Overnight Oats Candied Pecans (Print)

Creamy oats soaked overnight, topped with crunchy candied pecans and a maple syrup drizzle.

# Ingredients:

→ 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 for drizzling
15 - Fresh fruit such as sliced banana or berries, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a 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 bubbles, approximately 1-2 minutes.
03 - Add pecans and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until pecans are toasted and fully coated in caramelized syrup.
04 - Transfer candied pecans to prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 10-15 minutes.
05 - In the morning, stir the oat mixture and divide between two bowls or jars. Top with candied pecans, drizzle with 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and add fresh fruit if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No morning stress—everything's mixed and soaking while you sleep, leaving you with pure breakfast satisfaction before your first cup of coffee.
  • Those candied pecans hit different when you bite into them, all crunchy and caramelized, making something simple feel genuinely special.
  • The texture contrast between creamy oats and crispy pecans keeps you interested bite after bite, not bored by the third spoonful.
02 -
  • Don't skip the complete cooling of the candied pecans—they'll continue to harden as they cool, and eating them while warm means they'll clump together and never give you that satisfying crunch.
  • Stir your oats well before eating because the chia seeds sink to the bottom overnight, and you want that even distribution of chewiness and texture throughout every spoonful.
03 -
  • Use real maple syrup, not the imitation stuff—the depth of flavor is completely different and makes this breakfast feel worth the overnight wait.
  • If you're making this for guests, prep the oat bases ahead and let them choose their own toppings; it feels personal and takes the pressure off you being in the kitchen in the morning.
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