This London Fog Oatmeal is loaded with wholesome oats, vanilla extract, and of course, steeped Earl Grey milk! It’s a unique take on the classic drink you love – giving you both the nutrients and the caffeine kick you need in the morning!
Happy Friday, y’all! Today I’m sharing with you another one of my favorite pantry staple recipes: London Fog Oatmeal.
Now some of y’all might be shaking your heads in confusion wondering what in the world a London Fog is and why would you want it in oatmeal? So let me clear that up!
What is a London Fog?
A London Fog is a crafted specialty drink that you can order at coffee shops! I was a barista for 2 years, and when I made it, I would add in homemade vanilla syrup, hot Earl Grey tea and then top it with steamed whole milk.
You got the caffeine boost from the Earl Grey without the intensity of an espresso shot. You got the feeling like you were drinking a creamy milk based beverage without your stomach hurting later. And finally, you got a slightly sweet vanilla flavor and not a sickeningly sweet drink.
It was one of my favorite drinks and It always made for a simple, sophisticated, and slightly sweet beverage that always hit the spot.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
Simple ingredients! You need:
- rolled old fashioned oats
- earl grey tea bags
- milk (any kind – I used whole but dairy free would work here as well!),
- vanilla extract
- brown sugar
- any toppings you like
How to Incorporate a London Fog into Oatmeal
Well, I’m glad you asked! Obviously, most of us don’t have a fancy milk steaming machine at our home. So what’s the next best thing?
Steeping the Earl Grey tea bags in milk to really soak up that classic and delicious flavor!
By doing this, you get the flavor of the tea infused into the milk. And from there, we will cook our oats in that flavored milk!
It’s very simple. You add the milk to a small pot on medium heat. Let it get very warm but never HOT. When it’s warm (you can check it just by dipping your finger in it), take it off the heat.
Add in 2 Earl Grey tea bags, cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.
When the 10 minutes is up, remove the tea bags. You have your London Fog “milk” to cook the oats in!
Place the milk back on the stove eye on medium heat. Add in vanilla extract and stir. Bring it to a low, soft boil and then immediately turn down the heat to low.
Stir in the oats. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until desired consistency is reached. Stir often. I prefer mine thick and creamy! If you like yours more thin, you may like to add a splash more milk here and there!
When the consistency you desire is reached, take the oatmeal off of the heat. Stir in the brown sugar.
Voila! Serve it warm!
Best Tips for Making London Fog Oatmeal
Add a fresh topping like blueberries! This adds a wonderful texture to the dish, and the juicy blueberries are the best combination.
Use pure vanilla extract. This will ensure that you get that legitimate vanilla flavor without having to go through the fuss of making a vanilla simple syrup like they would in the coffee shops.
Add an extra splash of milk (or even heavy cream if you want to be extra sassy) for some richness!
If you only eat half, save the rest in a tupperware container for later or for the next day! Warm it up and add an extra splash or milk or two to revive it!
I hope you guys enjoyed this oatmeal recipe and make it sometime soon! Hope you’re all staying safe and well. XO – Haylie
Did you enjoy this recipe? Here are a few other oatmeal recipes you might like:
Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
Thank you so much for following along here, friends! Want to see more? Be sure to follow ourbalancedbowl on Instagram and tag me with your photo if you end up making a recipe! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the Our Balanced Bowl Facebook page! I always love to see your re-creations! If you do make a recipe, it would make my whole day if you were to rate and comment so I can get your feedback! Lots of love! – Haylie
London Fog Oatmeal
This London Fog Oatmeal is loaded with wholesome oats, vanilla extract, and of course, steeped Earl Grey milk! It’s a unique take on the classic drink you love - giving you both the nutrients and the caffeine kick you need in the morning!
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups whole milk (can sub for any milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- garnishes: blueberries (optional)
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
Instructions
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Add the milk to a small pot on medium heat. Let it get warm, on the verge of hot. Don't let it boil! When warm, remove from the heat and add 2 Earl Grey tea bags. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
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When finished steeping, discard the tea bags.
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Place the milk back on the eye on medium heat and add in the vanilla extract. Stir. Let it come to a soft boil (just barely bubbling) and then down to low heat. Add in the oats.
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Cook the oats for 5-7 minutes or until your desired consistency is reached.
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When the oats are done, stir the sugar into the pot. Serves 2. Top with fresh blueberries if desired!
Recipe Notes
If you want to only eat half and save the other half for another day - store in a tupperware container in your fridge. When warming up, add a splash or 2 of milk to revive it!
YUM Haylie!! This oatmeal sounds like a warm hug on a rainy day! This would be such a nice change from my usual oatmeal routine. Definitely trying this soon!
Yay! Thank you so much, Katherine! It is definitely a fun change up…and good to do it now that we have more time on our hands! Lol!
Mine didn’t look this pretty, but it was SO delicious! My 11 year old daughter keeps asking for it!
Yaaaay! This makes me so happy! Thanks Denise. Glad you and your daughter enjoyed it 🙂