Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Introduction

Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and flavorful breakfast that combines warm spices with creamy oats and toasted pecans. This baked dish is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy mornings or meal prep. Enjoy a hearty start to your day with subtle chai notes and a crunchy top.

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats *
• 2/3 cup toasted pecans (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons chai spice mix
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup cream (or substitute with more milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 or 10 inch round baking dish. A deep dish pie plate works well for this recipe.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the steel cut oats, toasted pecans, maple syrup, chai spice mix, pinch of salt, and raisins if using. Mix thoroughly to combine.
3. Step 3: Pour in the milk, cream, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir everything together until well mixed, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the oat mixture in the dish.
5. Step 5: Place the baking dish in the center of your oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, divide among bowls, and serve with your favorite toppings such as extra milk, cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Tips & Variations

• Use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats for a slightly softer texture and shorter baking time.
• Add chopped apples or pears for natural sweetness and extra moisture.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• For a vegan option, swap butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
• Make the chai spice mix at home by blending cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.

Storage

Store leftover baked oatmeal covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well — freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular oats instead of steel cut oats?

Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for steel cut oats, but the texture will be softer and the baking time may be slightly shorter. Adjust by checking for doneness around 40-50 minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy, and replace the butter and cream with vegan butter or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

This Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and flavorful breakfast baked dish combining steel cut oats with warm chai spices, toasted pecans, and a hint of vanilla. Baked until golden brown and crispy on top, it’s perfect for a cozy morning and can be served with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, cream, or maple syrup.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats *
• 2/3 cup toasted pecans (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons chai spice mix
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup cream (or sub more milk instead)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 or 10 inch round baking dish or a deep dish pie plate to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the steel cut oats, finely chopped toasted pecans, maple syrup, chai spice mix, salt, and optional raisins. Stir these dry and semi-dry ingredients together thoroughly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, cream, vanilla extract, and melted butter into the dry mixture. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the oatmeal mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the center of the oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the oatmeal is set.
7. Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven. Portion into bowls and serve warm with your choice of toppings such as extra milk, cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Notes

• Steel cut oats give a chewy texture; do not substitute with quick oats unless you adjust cooking time.
• Chai spice mix can be homemade or store-bought, typically containing cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milk and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• To make it vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey (if any) and plant-based dairy alternatives.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
• You can customize toppings with nuts, seeds, or fresh fruits to suit your taste.

Keywords: baked oatmeal, chai spice, breakfast recipe, steel cut oats, vanilla baked oats, pecans, healthy breakfast, cozy recipe