Gluten Free Maple Brown Rice Breakfast Bowl

A Cozy Morning Idea

Mornings can be so rushed. I wanted a breakfast that felt like a warm hug. This bowl is my answer. It sits with you all morning long.

It is made from simple, good things. You probably have most in your pantry already. I love how the maple syrup makes the whole kitchen smell sweet. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Why a Good Breakfast Matters

Starting your day with good food is so important. It is like giving your body the right kind of fuel. This helps you think clearly and feel strong.

This bowl has fiber from the brown rice. That helps you feel full and happy. I always feel ready for the day after a breakfast like this. What is your favorite way to start a busy day?

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made this for my grandson. He can not have gluten. He was tired of the same old breakfast foods. I wanted to make him something special.

His face lit up when he tried it. Now he asks for it every time he visits. I still laugh at that. It makes my heart so full.

Let’s Talk About Flavor

The maple syrup is the star here. It is sweet, but not too sweet. The almonds add a nice little crunch. The coconut milk makes it all creamy and rich.

My favorite part is the golden raisins. They get soft and plump. They are like little sweet surprises in every bite. Do you prefer chewy or crunchy toppings in your breakfast?

A Fun Fact About Rice

Here is something neat. Brown rice is a whole grain. That means it has all its good parts. White rice has those parts removed.

*Fun fact:* There are over 40,000 kinds of rice in the world. Isn’t that something? I think that is amazing. It shows how much variety nature gives us.

Make It Your Own

The best part of cooking is making a recipe yours. You can try different dried fruits. Maybe use chopped dates or dried cranberries. You can use any nuts you like.

This is why cooking matters. It lets you create. It is a way to show love. What would you add to make this breakfast bowl your own? I would love to hear your ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dry Brown Rice	1 Cup
Water	2 + Cups
Plain Coconut Milk	1 Cup	from a carton
Unsweetened Coconut Chips	1/2 Cup
Maple Syrup	1/2 Cup
Sliced Almonds	1/4 Cup
Golden Raisins	1/4 Cup
Cinnamon	Pinch	optional
Salt	Pinch

A Cozy Morning Bowl for Busy Days

Mornings can feel so rushed, can’t they? I like to start my day with something warm and comforting. This breakfast bowl is like a hug in a dish. It reminds me of oatmeal, but with a lovely, nutty twist from the brown rice.

My grandson calls this my “fancy porridge.” I still laugh at that. It’s really just simple, good food. The maple syrup makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It feels like a weekend treat, but it’s easy enough for any day.

Here is how I make it.

• Step 1: First, cook your brown rice in water. Just follow what it says on the package. I give the pot a little stir now and then. It keeps the rice from sticking to the bottom. I use this time to gather all my other ingredients.
• Step 2: Once the rice is fluffy and cooked, the fun begins. Pour in the coconut milk and maple syrup. Then add the coconut chips, almonds, and raisins. A tiny pinch of cinnamon and salt makes all the difference. (My hard-learned tip: measure the syrup in a liquid measuring cup. It’s much less sticky that way!)
• Step 3: Now, stir everything together over low heat. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes. You will see it start to thicken up nicely. The coconut milk gets absorbed by the rice. This makes it wonderfully creamy. Do you prefer your breakfast warm or cold? Share below!
• Step 4: Ladle your breakfast into a nice, big bowl. I love to add a few extra coconut chips on top. A little extra drizzle of maple syrup makes it pretty. You can also add a splash more coconut milk if you like.
• Step 5: This bowl is also wonderful served cold. Make a big batch the night before. Keep it in the fridge for a quick morning. It’s a perfect grab-and-go meal. I think it tastes even better the next day.

Cook Time: As per rice package
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Category: Breakfast, Gluten-Free

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many different flavors. Don’t be afraid to play with your food. It’s how we find new favorites.

• Berry Blast: Swap the raisins for a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries. Their little burst of tartness is so lovely with the sweet maple.
• Tropical Sunrise: Add some chopped dried mango and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. It will make you feel like you’re on a sunny beach.
• Apple Pie Spice: Use chopped dried apples instead of raisins. Add a little extra cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. It tastes just like dessert for breakfast.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up With Style

I believe food tastes better when it looks nice. Serve your breakfast bowl in your favorite colorful dish. A little garnish makes everything feel special. It’s a small joy to start the day.

For a real treat, add a spoonful of yogurt on the side. The creamy tang is wonderful with the sweet rice. A few slices of banana on top are also delicious. They add a lovely soft texture.

What should you drink with it? A hot cup of herbal tea, like chamomile, is very soothing. For a special brunch, a small glass of chilled prosecco pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Breakfast Bowl Cozy

This breakfast bowl is a wonderful make-ahead friend. Let it cool completely after cooking. Then store it in a container in the fridge. It will stay happy for about four days.

You can also freeze it for a later date. I use little single-serving containers. This makes my busy mornings so much easier. I once forgot I had a bowl in the freezer. Finding it felt like discovering a treasure.

To reheat, just add a splash of coconut milk. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it until it is hot and creamy again. Batch cooking like this saves you time and stress. It means a warm breakfast is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Bowl

Is your rice too dry after storing? Do not worry. This happens to everyone. Just add more coconut milk when you reheat it. It will become soft and delicious again.

What if it is not sweet enough for you? You can always add more maple syrup. I remember when my grandson thought it needed more. We just drizzled a little extra on top. This small change makes the flavor just right for you.

Are your almonds getting soft? Try toasting them first. Just put them in a dry pan for a few minutes. This makes them crunchy and brings out their flavor. Fixing little problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Breakfast Questions Answered

Q: Is this really gluten-free? A: Yes, brown rice is naturally gluten-free. Just check your other ingredients to be safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. It tastes great cold straight from the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of raisins? A: Dried cranberries or chopped dates would be lovely. *Fun fact: I sometimes use chopped apple for a fresh crunch.*

Q: Can I make a bigger batch? A: Of course. Just double all the ingredients in the list.

Q: Is the cinnamon important? A: It is optional, but it adds a warm, cozy feeling. Which tip will you try first?

With Love From My Kitchen

I hope this recipe brings warmth to your morning table. Food is a way to share love and care. It is my joy to share these little kitchen stories with you.

I would love to see your creation. It makes my day to see your versions. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Your photos inspire me and others to keep cooking.

Happy cooking! —Grace Ellington.