This recipe’s photo shoot was going swimmingly until the very end. Ingredients, sunlight, dog not on table—check, check, check. Then I told myself to quit being lazy and pull out the tripod to be sure I got some crystal-clear photos of the final dish.
I tripped over Cookie, the tripod arm bumped the foam board reflector, the reflector knocked over the mini milk pitcher and then both bowls. It was like watching a stack of dominoes fall.
It was Cookie’s lucky day. She helped clean up the spilled milk and I gladly called it a day. I’m excited to share this recipe today. I mean, if that recipe title didn’t do it for you, I don’t know what will. Cinnamon toast! This breakfast quinoa really tastes like cinnamon toast.
I haven’t even been terribly excited about quinoa for breakfast, but this recipe is a definite game changer. Cooking it with freshly toasted pecans (you’ll toast them in the saucepan before adding the rest), coconut oil, cinnamon, and a few dashes of salt makes it legitimately crave-worthy. Do try it and let me know if you agree.
I found the recipe concept in an Amazon impulse purchase, a vegan and gluten-free cookbook called Yum Universe by Heather Crosby, who also runs a blog by the same name. I tweaked the method and ingredients, like I do.
This recipe is the perfect use for leftover quinoa, although I like it so much that I’ve started cooking up quinoa just for breakfast. Here’s how to cook perfect quinoa, which never fails me.
Watch How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
- Author:
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Epic breakfast quinoa recipe featuring toasted pecans, coconut oil, cinnamon and dried cherries or cranberries. It tastes like cinnamon toast! Recipe as written yields 1 serving; you can multiply it as necessary, as long as you use a suitably sized pot.
Ingredients
Breakfast quinoa
- Heaping 2 tablespoons chopped raw pecans
- 1 ½ teaspoons coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling on top
- Tiny pinch of salt
- 1 cup pre-cooked quinoa* (either chilled or warm from cooking—both will work)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, more if desired
Toppings and optional accompaniments
- 1 tablespoon chopped dried cherries or dried cranberries
- Hemp seeds, chia seeds or flax seeds (optional), for serving
- Milk or yogurt of choice (totally optional), for serving
Instructions
- First, toast the pecans before we add the remaining ingredients. To do so, warm the pecans in a small saucepan (use a larger saucepan if you are making multiple servings) over medium heat, shimmying the pan often, until the pecans smell fragrant and toasty, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Add the coconut oil, cinnamon and salt to the pot. While stirring constantly, cook until the cinnamon is fragrant, about 15 seconds.
- Add the quinoa to the pot and stir to combine. Cook, while stirring constantly, just until the quinoa is warmed through, about a minute or so. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the maple syrup.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and top with dried fruit and a hefty sprinkle of hemp seeds, if using. Top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve promptly, with additional maple syrup and milk or yogurt on the side, if you’d like.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Yum Universe by Heather Crosby.
Change it up: Try honey instead of maple syrup, use your favorite nuts or seeds, toast unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut with the nuts, top with fresh fruit or instead of dried, add a big dollop of applesauce, etc.
Make it nut free: Omit the nuts or replace them with pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds).
*How to cook quinoa: Check out my preferred cooking method here. You’ll need to cook about ⅓ cup dry quinoa with ⅔ cup water to yield 1 cup quinoa, but I recommend making more than that so you have leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast.
▸ Nutrition Information
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Style Bits and Bobs of M.E.
Sounds delicious – I’m a huge fan of quinoa. I never had it like this before. :-)
Kate
Let me know how it works out for you!
Susan
I really like the sound of this breakfast quinoa. Looking at your serving suggestions reminded me of a quinoa breakfast parfait recipe my husband got out of the newspaper. I like the idea using your flavors layered with yogurt, as a way to up the protein level of the breakfast. Definitely want to try this.
Kate
Ooh, a parfait version sounds excellent. Report back, please!
Susan
Reporting back as “ordered”! The parfait worked out wonderfully. I used Siggi’s vanilla yogurt (the Icelandic stuff). I like what the yogurt does for the flavor and the texture. I love how easy this is to put together (if I use the right sized pan – used my smallest pan for 2 servings, which wasn’t bright). My husband pronounced it “tasty”, which is a definite compliment from him. This recipe is definitely a keeper, especially since I always have the ingredients on hand.
