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    Home » All Recipes » Breakfast

    Avena (Mexican Oatmeal) + VIDEO

    Published: Feb 23, 2021 · Updated: Nov 7, 2024 by Maggie Unzueta

    Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is the best way to start the day! A warm and comforting breakfast that’s perfect for cold mornings.
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    A bowl of avena (or Mexican oatmeal) topped with sliced bananas.
    Mexican oatmeal served in a decorative Mexican clay cup.
    A bowl of Avena (or Mexican oatmeal) topped with sliced bananas.

    Mexican avena served in a blue bowl and topped with banana slices.

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

    Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is a staple in most homes.

    This recipe is super easy and super delicious made from whole grain oats. A warm and satisfying breakfast for chilly mornings.

    My son prefers it in a bowl and topped with a few banana slices. Delicious! 

    Don’t confuse this with Atole de Avena, the more liquid version served in a cup for drinking. Also delicious! 

    A collage showing how to make Avena, or Mexican oatmeal.

    • Add water to a stock pot.
    • Place the cinnamon sticks and piloncillo cone in the pot.
    • Bring to a boil.

    Piloncillo is raw cane sugar. It will make your oatmeal sweet and yummy.

    If you can’t find it, omit it and top the oatmeal with brown sugar instead.

    A collage showing how to make Mexican oatmeal, or Avena.

    • Add the oatmeal and bring to a boil.
    • Then add the milk and vanilla.
    • Simmer for 5 minutes.

    Here, we’re using old-fashioned oats. Instant Oatmeal is fine to use as well, but it will take less time to cook. So, add the quick oats, milk, and vanilla at the same time. Simmer for 5 minutes and done.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Pro Tip:
    • 2 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 3 Vegan Oatmeal:
    • 4 Topping Ideas:
    • 5 Mexican Breakfast Recipes:
      • 5.1 Hungry for More?
    • 6 Mexican Oatmeal, or "Avena"
      • 6.1 Ingredients
      • 6.2 Instructions
      • 6.3 Video
      • 6.4 Notes
      • 6.5 Nutrition

    Pro Tip:

    Out of milk? Use canned evaporated milk instead. You can also eat oatmeal without milk.

    A white bowl of avena next to dried oatmeal and a cinnamon stick.

    Above is a soup cup that’s filled with avena, or Mexican oatmeal. You’ll hear this version referred to as atole de avena. As you can see, it’s more of a drink.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it okay to eat oatmeal every day?

    Some people also report that eating oatmeal each day kept them fuller longer, thus avoiding overeating. Because most diets fail, eating oatmeal can be a great help. The type of milk you use can also make a difference.

    Is oatmeal good for you?

    There are studies that show that eating 1 ½ cups of oatmeal per day produces a positive effect of lowering cholesterol by 5% to 8%. Other health benefits include lower blood pressure, immune system support, and a great source of dietary fiber.

    Mexican oatmeal served in a decorative Mexican clay cup.

    Vegan Oatmeal:

    Swap out cow’s milk for almond milk. Use whipped up mashed bananas, applesauce, or coconut cream to make the oatmeal creamy. 

    Whether in a cup or a bowl, whatever version you like, it’s an easy and satisfying breakfast that is sure to hit the spot.

    Topping Ideas:

    • Banana slices
    • Berries
    • Walnuts
    • Pecans
    • Almonds
    • Brown sugar

    A bowl of avena (or Mexican oatmeal) topped with sliced bananas.

    Mexican Breakfast Recipes:

    • Chorizo con Huevos
    • Papas con Huevos
    • Huevos con Jamon
    • Huevos a la Mexicana

    Avena, or Mexican oatmeal, is a deliciously sweet and cinnamon-infused breakfast treat that can be prepared in just minutes. With its warm and comforting flavors, this creamy dish is sure to become a new favorite for oatmeal lovers everywhere.

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!
    Mexican avena served in a blue bowl and topped with banana slices.

