Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier. Set aside.

Step 2: Toast Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

For maximum flavor, toast your pecans first. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheating oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and slightly darker. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly! Let cool slightly, then roughly chop. Reserve about ½ cup of the prettiest pieces for topping, and set the rest aside for mixing into the oatmeal. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use raw pecans.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. Whisk vigorously to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats. Add 1 cup of the chopped pecans (reserving ½ cup for topping) and stir to distribute them evenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the oats are moistened and everything is evenly combined. The mixture will look quite liquid—this is perfect! The oats will absorb the liquid as they bake.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the oat mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners, ensuring an even thickness throughout. Smooth the top gently.

Step 7: Add Topping

Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top. For extra indulgence, mix ¼ cup brown sugar with 2 tablespoons melted butter and drizzle this over the pecans. This creates a delicious, slightly caramelized topping reminiscent of actual pecan pie.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, and the edges are pulling slightly away from the sides of the pan. The oatmeal will still jiggle slightly in the center when you shake the pan, but it will firm up as it cools.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the baked oatmeal rest for 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows it to set properly so you can cut clean slices. Serve warm, drizzled with pure maple syrup and topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream if desired.