This spiced pear porridge is a cosy and warming breakfast, and perfect for a cold morning. Very easy to make in just 20 minutes, it's a vegan and gluten free oatmeal that everyone will love!
Come the chilly mornings of fall and winter, a hot bowl or porridge (or oatmeal as it is also known!) is just the thing and so family-friendly. This recipe joins my very popular apple pie porridge and berry porridge as tasty and very healthy ways to start the day.
Making this spiced pear porridge couldn't be easier, and the combination of fresh sweet pears, hints of spice and a touch of maple syrup are so good. Top with some sliced warm pear too for a bit of decadence in the morning!
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⭐ Why this recipe is so good
Warming and cosy. There's just *something* about porridge that is perfect for the fall and colder weather, especially with the combination of sweet pears and creamy oats. Maybe you would like to pair this porridge with a delicious warm milk drink too!
Healthy. Fresh fruit, oats and a hint of spice are all so good for you!
Easy to make. A quick and simple breakfast for all the family.
🍐 Ingredients
All the ingredients and their quantities are set out in the recipe card below!
Some notes of a few of them:
- Oats - I suggest using rolled oats rather than the very fine quick-cook oats, and of course use certified gluten free if you have that dietary requirement.
- Non-dairy milk - choose the type that you like best!
- Pears - I use conference pears for this porridge, but you can use any variety that has some sweetness to them such as comice pears or Bartlett pears.
📖 Swaps and variations
Swap the type of ginger. I like a mix of fresh grated ginger and ginger powder, but you can use either type. If using ginger powder, then you may wish to reduce quantities a little as it is more pungent that fresh.
Swap coconut oil for butter. If coconut oil doesn't suit you, then you can use butter to pan fry the pears. Of course, this means the recipe won't be vegan.
Swap non-dairy milk for water. While my family has always used either all milk, or half milk and water, I know some prefer all water, which is good too!
🔪 Step by step instructions
Just a few steps to make this porridge, it's very easy to do!
Step 1
Dice the fruit. Core the pears, then use a sharp knife to dice into small pieces. Grate the fresh ginger (image 1).
Step 2
Combine ingredients. Add all the ingredients for the porridge to a large pot, with the exception of the maple syrup and the ingredients for the pear topping (image 2). Heat on low-medium, bringing it to a light simmer. Stir frequently.
Recipe tip: the more you stir, the creamier the porridge will become!
Step 3
Keep stirring! Continue to stir the porridge for around 6-10 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy in consistency (image 3). If you prefer a looser consistency, add more milk or water to the pot.
Step 4
Pan fry the pears. Add coconut oil to a skillet, and heat until it melts. Then place sliced pears in the skillet, along with a sprinkle of ground ginger. Heat on medium until they soften and take on a little colour (image 4).
Spoon the porridge into your bowls and top with the pear slices. Drizzle on some maple syrup and enjoy!
💭 Recipe notes and tips
- I suggest using rolled oats rather than the very quick-cook powder oats. It gives more 'bite' to the porridge. You can always use steel cut oats, but you may need to cook a little longer and use a touch more liquid.
- Slice the pears for the topping just before cooking as they will brown quickly.
- It's optional whether you peel the pears or not. Personally I never do, as I like the texture with the peel. Plus my low histamine readers may like to know it's a good source of quercetin (Healthline).
- Keep stirring! Porridge gets thicker and creamier in consistency if you stir it frequently during the cook time.
📋 Frequently asked questions
I always use conference pears or Comice pears to make porridge, but any variety that has a sweetness will work well.
This is a debated question! Personally I don't bring my porridge to a boil, and just bring to a simmer instead. But I know others who state boiling is the best way.
No, you can simply enjoy the sweetness of the pears and maple syrup if you like and leave out the spices.
🥣 More delicious breakfast recipes
Check out more tasty breakfast recipes, such as my carrot cake porridge and my blueberry quinoa breakfast bake. Some recent recipes to enjoy:
I'm always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes! And I love to hear from you - so please do leave a comment or star rating if you tried the recipe!
📖 Recipe
Pear Porridge
Equipment
- Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the pear porridge
Pear topping (optional)
- ½ pear cored, sliced
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder more to preference
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients for the porridge, with the exception of the maple syrup, to a pot and bring to a low simmer. Reduce the heat, and cook for 6-10 minutes until it is thick and creamy in consistency, stirring frequently.
- If you are making the pear topping, melt the coconut oil in a pan, and add the sliced pears and ginger. Heat for 4-5 minutes, so they are softened each side. Use tongs to flip the pear slices.
- Spoon the porridge into your serving bowl and top with the sliced pears, if using. Drizzle on the maple syrup and serve immediately.
Notes
- I suggest using rolled oats for this recipe rather than the fine quick-cook oats, as they have more 'bite' to them.
- Dice the pear into small pieces so it cooks through in the porridge.
- Personally I don't peel my pears (just core them), but you can if you prefer.
- Slice the pears for the topping just before you cook them as they will brown quickly.
- Keep stirring the porridge for that delicious creamy texture!
- Not a fan of non-dairy milk? You can just use water, or do half water and half milk.
- Please note that nutritional information is offered as a courtesy. It is auto-generated and should be understood to be an estimate not a guarantee.
- pears, which score 1.
- ginger, which scores 1.
- non-dairy milk has variable scores.
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