way to enjoy quinoa or buckwheat for breakfast: warm grain + coconut milk + caramelized banana-walnut compote. Eat straight from the bowl with a small spoon for the best experience.
Pro tip: the caramelized banana and walnut mixture can disappear quickly, so keep an eye on it if sharing the kitchen.
You can also roast or air-fry the bananas if you prefer a different caramelization method.
Love this quinoa cereal but want more?
Try other quinoa breakfasts such as mango-kiwi breakfast quinoa, Meyer lemon quinoa pancakes, or quinoa breakfast cookies with oatmeal and raisins. Quinoa also works in savory dishes like cheesy quinoa or as one of several gluten-free grains in a breakfast grain bowl.
Quinoa Cereal with Caramelized Bananas
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 banana, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon almond butter, optional
Instructions
- Combine chopped banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped walnuts and agave in a small bowl and toss to coat.
- Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, then add the banana-walnut mixture.
- Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bananas begin to caramelize.
- Divide cooked quinoa between two bowls and pour coconut milk over each; warm briefly if desired.
- Top the quinoa with the caramelized banana mixture and drizzle with almond butter if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.