★★★★★
Aimee
I cringed when I started reading this post! I’m always so scared of tripping over my light cord when I’m shooting posts, but the spilled shot actually looks pretty awesome. Perhaps I can give quinoa a try for breakfast using this recipe!
Kate
I turned lemons into lemonade with that one ;) Report back if you try it!
Kari
Yum! Looks amazing!
Kari
Kate
:)
Whitney
I totally envisioned the whole scenario as you typed it out! Sounds like something that would TOTALLY happen in my house! With me being clumsy and 4 pets running arouand, it’s bound to happen at some point! This breakfast quinoa looks fantastic btw! ♥
Kate
I’m kind of surprised this doesn’t happen more often to me, with all the craziness I have going on! But it’s good to know I’m not alone. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Jessie @ Chasing Belle
I am all about creative takes on breakfast and pecans + cinnamon is one of my all time morning food combinations!
Kate
Gives the perfect amount of sweetness and warmth. Let me know how it goes for you, Jessie :)
annie
Oh heck yes. My fella is trying on veganism (let’s hope it sticks!) and that meant giving up his beloved cinnamon toast crunch.
this looks like an awesome substitute. he’ll go mad.
Kate
Hahah! This made me smile. Let me know what he thinks!
Evangeline Gala
I will definitely make it, sounds delicious! And I love the pick with the spilled milk, so human, so perfect, thanks!
Kate
Hahah! No use crying over it, right? Let me know how the quinoa turns out!
McKel Hill
This looks SO good, Kate! I can’t wait to try!
Kate
:)
Christina
Ok I just made this and it was delicious! I had leftover quinoa in the freezer. I popped it in the microwave to thaw for a few seconds, but I probably could have skipped this step. I used pecans, walnuts, unsweetened coconut flakes and the maple syrup. I topped it with dried cherries. It was warm and filling with just the right amount of sweetness. This will be a regular for my mornings. Thank you for all your great recipes Kate. I’m even having your curried cauliflower soup for lunch!
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds easy and filling! Glad you could start your morning on the right foot :)
Libby
Aint that how it goes. Sometimes we just get to stop our whole day and spend some time on our hands and knees.
Photos turned out beautiful anyway.
Aaaand I can’t wait to make this!
Kate
Haha! Yes, always great to be humbled that regardless of the best laid plans, you’ll most likely need to think on your feet at some point. Report back if you try it!
Meaghan
Yummmmmm. Can’t wait to try.
Kate
:)
Sara @ Last Night's Feast
I’ve been meaning to do a quinoa porridge dish for a while now =)
Yours looks really delicious
Kate
Let me know how it goes, Sara! Seems like a lot of commenters enjoyed it for any meal of the day.
Lisa Kilborn
I just made this as an afternoon snack. So delicious!!
★★★★★
Kate
Seriously, this works for any time of day! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack. Happy it satisfied your afternoon craving!
MICHAEL
I couldn’t wait for breakfast so I had it for dinner. This was sinfully delicious! I followed the recipe but I had some unsweetened shredded coconut and cinnamon left over from making fried coconut with cinnamon and bananas earlier so I added about 1/4 cup of that with some goji berries and Wow! Thanks for another winner Kate! I can’t wait for breakfast!
★★★★★
Kate
Ooh, sounds sweet & crunchy. Yum!
Robyn
I was skeptical about quinoa for breakfast, but this is fantastic!
★★★★★
Kate
Right? A whole new world! So happy you enjoyed.
Allyson (Considering The Radish)
Pecans and quinoa are a combination I’d never think to eat together, but it sounds so good that now I have to try this.
Kate
So nutty, so delicious. Report back, please!
Candice
A co-worker just made this for us. It was ridiculously delicious!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s a nice co-worker! So glad you enjoyed it. :)
Tracy
Hey Kate
Does it reheat well? Besides the lack of crunchy in the pecans, obvi.
Kate
Yes, it does! The pecans should still be fairly crunchy after reheating, too.
