Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but for many, finding the time and energy to make a delicious and nutritious breakfast can be a challenge. Whether you are in a rush to get to work or you’re looking for something simple to satisfy your cravings, low-effort breakfast recipes are game-changing. These recipes save not only your time but also bring variety, which keeps one from getting bored with the same old morning routine.
Some popular yet easy breakfasts that require really minimal effort: from viral TikTok-inspired breakfast recipes to comforting baked oatmeal, below are some for anyone who may want to give in to the craze of low-effort but delicious breakfast food.
Here now are five or six really great easy-on-the-effort breakfast recipes which could always be prepared by you in haste, using all pantry staples and common ingredients. Let’s check them out:
1. Tiramisu Overnight Pudding: A No-Cook Delight
Creamy, indulgent, and ready in a breeze-soaking up an overnight meal prep. The Tiramisu Overnight Pudding is inspired by a popular TikTok, this dessert-for-breakfast combines rich flavors of coffee and vanilla with a velvety, pudding-like texture. The best part? It requires no cooking-just a bit of assembly and some chilling time.
Ingredients:
- Instant espresso or coffee powder
- Plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
- Sweetener of choice (e.g., maple syrup, stevia)
- Chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, or psyllium husk (for thickening)
- Vanilla extract
Method:
- Begin by preparing the instant espresso by mixing coffee powder with hot water.
- Combine in a mixing bowl: plain yogurt, a few spoonfuls of coffee, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in chia seeds, flaxseeds, or psyllium husk to your liking. Psyllium husk gives a thicker custard-like texture than chia seeds.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, serve with your favorite toppings, such as almond butter, berries, or crumbled cookies for extra flavor.
This Tiramisu Overnight Pudding is a delightful alternative to traditional overnight oats. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for anyone who loves a coffee-flavored breakfast treat.
2. Viral Scrambled Tofu: A Savory Vegan Breakfast
Scrambled tofu is probably the most common replacement for scrambled eggs in vegan cuisine. However, one can take it a notch higher regarding taste and approach. This particular scrambled tofu inspiration came from an Instagram post; it uses silken and firm tofu to achieve the perfect texture just like scrambled eggs. You could prepare the mixture for it overnight and just cook it within minutes for a hot satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 block silken tofu
- 1 block firm tofu
- Oat or soy milk
- Black salt (for eggy flavor)
- Turmeric (for color)
- Vegan butter
- Fresh herbs (e.g., chives)
- Optional spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika)
Method:
- Start by blending the silken tofu with oat or soy milk, black salt, turmeric, and any other desired spices until smooth.
- Transfer the tofu mixture to the fridge overnight.
- The next morning, heat a non-stick skillet with vegan butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the firm tofu in the skillet for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is just beginning to turn golden.
- Pour in the silken tofu mixture, stir well, and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, adjusting the heat if needed.
- Once the tofu reaches your desired consistency, serve it on toast with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of black salt.
This savory breakfast is perfect for those who prefer a plant-based, protein-packed meal to start the day. The combination of firm and silken tofu creates a fluffy, egg-like texture that’s satisfying and versatile.
3. Cozy Half-Baked Granola with Dates and Nuts
Granola is a classic breakfast option, but making it from scratch can sometimes feel like a time-consuming task. This quick and easy version combines roasted nuts, dates, and non-dairy milk for a simple yet hearty granola that’s great on its own or served with yogurt. You can even shape it into energy bites for a grab-and-go option.
Ingredients:
- Almonds and hazelnuts (or your favorite nuts)
- Dates
- Non-dairy milk (almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
- Sweetener (e.g., maple syrup)
- Optional add-ins: cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Roast the almonds and hazelnuts for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
- To soften the dates, soak them in hot water for ten minutes or so.
- In a food processor, blend the roasted nuts, soaked dates, and any optional ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla extract until the mixture reaches a sticky consistency.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a couple of spoonfuls of non-dairy milk to achieve the right texture.
- Shape the mixture into energy bites or serve it as granola on top of yogurt, with fresh fruit, or as a standalone snack.
This cozy granola is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with various nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. It’s a great way to get a crunchy, sweet breakfast without much effort.
4. Viral Earl Grey Hot Chocolate: A Warm, Comforting Drink
Earl Grey hot chocolate has been trending on social media recently, and for good reason. It combines the rich, creamy flavors of hot chocolate with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for chilly mornings when you need something indulgent yet soothing.
Ingredients:
- Plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat)
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla extract
- Bittersweet chocolate chips
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Water
- Earl Grey tea bag
Method:
- In a small pot, combine your plant milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and water.
- Heat over medium, whisking continuously to ensure the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Before the mixture boils, remove it from the heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag.
- Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Optionally, top with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
This Earl Grey hot chocolate offers a unique twist on traditional hot chocolate, with the aromatic infusion of tea adding a sophisticated flavor. It’s the perfect morning beverage for those who enjoy both tea and chocolate.
5. Savory Vegan Egg Bites: Protein-Packed and Flavorful
Veggie egg bites are an excellent breakfast option for those who prefer savory over sweet. Made from firm tofu, these protein-packed bites can be filled with your favorite vegetables for a customized filling breakfast.
Ingredients:
- Firm tofu
- Plain soy yogurt
- White wine vinegar
- Turmeric
- Black salt
- Vegan bacon or smoked tofu
- Fresh spinach
- Optional fillings: carrot and cabbage mix, bell peppers, mushrooms
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Sauté vegan bacon or smoked tofu in a pan with fresh spinach.
- In a food processor, blend the firm tofu, soy yogurt, white wine vinegar, turmeric, and black salt until smooth.
- Add in your choice of fillings, such as sautéed vegetables or pre-made vegetable mixes.
- Pour the mixture into the muffin tin and bake for about 25 minutes until firm and golden brown.
- Let the egg bites cool completely before serving.
These vegan egg bites are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, and they’re easy to prepare in advance. They’re packed with plant-based protein and can be paired with fruit or served over rice for a more substantial meal.
6. Cherry and Nutella Oatmeal Bake
For a comforting, slightly indulgent breakfast, this cherry and Nutella oatmeal bake is a delicious way to enjoy oats. With its sweet, chocolatey flavor and nutritious oats, this breakfast bake combines the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
- Oats (blended into oat flour)
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Non-dairy milk
- Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Frozen cherries
- Plant-based yogurt
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a brownie pan with wet parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the oats into oat flour.
- Add baking powder, cinnamon, non-dairy milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and swirl in some Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread.
- Top with frozen cherries and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
- Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving with a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
This rich, comforting oatmeal bake with cherries and Nutella feels decadent but is still full of nutritious oats. It’s ideal as a make-ahead supper or for a comfortable weekend breakfast.
Easy and Delicious Breakfasts to Start Your Day
Whether you’re in the mood for sweet treats or savory bites, these ideas for low-effort breakfasts have got you covered. From those viral TikTok recipes to comforting classics, these meals are for anyone who aims to make their mornings simpler without sacrificing flavor. Most importantly, they are quick to make and require a minimum of time and effort, thus being perfect for both busy weekdays and laid-back weekends.
These quick breakfast ideas will not have you spending hours in the kitchen; instead, you get to enjoy an appetizingly delicious and nutritionally adequate meal to begin with. Feel free to play with the recipes and your personalized toppings, spices, and add-ins.