Description
A make-ahead baked oatmeal recipe designed for meal prep, yielding eight squares that provide breakfast for four days. It features rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and toasted pecans for a cozy, efficient morning routine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1.5 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond/oat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Optional: 1 ripe banana, mashed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in rolled oats until fully coated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow oats to hydrate. Fold in optional add-ins like banana or cranberries if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle toasted pecans (and chocolate chips if using) on top, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the oatmeal cool in the pan for at least 15-30 minutes to set before slicing into 8 squares.
Notes
Do not use instant or quick oats as they will turn mushy. Toasting the pecans is crucial for flavor. Let the oatmeal cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds its shape. For reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of the
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: baked oatmeal, meal prep, breakfast, fall recipe, oatmeal, healthy breakfast, make ahead, pecans, cinnamon, gluten-free option