Minimalist Baker

Simple Food, Simply Delicious

  • about
  • recipes
  • Cookbooks
    • Everyday Cooking (print)
  • Shop
  • blogger resources
  • Courses
    • food photography school
    • food video school
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Brown Sugar Pear Steel-Cut Oats

Two bowls of Vegan Brown Sugar Pear Oats with pecans

Pears are kind of gorgeous, no? They’re also delicious. In fact, they were the only fruit besides bananas that I would eat when I was a kid. Thankfully I’ve evolved since then to love almost every other fruit in existence. Fruit: It’s like nature’s candy.

Plate of fresh pears for making a bowl of oats with pears

Cooking Brown Sugar Pears in a skillet

While pears are delicious all on their own, they’re even better browned in a little butter and brown sugar. This makes them tender and gives them a nice sweet, caramelized flavor.

Cooking oats in a saucepan for our Brown Sugar Pear Steel-Cut Oats recipe

Then come the oats! So simple and hearty and delicious and absolutely perfect for cold temps. Personally, few things sound more satisfying to me than a warm bowl of steel cut oats on chilly fall or winter morning. Topped with a layer of brown sugar pears and pecans? Perfection.

Bowls of Brown Sugar Pear Steel-Cut Oats for a delicious vegan breakfast

Bowls of Steel-Cut Oats topped with Caramelized Pears

Not only is this recipe simple and quick – requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish – it’s also customizable. If you’re not into steel cut oats, sub another grain like rolled oats, quinoa or millet. And if pears aren’t your thing, sub apples or even blueberries. Make this bowl your own and enjoy it often this winter. Cheers!

Big bowl of our Brown Sugar Pear Steel-Cut Oats recipe

Print
Bowl of Brown Sugar Pear Steel Cut Oats topped with pecans
4.84 from 6 votes

Brown Sugar Pear Steel Cut Oats

Warm steel-cut oats with brown sugar pears and pecans. A simple vegan breakfast with full servings of fruit, fiber, and protein.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 3/4 cup steel-cut oats (dry // GF for gluten-free eaters)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp butter or olive oil (non-dairy butter for vegan)
  • 2-3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 Bosc pears (peeled, cored, and chopped*)
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

For Topping (optional)

  • Pecans
  • Granola
  • Nut butter

Instructions

  1. Start your oats by bringing water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling add a pinch of salt and then your oats. Swirl to coat then cover and turn heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the oats are tender.

  2. In the meantime, prepare your pears. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil or butter. Once bubbling, add brown sugar and stir. Then immediately add in pears, lemon juice and cinnamon and stir to coat. Cover to steam and soften the pears and cook for 10 or so minutes or until tender and golden brown. Once tender, remove the lid to allow them to caramelize a bit more. Remove from heat.
  3. Divide oats between two bowls (as original recipe is written) and top with equal servings of pears. I also added a few pecans, which added a nice crunch and more protein.

Notes

*For the pears: Any firm pear will do, but Bosc pears are rumored to be best for baking and caramelizing.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without pecans.
*It's recommended to cook steel-cut oats for up to 25 minutes, but I prefer mine a little chewy and only cook them for 15 minutes once I've added them to the boiling water. If you prefer softer oats, continue cooking until the 20- to 25-minute mark.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 2)

  • Calories: 349
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 23mg
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 29g
  • Protein: 5g
instagram camera

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @minimalistbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #minimalistbaker.

FacebookTwitterPin It

49 Comments 7 ingredients or less, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Entree, Fall, Gluten Free, Holiday, Nut-Free, Oil-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

← Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
Warm Roasted Butternut Squash Salad →
Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, creator of Food Photography School and author of Everyday Cooking.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and read more about us here!

Talk About It

(or jump to leave a comment & review)
All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for DeDe says

    November 12, 2013 at 6:18 am

    I’ve never really known, so excuse the ignorance, but what’s the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats? & do you generally prefer steel cut?

    Reply
    • Avatar for DeDe says

      November 15, 2013 at 8:25 pm

      Thank you, Sheila!