Maria
I love quinoa for breakfast too!! This looks like a great combination of things. I think pecans are the best in it! YUM!
Johanne
I’ve been stuck in an oatmeal and barley rut lately (actually enjoying the monotany in a weird way). Next week it will be quinoa and pecans thanks to you. I intend to tart it up with as many seeds and dried fruit as I can.
Thank you for the change up.-Johanne
P.S. I miss the vacuum function of having a dog in the kitchen.
★★★★★
Kate
Hey, routine can be comforting! And yes, “tart it up” as much as you’d like! (Stealing that, btw.) Cookie is many things, but dog-vacuum is maybe her most practical function :)
Ashley
I just made this for breakfast, and it was delicious! I did not have any dried fruit, so I added dark chocolate chips instead ;)
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds excellent :)
Sandrine
Dear Cookie and Kate,
I ve recently discovered your beautiful (and yummy !) blog, and became addicted to it !
So you are now famous in France !
How is your weather like ? Spring is already upon us here ! I do not have any dog (unfortunately) but 3 lovely cats (Cookie should not listen to this), so today i ll enjoy going out and gardening with them around. Then i ll cook one of your tremendous recipe for tonight dinner !
Enjoy your day !
Sandrine
Kate
Hey, Sandrine! So happy to have you here! It’s quite dark and gloomy these days in Kansas City: we’re in the dead of winter still, and Spring seems so far away. I’m jealous you get to enjoy warming up! Say hello to your kitties for me, and I hope you enjoyed your day in the garden :)
Melody
I sit on a quiet Sunday morning sipping my tea and deciding it is time for breakfast. What am I going to have this morning? I came across this delicious looking healthy breakfast and realize I have leftover quinoa in my fridge. Well, let me tell you….that was one delicious and satisfying breakfast. Thank you for all the beautiful and healthy recipes. I adore your website!
Kate
I’m so glad this came to you at the right time! Sounds like a beautiful Sunday, Melody :)
Carla
Made this for breakfast this morning, and it’s amazing! It’s definitely going to be in my regular rotation.
Kate
Great to hear, Carla!
Diana
This cinnamon toast quinoa was amazing!! ❤❤
My husband has been trying to address his hypertension with a change of diet. I have had to relearn how to cook. I searched for vegetarian/Whole Foods and found your blog. I don’t like to cook but I have had lots of fun making your recipes – I have been trying a bunch of them. Thank you!
Looking forward to your cookbook!
★★★★★
Kate
I can’t tell you how happy this makes me, Diana! Of course, I’m sorry about your husband’s condition, but I’m so glad I could help you find the joy in cooking! I can’t wait for you to see the book. All the best with your husband’s health.
Jill
Wow! I’m a beginner cooking quinoa & your instructions were helpful and recipe easy to follow. Like your reader Susan, I added Siggi vanilla yogurt & it was delicious! My French Canadian boyfriend is happy that you recommend maple syrup on top. Made extra and can’t wait to see how it reheats.
Kate
Haha! So happy your Canadian dude enjoyed, too!
The Going Green Couple
This looks really delicious!! I don’t have quinua in the house right now…could it be made with steel cut oats?
Kate
I don’t see why not! That sounds really good.
Jeff
Hi Kate:
I love breakfast quinoa. Thanks for this new twist.
Kate
You’re welcome, Jeff!
Nicole
Hello Kate, Thanks to you and your super delicious Cinnamon Toast breakfast recipe, I look forward to getting up in the morning to have breakfast. It is sooooo good and super nutritious. And tonight,for dinner, I made the Thai kale recipee. So easy to make and very rewarding, it’s one of my favorite dishes. I cannot wait to try another of your recipees. Your website is very appealing and all your recipees look good. I also enjoy the photography. You’re the best!
★★★★★
Kate
So many compliments, Nicole! How sweet. I’m so glad my recipes have made cooking and eating more joyful for you.
Marie-Charlotte
So simple and different. Yum!
