Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, you’re in for a real delight with this Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping Recipe. These muffins bring together the wholesome nuttiness of toasted oats, the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, and a crunchy pecan crumble topping that adds just the right amount of texture to every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, these muffins deliver comforting flavors wrapped in a beautifully moist crumb that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible muffins. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and moisture, ensuring every bite is absolute perfection.

• Butter (2 tablespoons + 6 tablespoons melted + 4 tablespoons melted): Adds rich moisture and helps toast the oats for enhanced flavor.
• Old-fashioned oats (2 cups + ½ cup for topping): Toasted oats give nuttiness and a hearty texture throughout the muffin.
• All-purpose flour (1¾ cups + ⅓ cup for topping): The backbone of the muffin’s structure and crumb.
• Salt (1½ teaspoons + pinch for topping): Enhances all the sweet and nutty notes beautifully.
• Baking powder (¾ teaspoon): Provides the lift to make these muffins nice and tender.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with baking powder to achieve the perfect rise.
• Light brown sugar (1⅓ cups + ⅓ cup packed for topping): Adds sweet molasses undertones and moisture complexity.
• Milk (1¾ cup): Keeps the batter moist and helps bind the ingredients.
• Large eggs (2): Give the muffins structure and richness.
• Toasted chopped pecans (⅓ cup for topping): Add crunch and a buttery nutty flavor that complements the oats.
• Ground cinnamon (1¼ teaspoons for topping): The signature spice that ties everything together with warmth.

How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Oats

Start by warming 2 cups of old-fashioned oats with 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toasting the oats slowly brings out their nutty aroma and golden color. Be sure to stir frequently for about eight minutes so they don’t burn — this step sets the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Prepare the Oat Flour

Once toasted, transfer the oats to a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds until the oats look like coarse meal. This oat flour mix will infuse the muffins with texture and heartiness you won’t find in ordinary recipes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the oat flour in the processor. Pulse a few more times to mix everything evenly. This mix ensures the muffins will rise while keeping plenty of oat goodness.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 1⅓ cups of light brown sugar with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until smooth. Next, add 1¾ cups of milk and the two eggs, mixing gently but thoroughly. Then gradually incorporate the oat-flour mixture and whisk again until everything just comes together. Letting the batter rest for 20 minutes allows the oat flour to fully absorb moisture, making the muffins tender and moist.

Step 5: Make the Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping

While the batter rests, whip up the crumble topping by combining ½ cup oats, ⅓ cup flour, ⅓ cup toasted chopped pecans, 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon, 4 tablespoons melted butter, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This topping brings a perfect crunchy, cinnamon-spiced finish to each muffin.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Add Topping

Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray containing flour. Use a large half-cup scoop to fill each muffin cup completely with batter. Then sprinkle about two tablespoons of the pecan oat crumble topping evenly over each muffin, giving them a beautiful, golden crunch when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of cinnamon, oats, and pecans will invite everyone to the kitchen. Remove muffins from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before carefully taking them out of the pan. Let them cool an additional 20-30 minutes so the texture settles perfectly.

How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra hint of sweetness and sparkle. A small dollop of honey butter or a smear of cream cheese pairs beautifully, enhancing the warm cinnamon notes without overpowering the natural oat flavor.

Side Dishes

These muffins are absolutely delicious on their own but make a winning breakfast duo with fresh fruit like sliced apples, berries, or a citrus salad. For a heartier morning, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced start.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these muffins warm in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy gathering. For brunch, plate them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted pecans on the side. They also make charming individual gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine — perfect for sharing the love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and softness. Keeping them away from direct sunlight will preserve their delightful texture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, place cooled muffins in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. They thaw quickly at room temperature, making them an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack option during busy weeks.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated muffins by popping them in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes or microwaving for about 20 seconds. This refreshes their texture and brings back that freshly baked aroma that makes your kitchen sing.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats lack the same texture and heartiness as old-fashioned oats, so using them will result in a softer, less substantial muffin. For the best crumb and topping crunch, stick with old-fashioned oats.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I make the topping nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans and replace them with additional oats or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch. The cinnamon and brown sugar crumble will still provide excellent flavor and texture.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your muffins are perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.

Can these muffins be made vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, swap butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and choose a plant-based milk. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with Pecan and Oat Crumble Topping Recipe have quickly become a cherished favorite in my kitchen, and I hope they will be in yours too. The wholesome oats, crunchy pecans, and warm cinnamon make every bite feel like a small celebration. Go ahead and try this recipe soon — it’s a wonderful way to brighten your mornings and share a deliciously comforting moment with those you care about.

Print