      Reply
  2. Avatar for Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and HealthDixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says

    November 12, 2013 at 8:14 am

    brown sugar with pear sounds heavenly.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Brie @ Entrée the GiantBrie @ Entrée the Giant says

    November 12, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Gahhh! This looks so good. I always cheat and use quick oats, but I know I have steel cut somewhere in my pantry. Now I have a reason to go find them – thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for SamanthaSamantha says

    November 12, 2013 at 8:53 am

    Just ,add this for breakfast this morning with rolled oats! I think I like the texture of steel cut oats better but it was still so tasty and indulgent. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Kate @ The Endless PursuitKate @ The Endless Pursuit says

    November 12, 2013 at 9:10 am

    Yes!!! So in love with pears this fall. Oatmeal/steel oats are such the perfect breakfast, never thought to put this combo together. I might have to try caramelizing the pecans too…

    Reply
  6. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    November 12, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I will definitely be trying this soon – a great change from my usual apple or banana oatmeal. I love pears!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Lauren @ Sassy MolassyLauren @ Sassy Molassy says

    November 12, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    This looks amazing. I might just need to run to the store and pick up some pears! Perfect for fall.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    November 12, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    Sounds wonderful for a chilly morning!

    xo Jennifer

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Abbie @ Needs SaltAbbie @ Needs Salt says

    November 12, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    These bowls are so perfect for fall. Cold temperatures really make you crave warm winter fruit and oats. This recipe is so beautifully done.
    Pinned!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Katrina @ Warm Vanilla SugarKatrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says

    November 12, 2013 at 4:38 pm

    Totally agree, pears ARE gorgeous! And so is this oatmeal!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Rochelle @ Oh So Sweet BakerRochelle @ Oh So Sweet Baker says

    November 12, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    Im not usually a fan of oats, but your beautiful photography and those slightly caramelised pears are wanting me to try this.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Two Red BowlsTwo Red Bowls says

    November 12, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    Mm, fantastic. I have some poached pears that I made a few weeks ago that are frozen in my fridge — I may have just found a use for them. Thanks so much for posting this!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Vicki @ WITKVicki @ WITK says

    November 12, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    This breakfast looks beautiful and delicious. Thanks so much for sharing, I’m always looking for new toppings for my steel cut oats.

    <3 Vicki
    wildeinthekitchen.blogspot.com

    Reply
  14. Avatar for EllenEllen says

    November 13, 2013 at 2:32 am

    This looks so lovely and homey. I am a nut for oatmeal but I do need to delve into the steel cut kind!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KaraKara says

    November 13, 2013 at 8:39 am

    Just made this for breakfast and it is SO good! I used apples instead of pears as I didn’t have any but it’s still delicious. And very filling too!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for NimbusNimbus says

    November 13, 2013 at 8:59 am

    Looks beautiful! But how are you cooking steel cut oats un 10 minutes?? Every carton I’ve ever bought has suggested 25-30.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      November 13, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Good question! I just like mine kind of chewy! And really, I’ve been cooking oats most mornings for a while now and have found that at most they take 15 minutes once your water is boiling. BUT, if you prefer them softer definitely continue cooking until the 20-25 minute mark. I’ll add that in the notes!

      Reply
      • Avatar for Aura LeaAura Lea says

        October 12, 2017 at 11:36 am

        Ha! I just found and purchased quick cook steel cut oats, you only have to boil for 5 minutes! I can’t really get used to the texture versus whole oats though. Absolutely delicious, love me some pear anything!

        Reply
  17. Avatar for Amanda @ Once Upon a RecipeAmanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says

    November 13, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Sounds like a perfect breakfast for all of the cold Winter mornings ahead!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Ana FernandezAna Fernandez says

    November 13, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Yum! This sounds super great! Btw your pics for this post are super amazing!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      November 13, 2013 at 7:01 pm

      Thanks, Ana!

      Reply
  19. Avatar for Alexe @ Keys to the CucinaAlexe @ Keys to the Cucina says

    November 13, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Ooh this looks amazing- perfect for a cold weather day here in DC!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for stephaniestephanie says

    November 13, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Can you make a big serving of these bears and refrigerate them? I’m wondering how long they’d last

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      November 13, 2013 at 7:00 pm

      Stephanie, I think you could though I haven’t tried it myself. If you made a big batch they’d keep in the fridge for several days. Then just reheat with almond milk or more water in the microwave. And store the pears separate :D Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Avatar for No Fan of FruitNo Fan of Fruit says

        December 21, 2018 at 11:00 am

        I make big batches then use my vacuum sealer to bag the leftovers. Then I freeze those and take out one bag each week. It would last months, but I eat w/ in weeks.

        Reply
  21. Avatar for Jenny @ BAKEJenny @ BAKE says

    November 14, 2013 at 1:41 am

    Your photos are beautiful! I tried to photograph porridge a couple of weeks ago and found it impossible! this recipe sounds delicious I love the sound of the different textures (and flavours) of the pears and oats together.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Kari HaliwKari Haliw says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    My new favorite breakfast. It’s so tasty, and I like that the fruit can be changed easily. Pears and apples worked great. I can’t wait to try blueberries. I’ve even added a little corriander to the mixture. I also like that if I have leftovers, they warm up nicely the next morning. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Avatar for JuneJune says

      October 23, 2014 at 7:17 am

      Coriander or cardamom????? Can’t imagine this with coriander.

