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: Cookie and Kate
- 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. 
Maria T
Breakfast ideas are usually difficult for me. I was so surprised at how delicious, filling, nutritious, and simple this breakfast quinoa is. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Michelle
Thanks for this great breakfast idea! I’m pregnant with my second, working full-time and no time or energy to make eggs every morning, but obviously can’t skip breakfast and need more protein than oatmeal provides. Trying to avoid dairy and nuts as well. I usually have trouble finding tasty recipes for quinoa that I like but this was yummy, easy to make in a large batch, easy to customize and filling. I made mine with raisins and honey, paired with a glass of vanilla soy for calcium. Pregnant lady approved! :)
Tim
Thanks to your tip on how to properly cook it, you got me to eat quinoa…and for breakfast, no less. Well done. I love your recipes.
Kate
Thank you, Tim!
Jean Husson
This sounds wonderful and I will give it a go this weekend, but the story is the best! Love the pics.
Rose
Hi Kate, wasn’t sure I would love this, but after trying so many of your recipes and commenting on their deliciousness, I decided to, as always, put my faith in you and I made a triple batch. SO glad I did – absolutely wonderful! I toasted hemp seeds, flaked coconut and pecans, honey (though not much) and chopped dried prunes. Ate it with a dollop of vegan mango yogurt on top. I can’t wait for breakfast tomorrow! And the day after that and the day after that. Thanks Kate!!!!
Kate
I’m glad you tried it anyway, Rose! Thank you for your comment and review.
Swathi
Does this taste good if you cook it and store it beforehand to use it for over the course of the week for breakfast?
Kate
Yes, that should work well!
Judimarie Thomas
Sounds yummy! I need to avoid nuts & coconut oil due to a nut allergy but I’d still like to get tha ‘fragrant cinnamon’. Any suggestions?
Kate
Hi! You could try pepitas instead. That may work!
Gloria
Have been making this a lot, and added 3/4 tsp turmeric, with a couple dashes of freshly ground black pepper for absorption… DELICIOUS! Highly recommended, and helps boost immunity!
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Gloria! Turmeric sounds interesting here, very warming.
Aileen
I made this for breakfast this morning (trying to save eggs for baking) and it was delish!I used unsweetened coconut flakes and dried cherries tossed in with the quinoa while it cooked. Everyone loved it!
Erika
All four kids love. Winner winner!
Kate
Wonderful, Erika!
Kat
I’ve had this on my list for ages and finally made it this morning after having some leftover quinoa from dinner. Wow WOW, I can’t believe I waited so long! This is incredible – the same flavours as in your cookbook “favourite granola” (which I’m also a huge fan of!) but such a different result. My partner loves it as well – I’m so grateful to you for this new take on one of my favourite grains. I’m looking forward to experimenting with some flavour combinations of my own now.
Kate
I’m happy it was worth the wait! Thanks for sharing, Kat.
Christine
I loved this version of a breakfast quinoa- I really enjoyed all of the toppings and happened to have almost all of what you mentioned :) Yea! thanks for the creative recipe!
Christine
I have been eating this very day for a week! The only thing I am looking forward to each day :). Thank you Kate!
Melissa
This is delicious! So happy to use up the left over quinoa!
Zoë
Absolutely amazing!! So delicious
Audrey
Made this with walnuts instead of pecans and sweetened with maple syrup… so delicious! Thank you for helping me use my extra quinoa and fresh strawberries up.
BJ Whittington
Would like to try this for my aging mother. Can I make it up and put it in serving size containers that she can remove from her refrigerator and zap in the microwave as needed?
Kate
Hi BJ! Sure, you can make this up and then portion as you see fit. I hope see likes it!
Jay Johnston
Tasty, easy, and satisfying breakfast.
Carl
Really delicious. Thanks for sharing :)
Lonnie M Ervin
Thanks so much for those recipe. It is a game changer. Quinoa for breakfast, who knew it could be?
Kate
Right! I’m happy you loved it, Lonnie. Thank you for your review.
Julia
Yummy! I was out of bagels this morning and this sounded enticing (as a change from oatmeal). I used sunflower seeds, honey, raspberries, and mango.
