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    Home » Camping Recipes

    Toasted Oats Cereal (Camping Breakfast)

    Published: Jul 23, 2020 · Modified: Nov 16, 2023 · 7 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Saved!

    This warm toasted oats cereal (muesli) is made with rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit, and is a delicious and hearty camping breakfast. Make it ahead of time at home or at the campground!

    toasted oats cereal in bowls with milk.

    What's the fastest breakfast ever?

    Cereal, of course.

    It is a rare day, however, when I start my morning with a bowl of my beloved Cheerios.  

    Why?  

    You probably already know why.

    Some cereals are delicious, but only leave you full for... maybe an hour?

    This toasted oats cereal is different.

    It's both filling and delicious, and it's my favorite camping breakfast to eat before a long day of hiking.

    After your hike, I recommend eating these camp stove bean burritos, campfire lasagna, or campfire pizza.

    What Is Muesli?

    Toasted oats cereal is also called muesli. It's made with rolled oats, nuts or seeds, and fruit.

    What Makes Toasted Oats Cereal a Good Camping Breakfast?

    This cereal is toasted in a pan, not in the oven, so you can make it on the go with a camping stove. We use a Coleman 2-burner propane stove.

    Additionally, this recipe is small-batch, and meant to serve two.

    You can definitely multiply the recipe, but if you want to make very large batches, it's easier to toast the oats in an oven (like in this homemade breakfast cereal recipe).

    And finally, this toasted oats recipe has a little more oil, nuts, and fruit per serving than my other muesli recipe.

    Why?

    The extra calories will help energize you before a long hike.

    If you want a slightly more indulgent breakfast option, try this peanut butter granola!

    If you do have the time and want to cook a warm breakfast, this campfire breakfast hash with chorizo hits the spot!

    How to Make Toasted Oats Cereal

    Start by heating oil in a large, heavy pan.

    I recommend using a 12" cast-iron skillet or this Lodge 12" carbon steel skillet. You want a large pan so that you can spread the oats out over the heat.

    Next, add the oats and chopped nuts.

    Add Rolled Oats + Chopped Nuts to a Pan.
    Add Rolled Oats + Chopped Nuts to a Pan

    Toast the oats, stirring constantly.

    The oats will start to turn golden as they cook.

    When they darken, turn off the heat and stir in the maple syrup.

    Next, add the dried fruit and stir again.

    Toast Oats Until Golden.
    Toast Oats Until Golden
    Add Maple Syrup + Dried Fruit.
    Add Maple Syrup + Dried Fruit

    Can I Use a Different Sweetener for This Toasted Oats Cereal? Or Skip the Sweetener?

    Yes, you definitely can!

    This recipe also works well with honey or agave syrup, so use what you have on hand.

    Keep in mind that the maple syrup will help bring out the sweet flavors in the toasted notes. If you totally skip the sweetener, the flavor might be slightly less delicious.

    Cereal Milk For Camping

    If you're camping without a way to refrigerate milk, can you still enjoy cereal?

    Absolutely.

    We usually buy these Horizon Shelf-Stable 8-ounce Milk Cartons, but you can also buy dry milk powder (and dried non-dairy milk powder) and follow the package directions to rehydrate it before using.

    toasted oats cereal in bowls with milk.
    toasted oats cereal in bowls with milk
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 5 votes

    Toasted Oats Cereal (Camping Breakfast)

    This warm toasted oats cereal (muesli) is made with rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit, and is a delicious and hearty camping breakfast. Make it ahead of time at home or at the campground!
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time2 minutes mins
    Cook Time8 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 377kcal
    Freezer Friendly?
    No
    Will It Keep?
    1 Week
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • propane camp stove (I use this one)
    • 12" cast iron skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 cup rolled oats Use gluten-free certified if needed
    • ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup Or sub agave or honey
    • ¼ cup dried fruit (like raisins or dried cranberries)
    • To Serve: milk or non-dairy milk substitute

    Instructions

    • This recipe can be prepared at home on the stove-top or at the campground on a propane camp stove.
      Add oil to a large heavy pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the oats and nuts.
      Add Rolled Oats + Chopped Nuts to a Pan
    • Stir constantly for about 5-7 minutes, or until the oats begin to turn golden. Take care to stir often to avoid burning the nuts.
      As soon as the color turns golden, turn off the heat and add the maple syrup. Stir until incorporated.
      Toast Oats Until Golden
    • Stir in the dried fruit.
      Add Maple Syrup + Dried Fruit
    • Serve the cereal with either cold or warmed milk.
      Serve right away, or store in an airtight container for about a week.
      toasted oats cereal in bowls with milk

    Notes

    Cereal Variation Ideas: Use these ideas to create different types of cereal.
    • Oats, Pecans, Maple Syrup, and Dried Cranberries
    • Oats, Almonds, Honey, and Dried Blueberries
    • Oats, Walnuts, Maple Syrup, and Dried Figs
    • Oats, Maple Syrup, Toasted Coconut, Cacao Nibs or Chocolate Chips (Add the cacao nibs or chocolate after the cereal cools)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 377kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 39g (13%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 24g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 339mg (10%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 12g (13%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 45mg (5%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Comments

    All commentsQuestions
    1. Dawn says

      August 04, 2016 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      You're so right, a lot of cereals don't keep me full!
      This muesli is such a filling breakfast (or snack). Lots of nuts in there for me for that crunch factor and added nutrition. Have a great weekend 🙂

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        August 04, 2016 at 12:00 pm

        I know right!? How is that supposed to fill me up? Lol.
        Thanks!! Enjoy yours too 🙂

        Reply
    2. Annemarie says

      August 17, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      I have the same problem with cereal as you - not enough protein so it doesn't stay with you! This muesli takes care of that problem beautifully and looks so tasty too. And without all that refined sugar.

      Reply
    3. Platter Talk says

      December 14, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      5 stars
      Hi. I love this recipe. I'm beginning to become bored with yogurt, oatmeal and whatever. I'm having this tomorrow AM!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        December 14, 2016 at 7:21 pm

        Yay! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Yared Torres says

      August 18, 2021 at 6:03 pm

      How many servings are in this recipe?

      Reply
      • Alisha Trenalone says

        August 18, 2021 at 6:49 pm

        It should be about two servings, or up to four smaller bowls!

        -Alisha at Champagne Tastes

        Reply
    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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