      Reply
  23. Avatar for The Vegetarian TouristThe Vegetarian Tourist says

    February 4, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    I can’t wait to try this recipe!!! I am totally obsessed with pears and this sounds delicious and healthy. Your blog and pictures are amazing. Keep up the great work.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 4, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy this recipe. It’s one of my faves – so cozy and comforting :D

      Reply
  24. Avatar for CurroCurro says

    July 19, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    Thank you!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for sBakessBakes says

    October 23, 2014 at 7:24 am

    So yummy and flavorful!! I was looking for a way to use up some pears before they went bad and am so glad I found this recipe. I used one pear and less butter and brown sugar, and it was still packed with tons of flavor. I also chopped up the pear into smaller bits which allowed it to go further when stirred into the oatmeal, so I got yummy goodness in every bite. This just might be my favorite way to eat oatmeal!!!!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Ione FriendIone Friend says

    November 4, 2014 at 9:54 am

    I have a question about the White Rice Flour, before it had white rice starch on it. How am I suppose to know if this is the same product I am used to using in my bread recipe. If it is just flour it will not work. I have been on this site for over an hour and I do not see where to send questions to. I am not happy!!! Ione Friend.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for LeishaLeisha says

    December 20, 2014 at 7:49 am

    Delicious! I used apples and rolled oats instead since that’s what I had at the time. Turned out great ☺

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 22, 2014 at 5:04 pm

      Love it! Thanks for sharing, Leisha!

      Reply
  28. Avatar for Deb johnsDeb johns says

    August 11, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    I’ve just discovered ground cardamom in my oats, and it is fabulous! Would be so nice with these pears!!!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for LeeLee says

    September 9, 2015 at 9:07 am

    This sounds great – I never thought of pears in oatmeal – I love oatmeal year round – blueberries, strawberries and banana, but will try the harder fruit now! Cinnamon and crushed walnuts – maple syrup works nice too!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for KimberlyKimberly says

    October 24, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    Just discovered this recipe and going to make it first thing in the morning! I’m not as familiar with cooking steel-cut oats … I like to make my oats with coconut or almond milk for the extra protein. Can I substitute a milk product for water when cooking the oats? Or does something bad happen? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 30, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      You can just use water!

      Reply
  31. Avatar for DebbieDebbie says

    January 25, 2016 at 8:54 am

    Pinned, made, and decided this is one our favorite oatmeal recipes ever! I used almond milk and topped w/toasted pecans. So delicious!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for AmaniAmani says

    July 11, 2017 at 9:38 am

    Amazing

    Reply
  33. Avatar for RachaelRachael says

    November 9, 2017 at 7:57 am

    This looks incredible, and easy to make ahead of time for busy mornings; let the oats sit overnight and prepare the pears the night before, then top in the morning and reheat. I will add a touch of cardamom to the spices.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for CindyCindy says

    May 20, 2018 at 7:23 am

    Delicious! I had 3 bosc pears to use up and was looking for a breakfast recipe. I had everything else on hand (except pecans?) so this was perfect to try. Definitely a keeper! Usually I do a milk/water mix with the oats but not needed here as the sweetness of the pears worked well with the plain-ness of the oats.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      May 20, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      Yay! Thanks for sharing your changes, Cindy!

      Reply
  35. Avatar for Heather Gerhardt-CampbellHeather Gerhardt-Campbell says

    October 16, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Delicious! I used 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar, but next time I am going to try it with only 1 to make it a little healthier. Thanks!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for snoCooksnoCook says

    October 23, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    This recipe is now several years old. I assume (from other places in your blog) that if you have the time you would soak the steel-cut oats first, like overnight?

    The pears sound delicious, especially since I am discovering this in the Fall.

    Reply
  37. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    November 9, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    This is just heavenly! I made it this morning for visiting family, and it was a delicious hit. I threw in some almonds as well, and served it with mugs of your new golden milk recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for No Fan of FruitNo Fan of Fruit says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:57 am

    You like this recipe because you like fruit. I enjoyed it because I dislike fruit. Someone gave me a bunch of pears for Christmas, & I didn’t want them to go to waste. So I modified this recipe a bit so that I could make it in my Instant Pot. It was fiberliciously good and the brown sugar/butter made the pears into an edible form of fruit. (-:

    Reply

Leave a Comment & Rating Cancel reply

mb

Hello! We share plant-based recipes requiring 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minutes or less to prepare. All eaters are welcome.
About Minimalist Baker→
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

subscribe for email updates

Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

©Minimalistbaker.com Terms Privacy Blogger Resources