Ali
Loved it! I sautéed diced apples in butter and cinnamon and threw those in, and topped it with a big scoop of cottage cheese. Amaaazing. I’d take this over pancakes.
Kate
That’s great to hear, Ali! Thank you for sharing.
Maribel K
What’s the coconut oils purpose? Is it flavor?
Kate
Hi! It adds great flavor and also helps to combine the spices with the quinoa to get the toast flavor.
Nancy M
Just fabulous.
Jenny
Currently enjoying this after searching for some breakfast inspiration – it is SO good! I cooked the quinoa (as directed – came out perfect) while prepping everything else and it all came together at the same time. I made some adjustments: doubled the nuts by also adding almonds, used golden raisins as the dried fruit and doubled the amount, added both chia seeds and flax seeds, and served with a dollop of Greek yogurt and sliced banana. YUM!
PS – we are huge fans of Cookie and Kate in our household! Thank you for churning out foolproof recipes.
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m excited you liked this one as well, Jenny.
Catherine
what can i substitute the coconut oil with?
Kate
Hi Catherine, I find coconut oil works best here but you could try butter or olive oil.
Melanie Wegner
I was surprised at how simple this is and how tasty. We were out of yogurt so I added applesauce to the mixture as it was heating up and it was very yummy. Thanks
Dominique
I enjoyed this. I looked up breakfast quinoa on Google and your recipe was the first to come up. Glad I have it a try. I like the quinoa with the crunch of the toasted pecans. I probably will add more cinnamon next time – wasn’t cinnamon-y enough for me. I wish I had some dried cherries at home to add to see what that flavor would be like. Either way this was great. I used your quinoa cooking recipe as well and that was also great. I made enough so I can have this again for breakfast tomorrow
Rae
Blending the quinoa with a bit of milk and returning to stove is my fav way to have quinoa for breakfast. Like cream of wheat!
Kate
Thank you for sharing how you made this recipe, Rae.
Laura
Thank you!!!!
Kate
You’re welcome, Laura!
Kristi
I admit I was skeptical about this. I’m an oatmeal kind of person usually, but this was seriously game changing. SOOOOOO good. 10/10 will do again ;)
Lori
Wow!!! This was a really simple and delicious way to prepare quinoa as a breakfast meal. My taste buds leaped when I took my first bite!! I will definitely use this recipe frequently.
Kate
Hooray! That’s great to hear, Lori. Thank you for your review!
Lauren G
Just made this since I randomly had everything except maple syrup. I used honey instead. Easy and delicious!! I added a couple banana slices on top.
Kate
That’s great, Lauren! Thank you for your review.
Jennifer
So good! I loved it! Thanks for the list of topping suggestions – I added chia seeds and dried cranberries. Will definitely be making this again! THANK YOU for sharing all your wonderful recipes!
Kate
You’re welcome, Jennifer! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Abbey
Delicious! I used the fruit I had which was fresh bananas and blueberries, and walnuts instead of pecans. So easy and tasty!
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Abbey! Thank you for your review.
David Linn
Love this recipe. Thank you. I was introduced to the wonderful uses of quinoa some years ago on my travels to Peru, and now love quinoa.
Shannon
I am definitely going to try these recipes. I make something sort of similar to the cinnamon toast quinoa. I cook my quinoa in pineapple juice and water with some pumpkin pie spice, then serve it slightly warm with vanilla yogurt, like desert for breakfast. So yummy
suki
I’m on a low sodium diet and was wondering where the sodium is coming from in this recipe. Your perfect quinoa has only 2.8mg of sodium, but this recipe has 597.3mg. Thanks!
Kate
Hi Suki, You can omit the salt if you like. More on my Nutrition Disclaimer.
Samantha
I decided to revamp my diet a couple of days ago, and realized out of no where I was hangry! As I was daydreaming of eating the last of the chocolate donuts that my family had left over, I frantically searched through my pantry, to find something other than a smoothie or salad. Found Quinoa, and came across your recipe and it was absolutely fantastic! A nice switch up to curb my sweet tooth, and something that doesn’t make me feel terrible afterwards. Thank you!!!
