I came up with these Sticky-Bun Baked Oats on a chilly weekend morning when I was craving the gooey, sweet warmth of a cinnamon roll but didn’t feel like spending hours proofing dough and waiting around the kitchen and I thought why not take those same cozy flavors and bake them right into my oats. The first time I pulled this dish out of the oven the sweet smell of cinnamon and pecans made the whole kitchen feel like a bakery and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

What I adore most about these Sticky-Bun Baked Oats is how they turn an everyday breakfast into something that feels totally indulgent and comforting while still being simple and nourishing and the combination of caramel-like drizzles, crunchy pecans, and warm spices makes every spoonful taste like a treat you’d order at your favorite brunch spot but even better because you made it at home.
Ingredients
- Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
- Rolled oats – The hearty, chewy base that soaks up all the flavors.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy) – Keeps the oats moist and creamy.
- Maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and that sticky, caramel-like touch.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds protein.
- Cinnamon – Brings warmth and that classic sticky-bun spice.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the sweet, cozy flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps the oats puff up slightly when baked.
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- Chopped pecans – Add crunch and nutty sweetness.
- Extra maple syrup or caramel sauce – For drizzling on top.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – To combine all your oat mixture smoothly.
- Whisk – Helps blend the wet ingredients evenly.
- Baking dish or ramekins – Perfect for baking and serving.
- Spatula or spoon – To mix and transfer the oats.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate mixing every time.

Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F so it’s ready when I finish mixing.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
I whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
I stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and about half of the chopped pecans so they’re evenly distributed.
Step 4: Transfer to baking dish
I pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or individual ramekins and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the oats
I bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the oats are set and golden around the edges.
Step 6: Add toppings
When it’s done, I drizzle extra maple syrup or caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle on the remaining pecans for that sticky, nutty finish.
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If you want an even richer flavor, I suggest adding a dollop of cream cheese or a swirl of almond butter before baking. You can also mix in raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness. And if you prefer a softer texture, just add a splash more milk before baking.
Ways to Serve
I love enjoying these oats warm right out of the oven, but they’re also great topped with yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy. You can also prep them ahead and enjoy throughout the week for an easy, comforting breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sticky-Bun Baked Oats vegan?
Yes! Just swap the egg for a flax egg and use non-dairy milk.
Can I prepare Sticky-Bun Baked Oats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them the night before and reheat in the morning.
Can I freeze Sticky-Bun Baked Oats?
Definitely. Let them cool completely, then freeze individual portions to grab and reheat later.
See You in the Kitchen
I hope you give these Sticky-Bun Baked Oats a try! They’re one of my favorite ways to bring cozy, bakery-style sweetness to the morning without any hassle, and I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Please leave a comment or share your creations with me! And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to save it for your next cozy breakfast craving.
Happy Cooking!
Print
Sticky-Bun Baked Oats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for the best baked oats recipe? This one is easy, quick, and so comforting! Perfect for simple breakfast ideas or healthy meal prep, these sticky bun baked oats are the best. With warm cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and sweet drizzles, it feels like dessert for breakfast. Save this easy recipe for cozy mornings!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- Extra maple syrup or caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and half the pecans.
- Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until set and golden.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup or caramel and sprinkle remaining pecans before serving.
Notes
- Add cream cheese or almond butter for extra richness.
- Mix in raisins or dates for more sweetness.
- Add more milk if you like a softer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American