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This cozy vanilla chai baked oatmeal transforms ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary. The warm spices and crunchy pecans create a breakfast that feels like dessert while still being nutritious. Steel cut oats bake to perfection with chai spices and maple sweetness for a breakfast that will make you excited to get out of bed.
I created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when I needed something to look forward to on dark mornings. My family now requests it every weekend and the aroma of chai spices has become our favorite way to welcome weekend mornings.
Ingredients
- Steel cut oats: Provide hearty texture and nutty flavor that holds up beautifully when baked
- Toasted pecans: Add essential crunch and complement the warm spices perfectly
- Maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness without being overwhelming
- Chai spice mix: Brings warming cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices that make this dish special
- Raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness throughout each bite
- Milk and cream: Create the perfect creamy base that helps oats soften while baking
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chai flavors and adds wonderful aroma
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect golden top
- Cinnamon sugar topping: Creates an irresistible crispy sweet crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9 or 10 inch round baking dish. I find a deep dish pie plate works perfectly here allowing the oatmeal to rise beautifully.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl add your steel cut oats toasted pecans maple syrup chai spice mix salt and raisins if using. Take time to ensure the spices and maple syrup are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Pour in your milk cream vanilla extract and melted butter. Stir gently but thoroughly making sure there are no dry pockets remaining. The mixture will look very liquid at this stage which is exactly what you want for properly cooked steel cut oats.
- Transfer and Top:
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish ensuring an even distribution. Mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the oatmeal mixture creating a sweet crust.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown and crispy while the center is set but still slightly soft. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma of vanilla and chai spices.
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The chai spice blend is really what makes this recipe shine. My grandmother taught me that freshly ground spices make all the difference so whenever possible I grind whole cardamom cloves and cinnamon for this recipe. The difference in aroma and flavor is truly remarkable and brings back memories of baking with her on Sunday mornings.
Make It Your Own
This baked oatmeal welcomes creativity. Try adding diced apples or pears before baking for extra fruit flavor. Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if that is what you have on hand. For a dairy free version coconut milk works beautifully and adds a tropical note to the chai flavors. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have available.
Storage Tips
This baked oatmeal keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days making it perfect for meal prep. Simply portion into individual containers after cooling completely. When ready to enjoy reheat portions in the microwave for about 1 minute with a splash of milk or enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight making day two even better than day one.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this baked oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein or a splash of warm milk poured over the top. Fresh berries provide a beautiful color contrast and bright flavor balance to the warm spices. For special occasions a drizzle of additional maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted coconut elevates this from everyday breakfast to memorable brunch centerpiece.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?
Yes, rolled oats can be substituted for steel-cut oats. However, they cook faster, so reduce the baking time to 30-40 minutes for best results.
- → How do I toast pecans for this dish?
To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until aromatic and lightly browned. Cool before chopping.
- → What can I use as a substitute for cream?
If you don’t have cream, you can use an equal amount of extra milk. This will slightly lighten the richness of the dish.
- → Can I omit the raisins?
Yes, the raisins are optional. You can leave them out if you prefer or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
- → What toppings pair well with this oatmeal?
Toppings like fresh fruit, additional milk or cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt pair wonderfully with Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal.