Overnight Oats Recipe with Caramelized Pineapple & Pecans – Easy Breakfast

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Overnight Oats Recipe with Caramelized Pineapple & Pecans – Easy Breakfast

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and rushing out the door, a healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside. But I’ve found the perfect solution: overnight oats! This recipe for Overnight Oats with Caramelized Pineapple & Pecans is a total game-changer. It’s quick to prep the night before, tastes absolutely divine, and keeps you full and energized all morning long. I first made this when I was craving something a little special for breakfast, and it’s been a staple ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This isn’t your average boring oatmeal. The caramelized pineapple adds a burst of tropical sweetness, the pecans give a lovely crunch, and the cinnamon ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s super customizable – I’ll share some fun variations later! It’s a healthy, delicious, and incredibly convenient way to start your day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful breakfast:

• ¾ cup milk (about 180ml)
• ¼ cup rolled oats (about 30g)
• 1 tbsp raw sugar (about 12g)
• 2 pineapple slices
• 5-6 pecans
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (about 0.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Rolled Oats – Types & Benefits

I prefer using rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) for this recipe. They have a lovely texture and hold their shape well. Quick-cooking oats will work in a pinch, but they’ll result in a softer, mushier texture. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended as they don’t soften enough overnight. Rolled oats are also a fantastic source of fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Raw Sugar – Alternatives

Raw sugar adds a lovely molasses-like flavour, but you can easily substitute it with other sweeteners. Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even maple syrup (about 1-2 teaspoons) work beautifully. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can even use a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting to your taste.

Pineapple – Ripeness & Varieties

A ripe pineapple is key for that perfect caramelized sweetness! Look for a pineapple that smells fragrant and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Any variety will work – I usually use the Hawaiian Gold or Smooth Cayenne. If you’re using canned pineapple, make sure it’s drained well.

Pecans – Toasting for Flavor

Don’t skip toasting the pecans! It really brings out their flavour and adds a wonderful depth to the recipe. Just a minute or two in a dry pan is all it takes. You can also toast them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, prepping!). It’s so easy, you’ll be surprised.

1. First, in a jar or container with a lid, combine the milk, rolled oats, and raw sugar. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed well.
2. Now, seal the container and pop it into the refrigerator overnight – or for at least 4-6 hours. This allows the oats to soften and absorb all that lovely flavour.
3. The next morning, heat a pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the raw sugar on one side of the pineapple slices.
4. Place the sugar-side down on the hot pan and caramelize for about 30 seconds, until golden brown and bubbly. Repeat on the other side.
5. In the same pan, toast the crushed pecans for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them – they burn easily!
6. Finally, layer the overnight oats in a bowl. Top with the caramelized pineapple, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• For extra creamy oats, use a little more milk.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when caramelizing the pineapple – work in batches if necessary.
• If you don’t have time to toast the pecans, you can use them raw, but toasting really elevates the flavour.
• A pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the caramelized pineapple.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Simply substitute the milk with your favourite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work wonderfully.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.

Spice Level – Adding a Pinch of Nutmeg

My grandmother always added a tiny pinch of nutmeg to her oatmeal. It adds a warm, comforting flavour that’s perfect for colder mornings.

Festival Adaptation – Festive Breakfast for Diwali/Christmas

During Diwali, I love adding a sprinkle of cardamom and chopped pistachios for a festive touch. For Christmas, a dash of ginger and cranberries are divine!

Serving Suggestions

This overnight oats recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt. A cup of chai or masala coffee makes the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

You can store the overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The caramelized pineapple is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it separately for up to 2 days.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any milk you like – cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk… the possibilities are endless!

Can I prepare this recipe without raw sugar?

Yes, you can! Brown sugar, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute will work just fine.

How do I know when the pineapple is properly caramelized?

The pineapple is caramelized when it’s golden brown and bubbly, and the sugar has melted and formed a slightly sticky coating.

Can I add other fruits to this overnight oats recipe?

Definitely! Berries, bananas, mangoes, and peaches all pair beautifully with overnight oats.

How long can I store the overnight oats in the refrigerator?

You can store the overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.