Name: Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; ¼ cup (78g) pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses; 1 ¾ cups (420g) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups (225g) old fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 medium ripe bartlett pear (or apple), diced (about ¾ cup diced pears); 1 tablespoon reserved brown butter (from above); ½ cup (52g) powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons milk of choice, to thin glaze; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 68 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe. These delightful little cups combine the hearty richness of rolled oats with the spicy, comforting flavors of gingerbread, all topped off with a luscious salted brown butter glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Perfect for chilly mornings or any time you want a wholesome snack that tastes like a festive celebration, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with oatmeal and small light yellow and green cubes of pear mixed in, the oatmeal has a slightly soaked texture with some liquid around the edges and a brownish sprinkle, likely cinnamon, on top. A wooden spoon with a light handle rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface scattered with oat flakes, with a whole yellow and green pear at the top left. To the bottom left is a wooden board with more cubed pear pieces and a knife with a wooden handle. A beige cloth is loosely placed on the right side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make these Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe shine, you only need simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in the final flavor and texture. From warm spices to creamy milk and the perfect balance of sweetness, every element is essential to create that perfect cozy bite.

Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides a rich, creamy base and the key flavors for the brown butter glaze.
Large eggs (2): Acts as a binder to hold the oatmeal cups together while giving them a tender texture.
Pure maple syrup (¼ cup): Adds natural sweetness and depth with its complex flavor notes.
Blackstrap molasses (3 tablespoons): Brings that unmistakable gingerbread molasses tang and dark caramel flavor.
Unsweetened almond milk (1 ¾ cups): Keeps the cups moist and dairy-free, but any milk works just as well.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
Old fashioned rolled oats (2 ½ cups): The hearty heart of the dish, providing great texture and fiber.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift to keep the cups light and fluffy.
Ground ginger (1 ½ teaspoons): The star spice that gives the gingerbread experience its signature zing.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complements the ginger perfectly.
Allspice (½ teaspoon): Brings subtle nuance, rounding out the spice blend beautifully.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors.
Bartlett pear or apple, diced (optional – ¾ cup): Provides a juicy burst and natural sweetness for an extra fresh touch.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the glaze delicately without graininess.
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling): The finishing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sweet glaze.

How to Make Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as it foams and turns a beautiful golden brown with nutty aromas—this is the magic that deepens the flavor of both your oatmeal cups and the glaze. Once browned, reserve one tablespoon of the butter for the glaze and set the rest aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pure maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, almond milk, vanilla extract, and the cooled browned butter. Mixing these ingredients well ensures your oatmeal cups will be moist and filled with rich, complex flavors that make the spices pop.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and kosher salt. This vibrant blend of spices is what makes the Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe so special—it captures the soul of gingerbread with every bite.

Step 4: Combine and Add Optional Fruit

Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients, folding gently to combine. If you’re using diced pears or apples, fold them in now—they add a lovely juicy sweetness and a bit of texture contrast that is irresistible.

Step 5: Bake the Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Spoon the mixture evenly into the cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are set and golden but still a little soft to the touch—perfection awaits!

Step 6: Prepare the Salted Brown Butter Glaze

While the oatmeal cups are baking, whisk together the reserved tablespoon of brown butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth and pourable. This glaze will bring a buttery sweetness balanced by a hint of salt, perfectly complementing the spicy oatmeal cups.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once your oatmeal cups are slightly cooled, drizzle the salted brown butter glaze generously on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty finish.

How to Serve Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe

The image shows a metal muffin tray with twelve cups, each filled with a mixture of oats and small greenish-yellow pear pieces. The oats look soft and slightly wet, creating a crumbly texture. Pear chunks are scattered evenly in each cup, giving a mix of light green and pale yellow colors. The tray rests on a white marbled surface with some oats and pear bits scattered around. A whole pear with a yellow-green skin is placed to the left of the tray, and a beige cloth is partially visible on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these oatmeal cups, consider topping them with a dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans for crunch. A few fresh pear slices or a dollop of yogurt can also add a fresh contrast that feels bright and decadent.

Side Dishes

These cups pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a frothy latte, making your breakfast or snack feel like a cozy café moment at home. You could also serve alongside a small bowl of fresh fruit or a crunchy green salad if you’re brunching.

Creative Ways to Present

Break out the fancy plates and arrange the oatmeal cups in a circle with the glaze dripping enticingly down the sides. Drizzle extra glaze on the plate and scatter some edible flowers or candied ginger bits for a pretty touch that will wow guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually taste better after the flavors meld overnight, making them a great option for make-ahead breakfasts.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the cups in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep frozen for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you need a warm bite of comfort.

Reheating

To enjoy, reheat the oatmeal cups gently in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. If you want to refresh the glaze, toss a little more brown butter glaze on top after warming for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Any kind of milk works well here, whether it’s dairy, oat, soy, or coconut. The almond milk was chosen for its mild flavor and creaminess, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

Are these oatmeal cups gluten-free?

They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated during processing, so check the packaging if gluten is a concern.

Can I make these vegan?

You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and using a vegan butter alternative. The glaze can be adjusted as well by using powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.

How spicy are the Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe?

They have a gentle warmth from the ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, but the spices are balanced and not overwhelming—perfect for those who love cozy flavors without too much heat.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries would add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the fruit or swap the fruit out if you prefer a nutty twist over juicy add-ins.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about waking up to the scent and taste of Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups with Salted Brown Butter Glaze Recipe. They bring together the hearty goodness of oats, the warmth of gingerbread spices, and the irresistible richness of brown butter glaze in a way that lifts any morning. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all to yourself on a cozy day in.