Overnight Oats Candied Pecans (Print Version)

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

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 ground cinnamon
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

14 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup for drizzling
15 - Fresh fruit such as sliced banana or berries, optional

# Recipe Steps:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours.
02 - Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, combine sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
03 - Add pecan halves to the skillet and stir constantly to coat thoroughly with the syrup mixture. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until pecans are golden and evenly coated.
04 - Transfer the candied pecans to the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature until hardened.
05 - Remove the chilled oat mixture from refrigeration. Stir gently and divide evenly between two serving bowls or jars. Top each portion with candied pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh fruit if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You make it the night before, so mornings become genuinely easier instead of just theoretically easier.
  • Those candied pecans are ridiculously good—sweet, crunchy, and they stay crispy for days if you hide them properly.
  • It feels indulgent but is actually packed with protein and fiber, so you stay full way longer than you'd expect.
02 -
  • The texture transforms overnight—what looks soupy when you mix it will be thick and creamy by morning, so don't second-guess yourself and add more milk thinking something went wrong.
  • Candied pecans can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container, which means you can actually prep everything on Sunday and coast through the whole week without thinking.
03 -
  • Stir your oats mixture really thoroughly the night before so the chia seeds distribute evenly instead of all sinking to the bottom like a sediment layer.
  • Watch your pecans like a hawk while they're candying—the difference between perfectly toasted and bitter is literally about thirty seconds, which I learned the way everyone learns everything in cooking, by messing up first.
Go Back