Madeline Cliffe
Honestly, not for me. I’m not sure if it was the recipe or just my taste buds, but it just did not work. The quinua was the overwhelming thing and it was bland with a grainy texture that I did not like (though I do like other quinoa recipes). I added all the suggested toppings and a few of my own, but it never felt exciting to eat. I feel like the quinoa has a savory flavor of its own and so doesn’t work well with sweet recipes.
Kate
Hi Madeline, I’m sorry you didn’t love this recipe. Thank you for your review.
Cory
Does the nutrition facts of this recipe include the optional milk?
Kate
Hi Cory, I don’t believe it does.
Jamie
This recipe is delicious!! I made a single serving this morning and my husband went back for more but there was none left, so I’ve made a triple batch this evening. Your quinoa recipe makes the perfect quinoa, too! P.S. I have the cookbook and everything in there is great too!
Kate
That’s great, Jamie! THank you for sharing.
Heidi Harper
WOW! I was super skeptical about this as I am not a huge quinoa lover, but this was tasty! Breakfast is hard for me as a vegetarian (& I don’t eat eggs). Thanks for helping me to add a new item to my breakfast rotation!
Kate
You’re welcome, Heidi! Thank you for your review.
Katie
Wow this is delicious! Toasted some coconut flakes along with the pecans, and added some dried cranberries at the end. I’m about to make a big batch and store some individual servings in the freezer!
Katie
I was super skeptical about quinoa for breakfast, but I’ve never had a C&K recipe fail me so I gave it a shot. My husband, toddler, and I loved it! We added unsweetened coco shreds and flax as well to the topping and subbed pecans for walnuts. I’m going to try it with a bowl of almond milk next and see how it goes. Thanks for the recipe!
Kate
Hooray! I’m glad it was a hit, Katie.
Rachel Bell
So pleasantly surprised at how delicious this was. My new favorite. I found myself gathering the small bits leftover in my bowl and licking them off my finger. It was that good.
Kate
That’s great, Rachel! Thank you for your review.
Katie
Woke up this morning and had a thought – how can I make quinoa for breakfast that’s more than just an egg on top of a bowl of quinoa? This was the answer and so delicious – going to have to add it to the breakfast rotation!
Sarah
Hi Kate! This was sooooo yummy. I followed your perfect quinoa recipe a couple of nights ago so I could make a couple of your quinoa recipes this weekend. Last night I made the broccoli and quinoa casserole which was also scrumptious! I was excited to try this one out this morning. It took me three tries with the pecans, as I burned them twice, so I proceeded on low-medium heat the third try and was more careful not to leave them unattended. I used a full teaspoon of cinnamon for more of that flavor. I served it with a vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt and dried berries (cherries, cranberries, and blueberries) as suggested. It was so filling and really delicious. It will become a favorite weekend breakfast. I’m already looking forward to making this again. Thank you!!!
Kate
You’re welcome, Sarah! Thank you for sharing.
Maddie
I’m not a fan of oatmeal, but I’ve been getting into quinoa for breakfast as an alternative. This is one of my favorite breakfast quinoa recipes I’ve tried so far! I like that it’s just lightly sweet. I also made my quinoa with almond milk instead of water for a little added heartiness and flavor. So tasty and filling!
Kate
That’s great to hear, Maddie! I appreciate your review.
Jo
Huge thanks to your dog that this recipe was slightly less bogged down by too many photos.
Great recipe. Tasted good.
Ellen
I was wondering if you ever redry cooked quinoa to make something like a crunchy granola. My husband has an issue with oats–after spending most of his life working for the Quaker Oats company! If I toast it with normal granola items it might feel like a normal breakfast for him.
Maureen
Loved this recipe – I was looking for a good protein alternative to my morning routine!
Kate
I’m happy you enjoy it, Marueen! Thank you for your review.
Sandi Hess
This is a great option for me! I’m on the road a lot and was able to get four breakfasts out of one recipe and packed in Mason jars to take on the road backed up with coconut milk!
Thank you so much, Sandi
Kate
You’re welcome, Sandi!
Jacqui
I have been struggling with what to eat for breakfast. My husband made a huge pot of quinoa and I thought I would look up to see if I could make something for breakfast. I found your recipe for cinnamon toast breakfast quinoa. I actually just made it and I am eating it right now. I absolutely love it! Thank you for this delicious,nutritious breakfast recipe! It is sooooo good!!