Kate
Yes! Change up your morning :)
Rev. Cindy Frado
Cinnamon Toast Quinoa is better than cinnamon toast! This is deliciousness in a bowl. Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to make this for my grandchildren. I also totally love your suggestion for cooking quinoa! It was always frustrating for me. It came out perfect by following your method. Please keep cooking away in Kansas City! A sister cook in Massachusetts approves! Many thanks.
★★★★★
Lucy
Amazing! I put some apricots on top… really yum!
★★★★★
Amber
This is fantastic! I added blueberries and coconut flakes and milk. This is definately a keeper! Thank you for this!
Kate
You’re welcome, Amber!
Sunni
Oh. My. Goodness. This is divine. I am eating it right now and I needed to thank you for this recipe. I think this will become a staple into my breakfasts. Yum!
Kate
How sweet, Sunni! Thanks so much for commenting, and I’m happy this will be a new go-to recipe for you!
dawn
nice dish. i put lots of pecans because i wanted them in every bite, and just a drizzle of maple syrup. i had always used olive oil in my quinoa but coconut oil was a good change.
★★★★
Kate
Coconut oil is really great with this. Happy you enjoyed it, Dawn!
Georgia
I’m so glad I made this for breakfast this morning. I prepared the quinoa last night and woke up daydreaming about eating it. Absolutely delicious.
Jessica
I just made this dish for breakfast and it was amazing!! I normally don’t like quinoa and really don’t like pecans, but I decided to give it a go because it looked so yummy. Didn’t change a thing in the recipe and it was incredible! Even my hubby who doesn’t normally eat breakfast wanted me to make more. Will definitely make this a household ‘go to’ for cold rainy days like today! (Or any day to be honest)
★★★★★
Georgia
Today I made this with hazelnuts in place of pecans and then drizzled (okay, dolloped) with hazelnut butter, plus banana and chia seeds. It was delicious. The only thing I would say is that for me it needs something sweet throughout to keep it interesting, so you get a bite of something interesting to the bottom of the bowl. Next time I’ll chop up a date and stir it in before I serve.
Kate
I think a date would do the trick, Georgia!
Karen
I just learned that I’m allergic to oats, so needed a new warm breakfast cereal and tried this recipe. It was so good and, actually, a nice change from oatmeal–so I’m glad I had the push to try something new. Instead of cherry, used a chopped date since that’s what I had in the house, and served with a little sugar-free apple sauce. A keeper!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m so glad you can start your day with something warm and comforting, sans oats. :)
Jenny Jones
How do I find out how many calories are in it?
★★★★★
Kate
Hey, Jenny. Unfortunately, I don’t have nutritional info available for my recipes just yet. I’m looking for a solution, and will update about it once I find one. Thanks!
Anne
I just made this today for breakfast. Since pecans aren’t that common over here in Germany, I used walnuts and a mixture of coconut and walnut oil. Came out perfect, thank you for this recipe on the healthy side of Sunday breakfasts!
Kate
Walnuts sound like an excellent swap in this recipe, Anne. So happy you love it!
Lauren
Help! I can’t for the life of me even figure out how to toast the pecans without the fire alarm going off. The first time I probably had it on too high, the 2nd time it was much lower….but still they burned…I was shimmying the pot…any suggestions? Is it better to toast them with coconut oil in the pot? Should I try cast iron instead of stainless steel?
Kate
Oh no! It’s a bit of a labor of love. I don’t use any oil, and simply put them in a single layer on a skillet on low-mid heat and babysit them (shimmying here and there) until they become fragrant. Maybe a cast iron or nonstick pan would work better, as I haven’t tried it with stainless steel. Keep at it!
Kathy
WOW! This was VERY good. I am SO glad that I finally had left over quinoa! The toasted pecans are a real treat! This definitely has the cinnamon toast appeal. Thanks Kate for yet another easy and tasty recipe!
Kate
Perfect! Thanks, Kathy.
Erynn
This is now my go to breakfast when I have leftover quinoa! Delicious, easy and the whole family loves it!
★★★★★
Kate
So glad everyone enjoys it, Erynn!
Lauren P
I’m excited to give this a go! I love quinoa and can’t do a lot of traditional breakfast foods bc I’m intolerant to eggs and wheat does me no favors even though I love it.
