Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal combines the heartiness of oats with the sweet, nutty flavors of pecan pie in a delicious, wholesome breakfast. With its rich caramelized pecan topping and warm, comforting texture, this baked oatmeal is a perfect morning treat. It’s easy to make, customizable, and will keep you satisfied all day long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked oatmeal is the ultimate fall-inspired breakfast, combining the warm, comforting qualities of traditional oatmeal with the rich, sweet flavors of pecan pie. The crunchy pecans on top caramelize as they bake, creating a wonderful texture contrast to the soft oatmeal beneath. Packed with oats, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon, this dish is a great way to start the day with fiber, healthy fats, and a sweet indulgence that feels like dessert for breakfast.
Ingredients
For the oatmeal:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Make the oatmeal base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the pecan topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the pecans are well coated.
- Top the oatmeal: Spoon the pecan mixture evenly over the top of the oatmeal, making sure the pecans are scattered across the surface.
- Bake the oatmeal: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal has set. The edges should be lightly crisped, while the center will still be soft and creamy.
- Cool and serve: Let the oatmeal cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as is, or add a drizzle of milk, yogurt, or extra maple syrup on top for added richness.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Vegan version: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). For a vegan topping, replace the butter with coconut oil.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the oatmeal or pecan topping for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Add fruit: Stir in some berries or sliced bananas into the oatmeal mixture for extra sweetness and a fruit boost. You could also top with fresh fruit after baking.
- Nut-free option: If you have a nut allergy, swap the pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through. You can also add a splash of milk while reheating to restore the oatmeal’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal base and the pecan topping separately and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just assemble the dish and bake. This can save you time on busy mornings.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal?
Yes! Once cooled, you can slice the oatmeal and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or bake from frozen.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats work best in this recipe for their texture and ability to hold up during baking. Quick oats will work, but the texture will be softer and less substantial.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Keep in mind that using a liquid sweetener like honey will affect the texture slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time by 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pan and how thick the mixture is.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal is the perfect combination of indulgent flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast that feels like a treat but is full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for a family brunch, this oatmeal will bring comfort and sweetness to your morning. The soft, warm texture paired with the caramelized pecans makes each bite a little slice of heaven!
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Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal combines the warm, nutty sweetness of pecan pie with the wholesome goodness of baked oatmeal. With a rich, maple-flavored filling and a crunchy pecan topping, this easy, healthy breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings or a comforting weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Base:
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2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
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1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
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1/2 cup pecans, chopped (reserve some for topping)
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
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1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
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1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup whole pecans (for topping)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
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Prepare the Oatmeal Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine. -
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter (or coconut oil). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans. -
Assemble the Oatmeal:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press the mixture gently to make sure it’s level. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and lightly golden on top. -
Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
While the oatmeal is baking, prepare the pecan pie topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the whole pecans to the bowl and stir to coat them in the syrup mixture. -
Add the Topping:
After the oatmeal has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the pecan pie topping over the oatmeal. Use a spoon to spread the pecans out evenly. -
Finish Baking:
Return the oatmeal to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and the pecans are toasted. -
Serve:
Let the oatmeal cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. For an extra touch, drizzle with additional maple syrup or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
Notes
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Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, increase the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar. You can also use stevia or other sweeteners if you’re looking for a sugar-free option.
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Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the oatmeal base the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, prepare the topping and bake as directed.
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Pecan Variations: For a deeper flavor, try using toasted pecans in the oatmeal base. You can also swap out the pecans for walnuts or another favorite nut.
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Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk), substitute flax eggs for the eggs, and replace butter with coconut oil for a fully vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American