    Mexican Oatmeal, or "Avena"

    Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is the best way to start the day! A warm and comforting breakfast that’s perfect for cold mornings.
    5 from 45 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 194kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups water
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 piloncillo cone
    • 1 ½ cup old-fashioned oats
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • 2 cups milk
    • sliced banana (optional)

    Instructions

    • Add water, cinnamon stick, and piloncillo cone in a stock pot.
    • Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 4 minutes, or until piloncillo is fully dissolved.
    • Add oats.
    • Bring to a boil.
    • Add the milk and vanilla. Stir to combine.
    • Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.
    • Serve and top with bananas, if using.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Vegan version: Use coconut milk or almond milk. 
    For a thicker consistency, only use 2 cups of water. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 45 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Monica Simpson

      March 04, 2021 at 10:46 pm

      I love oatmeal. It really does keep me fuller longer. I’d love to try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 19, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        Oatmeal is the best. Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    2. Marta

      March 04, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      Avena is definitely comfort food for me. Growing up it was something I looked forward to eating.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 22, 2021 at 5:02 pm

        it’s delicious! Hope you try this recipe

        Reply
      • Angel

        January 24, 2022 at 7:27 am

        ME TOO! I had a friend who was from Mexico and I would love coming home afterschool to her momʻs oatmeal on the stove. I am soooo hoping this is the real deal!

        Reply
        • Maggie U

          August 15, 2022 at 3:33 pm

          Glad you guys enjoyed this recipe.

    3. Amber Myers

      March 04, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      This looks delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever had oatmeal like this before, so I’m curious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 16, 2021 at 10:31 am

        Hope you try this! It’s so yummy

        Reply
    4. Ksenia prints

      March 02, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      Never tried Mexican oatmeal! This is going on my to-try list, for sure

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 02, 2021 at 3:23 pm

        You’re going to love it! Hope you try it

        Reply
    5. FOODHEAL

      February 28, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, I love this Mexican way of cooking oats. It sounds so authentic and a must-try…

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 09, 2021 at 2:01 pm

        Definitely a must try! So glad you enjoyed this.

        Reply
    6. Swathi

      February 28, 2021 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      Looks delicious oatmeal love the mexican flavor there.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 09, 2021 at 2:05 pm

        Thank you! Hope you try it

        Reply
    7. Julia

      February 27, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      Love this oatmeal!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 02, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        It’s delicious!

        Reply
    8. Ramona

      February 27, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      Beautiful and balanced breakfast meal. Thank you soo much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 02, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        Thank you! Hope you try it

        Reply
    9. Marina

      February 27, 2021 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic breakfast recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 02, 2021 at 4:00 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this

        Reply
    10. Amanda Marie

      February 27, 2021 at 4:43 am

      5 stars
      This is great. I agree with another commenter, nutmeg works well too!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 09, 2021 at 2:05 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    11. Chef Dennis

      February 27, 2021 at 1:52 am

      5 stars
      This Avena (Mexican Oatmeal) looks really scrumptious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 09, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        Thanks! It is. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    12. Jamie

      February 26, 2021 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good for breakfast! I love the cinnamon and bananas!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 09, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        Delicious right? Hope you try it

        Reply
    13. Kim Guzman

      February 26, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      5 stars
      That looks delicious and perfect for this chilly, wet weather.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 14, 2021 at 11:34 am

        It’s so easy and delicious

        Reply
    14. Alexandra

      February 26, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      A delicious way to start the day!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 14, 2021 at 11:35 am

        Right? Hope you try this recipe

        Reply
    15. Tammie

      February 28, 2020 at 7:12 am

      5 stars
      I added pinch of nutmeg

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 04, 2020 at 8:44 am

        That’s a great addition. I’ll have to try that next time!

        Reply
    16. Ashley

      May 04, 2018 at 7:54 am

      Hi everyone! I’ve added the salt at step 3 and my oatmeal has been coming out delicious! I also throw a dash of vanilla and use vanilla soy milk instead of plain milk!

      Reply
    17. Laura

      April 20, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      How many calories and carbs per serving?

      Reply
      • Teresa

        May 16, 2018 at 10:42 am

        Calories approximately 278 with the banana.

        Reply
    18. April Garcia

      March 15, 2018 at 8:59 am

      When does the salt go in?

      Reply
    19. Anonymous

      January 09, 2018 at 6:44 pm

      When do you add the salt??

      Reply
    20. yhgjgk

      December 26, 2017 at 1:19 am

      cvcb

      Reply
      • yhgjgk

        December 26, 2017 at 1:20 am

        cvcb

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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