Baked Oatmeal with Pears, Walnuts and Cinnamon
A hearty breakfast casserole that combines rolled oats with sweet diced pears, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The oats are mixed with almond milk, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup, then baked until golden and set. This wholesome dish serves as a make-ahead breakfast option that's naturally sweetened and packed with fiber. Perfect for weekend brunches or meal prep, it can be served warm from the oven with an extra dollop of Greek yogurt. The combination of textures from tender pears and toasted nuts makes each bite satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup walnuts, choppedpecans or almonds1:1Full guide →
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or 2% milkregular milk1:1adds dairyFull guide →
- 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup pure maple syruphoney1:1Full guide →
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pears diced small (about 2 cups)
- ⅓ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and coat a 9-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray
- 2
Mix oats, walnuts, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl
- 3
Whisk almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla in a medium bowl
- 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix in pears
- 5
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish
- 6
Bake until golden brown for 45 to 55 minutes
- 7
Top each serving with remaining yogurt if desired
Tips
Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou that hold their shape during baking and won't turn mushy
Make sure oats are old-fashioned rather than quick-cooking for better texture and structure
Let the baked oatmeal cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or warm whole dish in 350F oven.
Assemble completely the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cook time.
Serve warm with additional Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or the top will become too dry and the bottom may burn
Use diced pears rather than sliced to distribute evenly throughout the oatmeal
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk instead of regular milk and omit the Greek yogurt or substitute with coconut yogurt.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes, cut into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in microwave or oven.