Name: Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Muffins: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy breakfast treat, look no further than these Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping. Packed with hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and a sweet, nutty crunch, these muffins strike the perfect balance between rustic comfort and irresistible indulgence. Their moist crumb, thanks to buttermilk and brown sugar, paired with that buttery, crunchy pecan topping makes them a showstopper whether you’re serving brunch guests or just need a special pick-me-up with your morning coffee.

Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great muffins begin with great basics! Each ingredient in these Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping is simple, but together they create unbeatable flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Get ready to love how effortlessly this deliciousness comes together.

All-purpose flour: The base for both muffin and streusel, it creates the perfect structure and softness.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: These add heartiness and a chewy bite, making the muffins extra satisfying.
Light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens every bite while lending moistness and a subtle caramel note.
Baking powder + Baking soda: This dynamic duo gives your muffins the lift and tender crumb we all crave.
Salt: Just a little boosts every other flavor, so don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, warming spice that ties everything together beautifully.
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Ensures a rich, buttery crumb while making it easy to mix.
Buttermilk: Acts as the secret weapon for ultimate moisture and that classic, slight tang.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the muffins wonderful structure.
Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth and enhances every other flavor.
Pecans, chopped: Toasted or plain, their nutty crunch makes the streusel topping unforgettable.
All-purpose flour (for streusel): Helps bind the topping and adds a crumbly texture.
Light brown sugar (for streusel): Creates the sweet, caramelized nature of the topping.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel): Ensures a crumbly, bakery-style finish for the topping.
Ground cinnamon (for streusel): Reinforces that warm spice in every bite of the topping.

How to Make Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything bakes up golden and even. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners—this makes cleanup a breeze and gives the muffins that classic bakery look.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This not only combines everything thoroughly but also helps break up any brown sugar clumps, promising even sweetness in every muffin.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth. This little bit of whisking action is what makes the muffins so incredibly tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mixture, and gently fold everything together just until combined. Don’t overmix—those small streaks of flour will vanish as the muffins bake, resulting in a tender, airy crumb.

Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping

To create the dreamy topping that makes these Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping extra special, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with your fingers or a fork, keeping some larger crumbly pieces for maximum crunch.

Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin tin wells. Sprinkle a generous handful of that gorgeous pecan streusel topping over each muffin, gently pressing it onto the batter so it sticks during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the sweetest, toastiest aromas! Once a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack—if you can resist digging in right away!

How to Serve Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping

Garnishes

A light drizzle of honey, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side really makes these Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping feel bakery-fancy. You can even crown them with a few extra toasted pecans for an irresistible crunch right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with fresh seasonal fruit, a steaming mug of coffee, or soft scrambled eggs for a cozy, well-rounded breakfast. Their hearty oat and nut elements also make them perfect alongside a frothy chai or a tangy fruit smoothie for snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for brunch, tucking in some fresh berries for color. For a grab-and-go breakfast, wrap each muffin in parchment and tie with twine—they’ll look irresistibly homemade and ready to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any extra muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, and the streusel keeps its crunchy appeal best if not exposed to humidity.

Freezing

For longer storage, tuck your Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months—just make sure they’re completely cool before freezing for the best texture when you thaw them out.

Reheating

To enjoy a muffin as if it’s fresh from the oven, simply warm it in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. The streusel will crisp up, and the flavors will shine all over again.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, and you’ll be all set.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No worries! Simply add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of regular milk, stir, and let it sit for five minutes. You’ll have an easy homemade substitute ready to go.

How do I toast pecans for extra flavor?

Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking once to prevent burning. The nutty aroma will let you know they’re ready—just let them cool before adding to your streusel!

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats give a hearty texture, but in a pinch, you can use quick oats. The texture will be slightly softer, but the muffins will still be delicious and satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep the streusel crunchy?

Let your Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping cool completely before storing. If you live in a humid climate, a quick refresh in the oven will help bring back that delightful crunch to the topping.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping enough—they’re that treat you’ll crave all year long. Their texture, flavor, and irresistible aroma make them perfect to bake and share, so give them a try and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to muffin recipe!

Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Oat Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping are a delightful breakfast treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with a crunchy, sweet topping. Perfect for a cozy morning at home or a grab-and-go snack!

Ingredients

Muffins:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Prepare the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Make the streusel topping: Combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Bake the muffins: Divide the batter among the muffin cups, sprinkle with streusel topping, and bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.