This Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal will remind you of your favorite fall dessert- pecan pie! A cross between an oatmeal bar and traditional stove-top oatmeal, this baked version is loaded with warm spices and has a soft but chewy interior. It comes together in no time and is baked in the oven. Make a batch today, and enjoy it all week!
Oatmeal gets such a bad rep sometimes. After all, if it's good for us, it can't possibly taste good, right? Wrong! When your healthy breakfast tastes like dessert, what can be better than that?
Once you try baked oatmeal, you may never want to stir a pot again. Just like my blueberry baked oatmeal, this pecan pie version combines oats, sweeteners, eggs, baking powder, and spices.
To mimic the corn syrup used in most traditional pecan pie recipes, I used maple syrup and molasses, then added a heap of cinnamon and of course, loaded it with pecans. Lastly, it's topped with toasted pecans for additional texture. So good!
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Why this recipe works
- Easy to make
- Can be prepared in one bowl
- Serves a crowd
- Stores well
- Kids and adults will love it
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this pecan pie-baked oatmeal.
- Oatmeal- Use old-fashioned oats, not instant or quick cooking.
- Baking powder- Helps to give the oatmeal a little rise.
- Cinnamon-Ground cinnamon for some warm spice.
- Salt- Balances out the sweetness.
- Eggs-Large eggs for binding and rise.
- Milk- Keeps the oatmeal extra fluffy and light.
- Sweetener- I use a trifecta of maple syrup, brown sugar and molasses to get that pecan pie taste.
- Vanilla extract- Use pure vanilla extract for spice.
- Melted butter- Unsalted.
- Pecans- Toasted is best, but you can skip this step if you are short on time.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
You will need a large mixing bowl and a 9x9 inch baking dish. For easy prep, clean-up, and release from the pan, parchment paper makes this a breeze.
Pecan pie oatmeal step by step
Below is a quick visual on how to make pecan pie-baked oatmeal. Full instructions are located in the recipe card.
Start by preheating the oven to 350℉. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment or grease the pan. Combine the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Add the milk, vanilla, sugar, maple syrup, molasses, butter, and eggs. Stir until combined.
Fold the pecans into the batter and stir until the pecans are mixed in.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is slightly firm.
Top tip
Try toasting your pecans first for the best flavor: Start by heating a frying pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pecans to the skillet in a single layer. Stir the pecans continuously to prevent burning. Remove after 5-7 minutes, or when they turn a slightly darker shade of brown. Transfer to a plate to cool. If you have any remaining, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Use leftovers for salads, yogurt, or ice cream!
Substitutions and variations
- Nuts: If you're allergic to pecans or simply prefer a different type of nut, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, cashews, or any other nut of your choice.
- Spices: You can customize the spices to suit your taste. Nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin pie spice can be used instead of or in addition to the cinnamon.
- Fruit: Add diced apples, pears, or mashed bananas for natural sweetness and flavor. You can also include dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots.
- Milk- You can swap out the milk for a dairy free alternative such as almond or soy.
What to serve with pecan oatmeal
This pecan pie oatmeal tastes amazing on its own, but why not get creative and try some of these toppings?
- Sliced Bananas: Bananas and pecans are a match made in heaven.
- Greek Yogurt: A scoop of Greek yogurt can add creaminess, protein, and a slight tang to your oatmeal.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the pecan pie oatmeal for extra sweetness.
- Sliced Apples or Applesauce: Apples pair well with pecan pie flavors.
- Crumbled Bacon: For a savory twist, you can sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top. The salty-sweetness will wow you!
- Dried Fruits: Try adding raisins, cranberries, or apricots.
- Chocolate Chips: If you want to make your oatmeal more indulgent, a handful of chips will do the trick!
- Ice Cream- Make it dessert, and top it with vanilla ice cream!
Storage
Stored properly, pecan pie baked oatmeal can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When storing, allow it to cool first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
FAQ
You can serve this baked pecan pie oatmeal either warm or room temperature. If removing from the fridge, you can place it on a microwave safe dish and reheat for 20-30 seconds.
If you don't have molasses, feel free to use more of the maple syrup or the brown sugar or a mixture of the two.
Looking for oatmeal pairings?
Try some of my favorites.
🍳Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a recipe rating with comment right below the recipe card. If you snapped a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal
Equipment
- 9x9 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups old fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
- 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1¼ cup milk whole, low-fat or non-dairy
- ¼ cup molasses
- 3 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted toasting is optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.2¼ cups old fashioned oats, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt, 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Add the eggs, milk, molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir to combine.2 large eggs, 1¼ cup milk, ¼ cup molasses, 3 tablespoon dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoon maple syrup, 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the pecans and mix to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x9-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Bake at 350℉ for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and set (it should feel slightly firm). Allow to cool slightly. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Marilyn
I generally find pecan pie to be way too sweet for my taste but something about the combination of ingredients as an oatmeal makes it just sweet enough without going overboard! Her recipes are so well balanced in flavor!!!
Jennifer
So glad you liked it Marilyn!