Overnight Oats Candied Pecans (Printable)

Creamy oats combined with crunchy caramelized pecans and maple syrup for a make-ahead breakfast.

# What You Need:

→ Oats Base

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup milk, dairy or plant-based
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
05 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

→ Candied Pecans

08 - 1/2 cup pecan halves
09 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon water
11 - 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 - Pinch of cinnamon
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

14 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
15 - Fresh fruit such as sliced banana or berries, optional

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
02 - Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium heat, combine sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble.
03 - Add pecans and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until pecans are toasted and fully coated in syrup.
04 - Transfer candied pecans to prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Allow to cool completely.
05 - In the morning, stir the oats mixture and divide between two bowls or jars. Top with candied pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh fruit if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You prep it at night and your breakfast literally does itself while you sleep—no morning scramble required.
  • Those candied pecans hit different than plain nuts, all crunchy and buttery and making you feel like you actually tried.
  • It's endlessly customizable without being fussy, so you can make it exactly how your taste buds want it.
02 -
  • Those candied pecans can burn faster than you'd expect, so keep your heat at medium and stay at the stove—high heat will blacken them in seconds.
  • Don't skip the parchment paper when cooling the pecans or they'll bond permanently to whatever surface you use, learned that the messy way.
03 -
  • Make a double batch of candied pecans because they disappear faster than breakfast, and you'll want them on hand for yogurt, salads, or just snacking.
  • If your oats seem too thick in the morning, stir in a splash more milk—they tighten as they sit, and that's totally normal.
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