I’m not a big coconut oil person and am curious what you might recommend me replacing it with? Would milk work? Or only another oil?
Thanks so much
Kate
Hey, Lauren! I think you’d want a milder oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil, in place of the coconut. Let me know how it works!
Vanessa
I made this recipe substituting a teaspoon of stevia instead of honey. My husband and I loved it! We served it over yogurt with thawed frozen strawberries. It’s definitely a keeper! Thanks to you, eating healthy is eating yummy!
★★★★★
Kate
Yum! I’ll have to add berries to this next time. I’m so glad I’ve helped to make eating healthy an enjoyable experience, Vanessa!
Stephanie
Hi Kate! Love the sound of this recipe – does it keep well? Keen to make it in batches for the month ahead!
Kate
Yes! You can freeze the cooked quinoa in a plastic bag, with all the air squeezed out, and laid flat on a surface in the freezer. Throw it in a skillet, and you’re all set!
Francine
Hi Kate
Thank you for the delicious breakfast idea. I just made some (followed your quinoa recipe – FINALLY!!my quinoa came out perfect) ahead for my work week. Looking forward to making my co-workers jealous.
Evrim
We love this recipe as the whole family! I use honey instead of maple syrup, and skip the coconut oil. It is still yummy! Thank you:)
Kate
Great! I’m so glad everyone enjoys it. I love starting the day with quinoa.
J. Christine
Love it! Thanks!!J
Kate
You’re welcome!
Eve
Excellent breakfast! Love having another alternative that I feel good about and that tastes great!
★★★★★
Kate
Great! This one is one of my favorites, for sure.
Isabel Jenneman
I was skeptical at first about quinoa for breakfast, but this stuff is amazing!! I eat it plain with a tablespoon of hempseeds to top it off.
★★★★★
Kate
YES this changes the breakfast game a bit, doesn’t it? I’ll have to add some hemp seeds for an extra crunch and burst of protein!
Barb McGlinn
Delicious! I mixed the cooked quinoa with a little bit of cooked pearl barley, raw cinnamon applesauce, a little almond milk and, after heating, topped it with some chopped pecans and chia and flax seeds. What a great recipe for anyone eating a plant based, whole food eating plan. It’s recipes like yours, Kate, that make this lifestyle choice so enjoyable and satisfying.
Kate
This sounds amazing! Can this be made the night before and eaten cold like overnight oatmeal? I am an exhausted mom of 3 kids including a newborn – I feel I’d have more time to make it at night without kids afoot
Kate
Yes! I don’t see why not. It also reheats well in the microwave, if you want to serve it warm.
Cindy
Wow, this was heavenly! I needed something different for breakfast this morning and so glad I found this recipe. I can’t wait to eat it again, which will be tomorrow. This is the second recipe I’ve tried from you. Both have been a huge hit! I’m a fan. :)
Racquel
I have been trying to find a breakfast food I an eat every morning and not get sick of. I hate oatmeal and grits so this is perfect. Simple and delicious. Thanks!
Kate
That’s great to hear, Racquel! It is nice to have a change-up no matter your preference.
leslie
Good morning! I usually stick to savory, spicy breakfasts (I’m a huge fan of the breakfast fajitas from your cookbook!), but today my sweet tooth was talking! I am eating this delicious cinnamon toast quinoa right now and, wow! I didn’t have any pecans or dried cranberries on hand so I substituted with some toasted almonds and dried coconut on top. So delicious! It doesn’t feel like I’m eating a bunch of empty carbs either, so I think I’ll be fueled up for the rest of the day! Thanks Kate!!
★★★★★
Merry
Made this this morning. Delicious! Followed your tips for making fluffy quinoa. Thank you! First time my quinoa wasn’t mushy. It was perfect! Never would have thought of putting cinnamon and maple syrup with quinoa. Yummy! Especially with the coconut oil and I had toasted walnuts.
Kate
Getting your quinoa to turn out perfect is key! I am happy you liked it, Merry. If you would want to leave a star review since you liked it so much, that would be great!!
Merry
Loved it!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great! Thanks so much for the review!
