Nutty Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal Recipe (GF, Vegan-Friendly)
Warm, comforting mornings call for a delightful twist on classic pecan pie baked oatmeal that will make your taste buds dance.
This gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe blends the rich, nutty essence of pecans with hearty oats in a surprisingly indulgent breakfast.
Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of sweet caramel notes and crunchy pecan texture that feels like a morning celebration.
The secret lies in carefully selected ingredients that merge traditional pie flavors with nutritious oatmeal.
Packed with wholesome goodness, this dish provides a delectable morning treat that breaks free from boring breakfast routines.
Nutrition meets decadence in this simple yet stunning recipe that promises to become your new breakfast favorite.
Dive into this delightful creation and transform your morning meal into a moment of pure culinary joy.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 7
What’s in Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal
For Dry Base Ingredients:
Rolled Oats: Hearty foundation that creates a comforting texture and provides wholesome fiber for sustained energy.
Baking Powder: Helps the oatmeal rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the nutty pecan profile.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
For Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
Milk: Creates moisture and helps bind ingredients together, choose dairy or plant-based alternatives.
Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds rich, caramel-like depth and complements pecan flavors.
Egg or Chia/Flax Egg: Provides structure and helps hold the dish together, perfect for binding ingredients.
Melted Butter or Oil: Ensures a moist, tender texture and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Introduces a subtle, sweet complexity to the overall flavor profile.
For Topping Ingredients:
Butter: Creates a luscious, glossy coating for pecans, adding depth and richness.
Maple Syrup: Helps caramelize pecans and creates a sweet, sticky glaze.
Pecans: Bring nutty crunch, toasty flavor, and beautiful textural contrast to the baked oatmeal.
Baking Tools to Prep This Cozy Dish
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect recipe balance.
8×8 or 9×9-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size and shape for even baking.
Spatula: Helps spread oatmeal mixture and pecan topping evenly.
Small Saucepan: Melts butter and maple syrup for pecan coating.
Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Mixes ingredients smoothly and prevents lumps.
Oven: Bakes the oatmeal to golden perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions for This Vegan Bake
Oven Preparation Warm up the oven and get your baking dish ready for a cozy breakfast adventure.
Dry Ingredients Mixing Combine hearty oats with warm spices and raising agents for a delightful base.
Wet Ingredient Fusion Blend creamy liquids with natural sweeteners to create a luscious oatmeal foundation.
Initial Baking Layer Pour the mixture into your waiting dish, creating a smooth canvas for deliciousness.
Pecan Caramel Topping Craft a rich, glossy coating that will transform ordinary oatmeal into a decadent treat.
Final Baking Process Let the oatmeal transform in the oven, developing a gorgeous golden top and irresistible aroma.
Cooling and Serving Allow your creation to rest briefly, then slice into comforting portions ready to delight taste buds.
Tips to Boost Spice and Sweetness
Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor profile and crunchy texture.
Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or sprinkle chia seeds into the base mixture to increase nutritional value.
Fold in dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a decadent twist on the classic pecan pie flavor.
Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk to accommodate different dietary needs.
Refrigerate leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for quick grab-and-go breakfasts. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prepare the entire dish the night before and store unbaked in the refrigerator. Bake fresh in the morning for a warm, comforting breakfast.
Serving Your Oatmeal as Breakfast or Dessert
Breakfast Bliss Companion: Top with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for added protein and tangy freshness.
Decadent Morning Drizzle: Warm some extra maple syrup and gently pour over each serving to enhance the pecan pie flavors.
Fruit Fusion Topping: Sprinkle fresh berries or sliced bananas around the edges to add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Nutty Crunch Boost: Scatter additional chopped pecans on top for extra texture and a delightful nutty crunch.
Storage for Baked Oatmeal Slices
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled baked oatmeal in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and taste preservation.
Quick Freezing Technique: Slice individual portions, wrap them securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts lasting 2-3 months.
Temperature Revival Method: Reheat refrigerated portions in microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly, maintaining delicious texture and flavor.
Morning Prep Hack: Prepare entire recipe the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Simply pop into preheated oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast solution that saves precious morning minutes.
Pecan pie baked oatmeal blends classic dessert flavors with a nutritious breakfast twist. Hearty oats, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans create a delicious morning meal perfect for weekend brunches or make-ahead breakfasts you’ll enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free)
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 cup pecans (roughly chopped or whole)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsps butter (or vegan butter, or coconut oil), melted
1 egg (or 1 chia or flax egg for vegan)
1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsps butter (or vegan butter)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Blend rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk milk, maple syrup, egg alternative, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, creating a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
Assemble Base Layer: Pour the oatmeal blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Craft Pecan Topping: Gently melt butter and maple syrup in a saucepan, then fold pecans into the warm liquid, ensuring complete coating.
Layer and Bake: Drizzle the pecan mixture over the oatmeal base, distributing it uniformly, then bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until golden-brown and set.
Rest and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 5 minutes before portioning and enjoying the warm, nutty breakfast treat.
Notes
Prep Ahead Tip: Assemble this baked oatmeal the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a quick, hassle-free breakfast.
Customize Creatively: Swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Moisture Magic: Don’t overbake to keep the oatmeal soft and creamy; a slightly jiggly center indicates perfect texture.
Storage Savvy: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.