Baked oatmeal is the perfect make-ahead cozy breakfast. Fill it with warm spices and fresh pears for added flavor. Just reheat it in the morning and you’re good to go!
I pride myself on being full of surprises, despite being such a planner. The irony of that is just one of many fun facts you learn the more you get to know me. Another is this conversation, which comes up whenever someone learns about Lenses and Lentils–
Random person: “You have a food blog? That’s so cool! What’s your favorite thing to make?”
Me: “Oatmeal.”
Bring on the blank stares, I’m ready for them. The real question is can you handle the wonders of oatmeal? It’s probably one of the most underrated foods, one that constantly gets brushed aside as baby food or old people mush. Well, I beg to differ.
Maybe you think differently, but in my mind, holidays goes hand in hand with winter. Now that we’re fully in the ‘holiday season’ (although, as my fellow Jews know, been there done that), I’ve been mentally prepping myself for the cold. Granted, the weather is going back and forth, but we’re quickly approaching the first day of winter. I don’t know about you, but I love me a hot bowl of oatmeal to start the wintry days on a cozy foot. Because of its versatility, you basically have no reason not to adore it, too. Let it bubble away on the stove for several minutes, then transfer it to a bowl and finally go crazy with the toppings. I tend toward cinnamon, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and cacao nibs.
Voila! An Instagrammable breakfast is served!
Not a fan of hot oatmeal? No problem, try making overnight oats instead. Don’t like sweet? No worries, just make savory oats with vegetables and an egg on top. I still haven’t tried that, although it’s on my foodie bucket list.
I can see the idea of oatmeal slowly seeping its way onto your good side, while the wheels in your head turn. That is, until it pulls up short because you remembered that you don’t have time to spend 10 minutes making a fresh breakfast every morning. Pardon me while I politely shove that notion out the window and let oatmeal continue on its warm and merry way into your heart.
Don’t be shocked that I have a response. Did I say I’m full of surprises, or did I say I’m full of surprises? Because, as far as I’m concerned, baked oatmeal is still oatmeal.
Real talk for a minute. You and I both know that you’re going to make this recipe at least once. Even more, if we’re being totally honest with ourselves (which, we always should be). I mean, the name alone is enough of a reason. Say it with me!
Spiced. Pear. Baked. Oatmeal.
Even saying it out loud gives me a pleasant tingly sensation. You’re probably already gathering up ingredients, totally sold on the idea. But in case you’re feeling extra stubborn today, I’ll hit you with some facts.
- You get to eat cereal without any of the mystery additives found in the boxes you buy at the store.
- We covered all the allergens with gluten-free, no refined sugar, and dairy-free/nut-free options.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats have a relatively low glycemic index, regulating your blood sugar so that you won’t crash a couple of hours after eating.
- Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, containing beta-glucans, which aids digestion by keeping food moving through our digestive tract at a pace that allows for more nutrient absorption.
Clearly the logical decision is to drop everything and make yourself some baked oatmeal. But, you’re human, I’m human, we’re all human. So, by the transitive property invested in me, I assume you don’t take action based solely on logic. The essence of it is how it makes you feel.
Believe you me, it feels downright magical.
Studded with chunks of fresh pear, each piece is a deliciously soft pillow that you can literally sink your teeth into. Your first bite brings a burst of deep flavor, as the spices work their wonders. This is quickly followed by notes of vanilla lacing its way throughout the whole thing, adding a comfortable familiarity, like a hug from mom. And when you post a picture of those artfully placed pear slices on top, you feel like you’ve finally discovered your true purpose.
Can you hear the Spiced Pear Baked Oatmeal calling your name?
If you try this recipe, I’d love your feedback. Leave a comment below, save it on Pinterest, or tag #lensesandlentils on Instagram to share!
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 heaping tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1½ cups milk of choice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 Bosc pear
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix all the oats, sugar, spices, and baking powder.
- Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Pour wet into dry and stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cut the pear into quarters and remove the core. Chop ¾ of it into small pieces and slice the remaining quarter into ⅛-inch slices.
- Pour half of the oat mixture into a lined 8x8 baking dish. Spread out the chopped pear evenly over the oats. Then, top with the remaining oat mixture, spreading with a spatula if needed. Arrange the pear slices into a pinwheel on top, pressing down gently.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into squares. Store covered in the fridge. Reheat to serve.
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