Merry
Rating 5 stars plus! Very delicious! Thank you
★★★★★
Kate
You are sweet! Thanks, Merry. I really appreciate the review. If only I could add a + button :)
Susana
Shocked! I LOVE it and I am NOT a fan of quinoa. But I guess that’s changed now. I kept the maple syrup to a minimum, left out the fruit (not a fan) and it was perfect! The toasted pecans add so much flavor and texture (love the crunch). I followed your perfect quinoa recipe and you’re right, it was perfect. My complaint? I want to eat more than I should! Too good!
★★★★★
Kate
Ha! I love to hear that. Thanks for trying it even though you aren’ typically a fan, Susan. I appreciate the review!
Kathleen
This recipe was a great solution to my leftover quinoa and inability for cooking breakfast in a timely manner to be at work. I didn’t have pecans, but walnuts were an easy substitute and I made this in bulk so I can bring it to work over the next couple of mornings. I poured a little coconut milk over one serving and ate it as a porridge. Thanks for your easy and creative recipes!
Kate
That sounds delicious with some coconut milk! Thank you, Kathleen for sharing.
Trina Sleper
Was so good and healthy and even my husband liked it! Have a big family gathering 2/16-2/19 of about 12 including 4 kids. Could I make this ahead and freeze it?
Kate
I’m glad you liked it! I haven’t tried making this ahead. But you could try a small batch and see how it goes then make the larger batch. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
Trina Sleper
I multiplied this by 10 and it turned out just great and made it 3 days ahead. Because I had so much left over I froze it in individual bags and now have breakfast for the next week. So good!
Laurel Heintz
I absolutely loved it the first time I made it, the second time I made it, and I’m prepared to love it again when I make it this morning. I use Instant Quinoa so it comes together super fast! It’s so good.Thanks for sharing the recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
Laurel, I’m glad you loved it each time! You’re very welcome. Thanks so much for the review.
Joni Evans
I’m on the second week of an elimination diet, and this recipe has saved me. Breakfasts weren’t that satisfying, but this is wonderful. Since I can’t have nuts yet, I toasted pumpkin seeds instead and used blueberries for the fruit. Thank you!!!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy to hear this has been a save for you! Pumpkin seeds are a great alternative. Thanks for the review, Joni!
Michelle
I tried quinoa for breakfast (not this recipe) a few months ago and could barely finish it – it was too bland and it just didn’t taste like a breakfast food. Today, I decided to be brave and try again with some leftover quinoa and this recipe. I’m so glad I did, I LOVE it! Thank you for a great recipe and a new breakfast option!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you did too, Michelle! Thanks so much for sharing and for your review.
Jenni
So good! I used almonds instead of pecans because that’s what I had, though pecans would have been much better! I also used unsweetened coconut flakes which I won’t again because they don’t add enough flavor and I don’t like the texture of them in this dish. Overall an awesome dish!
★★★★★
Kate
A great change, Jenni! Thank you for your review.
Justeen H.
I’ve been meaning to make this forever and finally got around to it! DELISH!
Finally a breakfast recipe this non-breakfast-food-fan can stomach first thing in the morning!
Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
I hear you! Mornings are hard. Thanks for sharing, Justeen!
Sara McCann
Thank you Kate! I made the recipe this morning and it was delicious. Didn’t take a pic but my kitchen smelled amazing! Raisins were a tasty addition & I used brown sugar as my sweetener. Reminded me a little like oatmeal but with more chewiness/crunch. Very filling too. This will be a breakfast staple in our home.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m so glad to hear that, Sara! Thank you so much for sharing. I love the smell in my kitchen too!
Janet
I wanted a quick way to use up some leftover quinoa and also have a warm and easy breakfast this morning. I subbed walnuts and honey and I enjoyed this! I wasn’t comfortable toasting the walnuts in an unlubricated pan though, so I did add the coconut oil first. That worked out fine. I just had to be careful not to let anything cook too long and it got slightly burnt but not too bad.
Kate
Yes, be careful as that can get hot quickly! Thanks for sharing, Janet.
