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Creamy Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe with Brown Butter and Candied Pecans

creamy overnight steel cut oats - featured image

A cozy and indulgent breakfast featuring creamy overnight steel cut oats enhanced with nutty brown butter and sweet, crunchy candied pecans. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup steel cut oats (about 150g)
  • 3 cups water (720ml)
  • 1 cup whole milk or dairy alternative (240ml)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 56g)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped (60g)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup steel cut oats with 3 cups cold water. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) to soak.
  2. The next morning, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  3. Add the soaked oats along with any remaining water to the saucepan with the brown butter. Stir in 1 cup whole milk (or dairy alternative), 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until creamy and tender. Add a splash of milk or water if too thick.
  5. While the oats cook, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently until pecans are toasted and sticky with a shiny glaze (4-5 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
  6. Remove oats from heat and let sit covered for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Spoon into bowls and top with candied pecans. Drizzle extra maple syrup or add a splash of milk if desired.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning; it should smell nutty and have small brown flecks. Soaking steel cut oats overnight softens them and reduces cooking time. Candied pecans can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Stir oats occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking but avoid over-stirring to keep creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight oats, steel cut oats, brown butter, candied pecans, creamy oats, easy breakfast, healthy breakfast, gluten-free, dairy-free option