Description

A comforting, kid-friendly baked oatmeal recipe featuring toasted pecans and cinnamon. This make-ahead breakfast turns morning chaos into a calm, collaborative kitchen moment with natural sweetness and a bakery-like aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups milk (whole, almond, or oat)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup real maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
Optional: 1 cup diced apples or pears, raisins, or dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Toast chopped pecans in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and browned. Remove and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir gently until oats are coated. Fold in optional fresh fruit if using.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top and press down slightly.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
Let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares to allow it to set.

Notes

Do not use quick oats as they turn mushy; old-fashioned rolled oats are required for the correct texture. Toasting the pecans is essential for flavor. Let the oatmeal cool completely before cutting to ensure it holds its shape. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for meal prep. For reheating, add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 180
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 4
Protein: 7

Keywords: baked oatmeal, fall breakfast, kid-friendly recipes, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, pecan oatmeal, cinnamon oatmeal, easy breakfast