Tiffani Wells
This is such a tasty breakfast! I love to rehydrate the dried cranberries in a skillet with melted coconut oil before adding them to the quinoa. So good!!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Tiffani! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Cathy Alfano
Recently diagnosed Celiac and always on the hunt for new recipes.
This Quinoa Cinnamon Toast breakfast recipe is like a warm blanket…all about comfort. It just tastes awesome! It is also really fast to prepare for a work day breakfast. Goodbye my old friend oatmeal!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m glad you like this recipe! I do have a lot of gluten free friendly recipes or notes on how to make the recipe gluten free. :)
Isabel
When I first came across this recipe, I was excited, but skeptical–I didn’t think it could be THAT good. But I made it this morning, and it turns out that not only is it THAT good, it’s also quick and easy. Thank you so much for a great recipe that I can enjoy despite new dietary restrictions. :-)
★★★★★
Kate
I’m so glad you tried it! Thanks for sharing, Isabel!
Autumn Green
Quick, easy and delicious. Loved it!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Autumn!
Mrs. Flanagan
I made this and even though the small bits of pecans burned (heat a little too high), it turned out great. My 6-year-old kept taking bites out of my trial run (which delighted me). :)
★★★★★
Kate
I love that! Thanks for your review, Mrs. Flanagan.
Olivia
The kitchen smelled incredible when I made this! I used walnuts and added blueberries, banana, Chia seeds, and ground flax seeds. This is a great way to use leftover quinoa. I’m now going to always make extra quinoa so I can have this for breakfast! Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
I bet it did! Thanks for sharing, Olivia.
Rene Zavala
So easy. Love this recipe and the many options. It was such a fast and simple combination that I was enjoying it in minutes!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you loved it, Rene!
Cheryl
Literally the best quinoa-based breakfast I have ever tasted!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for letting me know, Cheryl!
Libby
Quinoa can get old really fast, but I absolutely loved the flavours in this recipe! I toasted almond slivers instead of pecans and topped with ground flax and a drizzle of honey. It’s super easy, super adaptable and it’s my new favourite way to keep quinoa on the menu. Thanks for sharing and changing it up with your suggestions!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy to hear this was a fresh take for you, Libby! Thanks for the review.
Monique
This was so delicious! Packed with so much flavor. This is my new breakfast every morning with coffee☕
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds like a great combination!
Kendra
Our girls love “breakfast for dinner.” I didn’t have precooked quinoa, so I added most items as it was cooking. I decided to cook this the same way we make our “fancy oatmeal”, so I added vanilla, dried cranberries, and dried cherries. I served it with homemade hemp milk, raw pecans (untoasted), coconut flakes, diced apples, and honey drizzled on top…
So, very similar to how you make this! They ate it all, but are hooked on steel cut oats. The texture change was hard to get used to. I love how your turned quinoa into a breakfast item, I NEVER would have thought to do that! Props for creativity!!!
★★★★
Kate
Breakfast for dinner is the best! Thanks for sharing, Kendra.
Elizabeth Henrichsen
Sooo yummy, healthy and quick! I’m loving this changing it up slightly from time to time. I used sesame seeds instead of pecans for extra calcium.
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing your version, Elizabeth!
Carly Carson
This is a delicious recipe. Thanks! (I used honey in place of maple syrup because that’s what I had – 1/2 T was perfect.) My husband even liked it and he is normally averse to “healthy” food.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome!
Emily Wednesday
So easy, and so crave-worthy! Its toasty and cinammon-y and full of protein. I’m trying to avoid bread and its so hard at breakfast time because i miss french toast. But this totally makes up for it. All the flavors!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Emily! Thank you for your review.
Charlotte Bernard
OMG I made the Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa this morning and LOVED it. It was quick, easy and delicious. Thank you for sharing. Also printed the Blueberry Oatmeal Bake to try tomorrow.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Charlotte!
Melissa
Does the recipe call for refined or unrefined coconut oil?
Kate
I usually use virgin coconut oil.
WendyRoseman
Hello Kate! This recipe sounds amazing except for two things…I can’t have pecans and I can’t have coconut as I’m allergic to both. I’m trying to learn to live this whole food lifestyle and this will be my first quinoa experiment. Can you help me with some alternatives? Absolutely no nuts, only seeds…Help!
