Creamy, cozy, and packed with 33 grams of protein, this Pecan Oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat. With chewy oats, toasted pecans, and hints of vanilla and maple, every bite is warm, fueling, and exactly what you want on a chilly morning.
Skip the protein powder but still enjoy the perks of a high-protein breakfast with these cozy oats (learn more about how to increase your daily protein). This pecan protein oatmeal not only helps you feel full and satisfied, but also delivers the energy you need to tackle busy mornings, especially when you’ve got kids pulling you in every direction.
This maple pecan oatmeal is perfect for a chilly fall weekend when you can truly savor every spoonful, but I often prep it ahead as part of my meal prep breakfasts. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it's as indulgent as it is functional, just like my caramel apple overnight oats.
Why You'll Love The Recipe
Post-workout recovery: Since the maple pecan oatmeal is packed with protein, it makes for a great post-workout meal.
Rich and creamy: The perfect way to stay warm all day, this oatmeal is swirled with maple cinnamon flavor, and kids love it.
Easy to make: Made in about 20 minutes, this recipe can be used as a school morning breakfast or a lazier Sunday meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
Even though this maple pecan oatmeal recipe is high in protein, you can bypass the protein powder here! Instead, raid your gluten-free pantry for the staples and whip this up!
- Regular gluten-free oats: Don't use quick oats for this high-protein pecan pie oatmeal, as they won't hold their texture as well. And if you need it to be, double-check that you're using certified gluten-free oats.
- Chia seeds: These little seeds are a wonderful burst of omega fatty acids and one of the foods I think all toddlers should have in their diet. If you don't have them on hand, you'll want to scale back the liquid in the oatmeal a bit or boil it down 1-2 minutes longer.
- Almond milk: Any plant-based milk will work in the recipe. We use homemade hemp milk the most, though.
- Collagen powder: The cleanest source of protein and one of the top ways to add protein to oatmeal. Collagen powder is what gives this pecan pie oatmeal recipe its "high protein" title while allowing you to skip the protein powder. Learn more about the difference between collagen powder and protein powder, and know that you cannot substitute a vegan protein powder here.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations and Toppings
Caramel: Add an extra dose of indulgence by topping the pecan pie protein oatmeal with dairy-free caramel sauce with coconut milk.
Mix-ins: Swirl almond butter, chocolate chips, or apple chunks into the oatmeal for new tastes.
How To Make Pecan Oatmeal
Step 1: Toast the shredded coconut in the oven until golden.
Step 2: In a small pot, mix together all the ingredients except the protein and heat until a rolling boil develops. Stir frequently.
Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in the collagen powder continuously until no clumps remain.
Step 4: Mix in the toasted chopped pecans and coconut. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken and then portion into bowls.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Expert Tips
Keep an eye on the pecans and the coconut when toasting them. They brown quickly, and you don't want them to burn.
Mix the collagen powder in quickly. Taking a pause after you pour it will cause it to clump.
Though coconut milk is a great addition, it shouldn't replace almond milk completely. Otherwise, the maple pecan oatmeal will be too rich.
Stir the oatmeal frequently while it's on the element and keep the heat at medium or lower so that it doesn't burn.
Make sure to measure the chia seeds evenly. Because chia seeds absorb so much liquid, adding more to the mixture will alter the consistency.
You cannot use protein powder in place of collagen powder.
I have not tried making this into a baked oatmeal recipe. If you're looking for a make-ahead breakfast, baked oatmeal, try these peanut butter baked oats or chocolate baked oatmeal.
Pecan Oatmeal FAQs
Yes! You can make the maple pecan oatmeal ahead of time, store in the fridge, and reheat it. When reheating, just add a splash of almond milk (about ⅓ cup) and heat on low. this will help keep the high-protein oatmeal creamy.
Oatmeal itself is a great food, but can be very high in calories and carbohydrates. Depending on your personal goals, use this oatmeal as a post-workout snack or opt to have it only a couple of times per week on higher training days to help refuel your muscles.
Pecans add a delicious nutty flavor and added crunch to oatmeal. This is especially true if the oatmeal is flavored with maple syrup or cinnamon.
Know that adding protein to oatmeal will vary the flavor and texture based on the protein you choose. Beef protein pwoder, whey, and collagen powder tend to be better added to oatmeal as they don't absorb as much liquid.