Kate
I’m glad to hear this is just what you needed! Thank you for sharing, Jacqui.
Danielle Mangnus
How many calories would you say this is?
Kate
Hi Danielle, The nutritional information is below the notes section of the recipe.
Betty A Mullaney
I just Googled “quinoa breakfast” and found your recipe. Absolutely delicious!
Kate
That’s great to hear, Betty! Thank you for your review.
Hailey
I made this for breakfast and wowwwww!! So good! This was an excellent way to use up leftover quinoa! Thanks so much for the recipe :)
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Hailey! Thank you for your review.
Gina
Hi! Just wondering if you used red or white quinoa?
Kate
Hi! You can use either. I hope you love it, Gina.
Hannah
If you are wondering whether or not to try this, just go for it! And make double, because you’ll want to eat it again tomorrow! I left out the cherries and hemp seeds, but added a splash of milk and a sliced banana. And a couple more dashes of cinnamon because I love it so much. Thanks for this recipe!!
Kate
You’re welcome, Hannah! Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Laura
So delicious!!! So much flavor. I added flax and craisins to mine!
Judy Brocato
Oops! I did make this and topped it with fresh blueberries, but it was gone before I could take a picture and share to IG! This is a great recipe. Thanks!
Kate
Great to hear, Judy!
Nancy
I had some quinoa left from my weekly batch so I gave this a try today. It was soooo delicious and will now be in my rotation!! :)
Kate
That’s great to hear, Nancy!
Pam
Fabulous recipe. I’m eating this 4 days a week for breakfast now.
I use walnuts, grapeseed oil and blueberries. My husband loves the smell of this cooking in the morning.
Sbakes
The only problem with this recipe is that it’s highly addictive! I have to be very careful with portion control. It’s that good.
Kate
I’m happy to hear you enjoy it!
Mary Anne Jackson
Heather,
Do you have a nutrition facts available for your recipes? There are so many I’d like to use, but I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease and need to know the food nutrient numbers. I’d so appreciate this!
Thank you!
Kate
Hi Mary, the nutrition information is below the notes section of the notes.
Bill
This was amazing. I’ve done internet searches for recipes to try new foods and such. So reason I seem to always end up seeing yours. And from the ones I’ve tried I’d say they are the best. Thank you!!
I didn’t have pecans so used slivered almonds instead.
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m excited you are loving my recipes, Bill.
Kira
I made the cinnamon toast breakfast quinoa this morning and I have found a new favorite! It is delicious! It’s sweet, crunchy, chew, salty and satisfying. If you do not like the dried fruit or hemp seeds or nuts you can substitute. It’s a 5 star. Thank you!
Kate
You’re welcome, Kira!
Alaila
This recipe is simply wonderful. Feels like a warm cozy hug.
Kate
Thank you for your review, Alaila!
Kimberly Lawrence
I love coming across a local doing great work! Thank you for the guidance eating better.
Angie
This is a fabulous breakfast! I quadrupled the batch and have it ready for our week. It’s a new fave for breakfast or even lunch. I’m going to try it with yogurt tomorrow. I appreciate all of your recipes!
Kate
Great to hear, Angie!
Catherine Fitzgerald
I love this recipe! It is easy and delicious! I’ve tried others and they were not very flavorful, this recipe raises the level of the flavors by heating the cinnamon and toasting the nuts with a touch of maple syrup. Less sugar, and still sweet!
Kate
Thank you for your review, Catherine!
Lettie
Can you use something other than Quinoa?
Kate
Hi Letti, I have lots of great oatmeal recipes you could try!How to Make the Best Oatmeal
Lettie
Thank you!!
mariah rose windsor
hey mom mary ann ewigmen i found the ricipe for brekfest quinoa it has bwon suger and maple syple ok and mabe hony mom mary ann ewigmen if you can make this for my food network potluck as your dish and dad jim windsor ok bye love mariah rose windsor
Amy Appell
We cannot buy pecans in the area of the Asia Pacific that we live (pretty remote), but cashews are readily available and they were delicious! I wholeheartedly agree that this tastes just like Cinnamon Toast and we really enjoyed it for breakfast with a tropical fruit salad!
Kate
That sounds like a great combination! Thank you for sharing, Amy.