Jean Woolf
Just wondering what kind of Coconut oil to use to make this, refined or virgin?
Kate
I typically use virgin.
Irene
Yum! I had overcooked quinoa, (used too much water), I didn’t know what to do with the mushy leftovers. This was a perfect use! It turned out delicious! So happy to have a new healthy breakfast option. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Deb
This was a great breakfast! I reduced the maple syrup to 1-1/2 tsp and added 2 finely chopped dates and just a touch of nutmeg. This is a new favorite for me.
As an aside, I’ve discovered that my nut milk bag works really well to rinse quinoa.
Deb
cruising.blogspot.com
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review, Deb!
Kathleen
Tasted great! Thank you. Would this work with oatmeal as well?
★★★★★
Kate
The cooking time would adjust, but the combination sound delicious.
Kathleen Lane
Would I cook the oatmeal first and then add it in at the same point I’d add in the quinoa, but I’m adding in cooked oatmeal instead?
I was wondering if I started roasting the pecans, then add coconut oil, cinammon and pinch of salt, then add water and oatmeal then cook for 10 minutes or so? Does that sound like that would work?
Thanks again,
Kathleen
P.S. I bought your book but haven’t tried the recipes in there yet. I have tried your zucchini bread and it is delicious!
kathy dinicola
Really great! My 16-year-old son really liked it as well. Used flax seeds, toasted walnuts and dried cranberries. One question – is yogurt supposed to be served on the side or mixed in? Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Kathy! It depends on how you like it!
Maureen
Love this recipe…I used toasted slivered almonds raisins and little bits of fresh dried coconut and ground flax only because it’s what I had on hand….this recipe will certainly be part of my breakfast rotation.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you liked this one, Maureen!
Martha
Eating this amazing dish right now! I’ll be adding it into my regular Cookie and Kate recipe repertoire! Thank you for all the yummy-ness!
★★★★★
Effie
A delicious, filling, and warm breakfast – so good!
★★★★★
Mjolly08
I was looking for ways to change up my boring quinoa and boy, am I glad that I ran into this! Wow! Two thumbs up!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!
PATRICK CADIEUX
In your nutritional facts, where does the fairly high sodium (25%) and saturated fat (6.2g) come from?
Kate
Hi Patrick, you can see more on my nutritional information here: https://cookieandkate.com/nutrition-disclaimer/
PATRICK CADIEUX
Sorry, I meant did you serve it with some of your optional ingredients (milk, yogurt)? I want to try it but have to be careful with my sodium intake. I don’t see anything else in your ingredients that would suggest it is high in sodium and fat. I have tried several of your recipes since discovering your site last week and I love them all.
Kate
Hi Partick! The nutrition information is just for the recipe itself, not the optional serving applications. Does that make sense? I’m happy to hear you have been enjoying them!
Jeff
Very yummy! I didn’t have pecans, so I roasted chopped almond, coconut flakes, and sunflower seeds. Turned out great.
★★★★★
4waystoyummy
I am making this Cinnamon Toast Quinoa this week. It sounds so good to me since cinnamon toast was a childhood favorite. I loved cinnamon Grahams too. Thanks!
★★★★★
Matthew Nichols
So this one was a total miss. It tasted like a kid remembered how sweet and yummy cinnamon toast was for breakfast and figured those things would work on his quinoa.
It had a weird texture, nothing that I could place. I just know it wasn’t pleasant. I think what you were going for was something of like a quinoa porridge, which is traditionally found in Eastern Europe such as Russia or Poland.
Anyways after taking literally 2 minutes to cross-reference the recipe I think what you were going for and be found at All Recipes, or you could just have tried it. It was honestly really bad.
★
Kate
Hey Matthew, sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy this one. If you don’t generally appreciate the texture of cooked quinoa, this would not be the recipe for you. It’s not designed to be oatmeal/porridge-like.
Marla
This looks good. Can you recommend a substitute for the coconut oil ingredient?
Kate
Hi Marla, butter would be nice, or a mildly flavored olive oil would probably work.