More High Protein Oatmeal Recipes
- High protein granola
- Blueberry protein muffins
- Chocolate chip granola
- Espresso protein overnight oats
- Paleo morning glory muffins with zucchini
- Easy granola bars
- Flourless peanut butter protein muffins
- The BEST dairy-free gluten-free brownies
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- Crunchy granola
- Sugar-free granola
- Fudgy protein brownies
- Chocolate chip granola bars
- High protein cookies
- High protein snack recipes
High Protein Pecan Pie Oatmeal
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cups oats gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 ¼ cups almond milk unsweetened
- 3 dates chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup Collagen Powder
- ¼ cup pecans chopped
- 3 tablespoons coconut unsweetened, shredded
Instructions
- Combine the first seven ingredients in a small pot and mix well.
- Heat on the stove at medium-high until a boil just begins.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let cook for 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, toast the coconut and pecans in the oven at 300 for 6-8 minutes or until just turning brown.
- Turn off the element but leave the pot on it and mix in the collagen powder until no clumps remain.
- Let sit on the element for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly. Mix in the pecans and coconut and serve.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the pecans and coconut when toasting them. it browns quickly and you don't want them to burn.
- Mix the collagen powder in quickly. Taking a pause after you pour it will cause it to clump.
- Though coconut milk is a great addition, it shouldn't replace almond milk completely. Otherwise, the maple pecan oatmeal will be too rich.
- Stir the oatmeal frequently while it's on the element and keep the heat at medium or lower so that it doesn't burn.
- You cannot use protein powder in place of collagen powder.
- I have not made this into a maple baked oatmeal and so, am unsure if it would work.
- Beef protein powder: My personal favorite. If you use Equip protein, the maple oatmealwill be sweeter but thicker. If you use Paleo Pro Protein, the oatmeal is as close to natural as it gets. Code "mamabear" on both will save you some money.
- Vegan protein powder: If you're using a pea-based protein powder, the soats will have a thicker texture, and if using a fermented protein, you'll probably have to add extra liquid. Vegan proteins aren't always sweet, so adjust the smoothie shake as needed.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Carol says
This is a fantastic choice for a healthy breakfast and YES to high-protein snacks! I look forward to my morning breakfast because of this pecan pie oatmeal. Great recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Haha protein snacks are where it's at!
Terry says
I am on the lookout for high-protein meals that my dad will eat after his stroke. He can only have pureed foods so, I made the recipe as written, ate half for myself, and threw the other in the blender for him. He loved it and so did I. Thanks for the great recipe.
fitasamamabear says
That's so clever! Super happy it worked for him.
Sheryl says
I can't believe this oatmeal is dairy-free; it's so creamy and satisfying. The maple pecan topping adds the perfect crunch.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Connie says
I love pecan pie so naturally I had to try this oatmeal recipe. It was easy to make, had good flavor, and the texture was good on it as well. I would definitely make it again.
fitasamamabear says
It's such a comforting breakfast.
Juls says
This reminded me of those brown sugar oatmeal packets but in a much more delicious and adult package! Love the taste and the added boost of protein. kept me full for hours.
fitasamamabear says
Haha I used to love those as a kid!
Runcanvas says
Looks so yummy! Great pics too
fitasamamabear says
Thanks so much! It's a decadent one 🙂
amanda says
Sounds delicious! It's hard to be gluten free and find recipes that turn out really well, but I'm going to try this one for sure.
fitasamamabear says
It can definitely be tricky on the GF front because a lot of recipes end up chalky or just odd.. this one is pretty decadent though so I hope you enjoy it!
Sincerely Ophelia says
How do you come up with all these amazing recipes! You had my heart at oatmeal and gluten free!
Sincerely,
Ophelia
NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
fitasamamabear says
Haha it's really just stuff I make! This oatmeal is amazing so enjoy!
Christie Moeller says
YUM! Pinned and going to make!
xoxo Christie
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for sharing Christie! It's a super tasty recipe so enjoy it!
Patricia says
Seems yummy! I usually don't eat a lot for breakfast, but this recipe would be great for me if I have a busy morning where I need a lot of energy!
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty one! I've made it the night before and reheated in the am too- still tastes great!