Spiced Pear & Walnut Overnight Oats for Cozy Mornings

This warm, cozy Spiced Pear Oatmeal is an easy way to enjoy a hearty, healthy breakfast. Baked pears with a touch of cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, a hint of maple, and wholesome oats make this a comforting way to start the day.

This Year Without You

A year ago today I was in the hospital, broken and grieving the loss of our second baby, Eli Michael. Though he wasn’t here long, his impact on our hearts will last my entire life.

I’ll admit that this year I wanted the holidays to rush past. I wanted to hide. Now that the season is winding down, a small relief and quiet are finally starting to settle in.

This was the first Christmas in three years that I wasn’t pregnant. The previous two holidays were full of hope, excitement, and wonder. My future looked bright and the path ahead felt lit. Five days after Christmas, that light went out again, and it hasn’t been relit.

My Season of Hope Is Fading

Some days hope feels faint and the light seems farther away. Some days I wonder how much more I can bear. Yet somehow I’ve made it through this year.

If you’ve experienced loss, the holidays can be especially painful. When the person you yearn to share these moments with is gone, it leaves a heaviness in a season meant for joy. Seeing friends and family smiling in their holiday photos can feel like daggers—reminders of what’s missing. I kept thinking, why wasn’t it our turn? My Josie and Eli should have been there smiling under the tree with me.

But My Lap Is Empty

There are days when my heart simply can’t take the ache. Still, I’ve reached this point. I have lived another year since we lost you, Eli.

Each month began with hope and prayer, and each month closed with pain and disappointment. In trying to cope, I sometimes wondered if this year of infertility was a painful form of protection—if my body somehow wasn’t ready to carry a baby and this heartbreak spared us further loss. Doctors may disagree; the reason may remain unknown.

What I do know is that I survived this year without my sweet, perfect baby. I put one foot in front of the other through tears, and I may even be a bit stronger for it.

But Today My Heart Is Heavy

This year without you, Eli, was not what I hoped for. It was meant for firsts: feeling you move, holding you, hearing you cry, becoming your mommy. You were to be my everything—and you are—yet this year brought the deepest hurt I’ve known.

Every passing month reminded me you weren’t here. I still don’t understand why.

_____________________________

The Strength of Your Pain Is a Testament to the Strength of Your Love

If the holidays were hard for you, you are not alone. Your sadness is valid—let the tears come and feel the rawness of your grief. That pain shows how deeply you loved the person you’re missing.

When you’re ready, let that love and that pain become the strength you need to step into the next year. You won’t have to live this year again, and perhaps the coming year will bring new light, happiness, and joy.

–I love you, Eli–

xoxo Mommy

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Thank you for being here to listen and to let me share. Writing this helps me release what’s heavy on my chest, and being able to do it here is a blessing.

Some days I share words for the soul, and other days I share food for the body. Taking care of the whole self matters.

This is one of my favorite overnight oats recipes. During the holidays breakfast routines can get off track, so I’m ready to return to simplicity and nourishing breakfasts.

My aunt Sharon sent delicious pears for Christmas, so I added them to this version. These oats are easy to prep ahead when school starts again—make several jars and you’re set for days. It’s a reliable way to get a healthy breakfast in.

Some Like Them Hot, Some Do Not

This Spiced Pear Oatmeal can be enjoyed hot or cold. Baking the pears briefly brings out great flavor, but if you’re pressed for time you can toss diced pears in raw and the oats will still be delicious. Leave the skin on or peel the pears—that’s up to you. Shake up your oatmeal routine and enjoy!

What You Need

1. Rolled oats: regular or gluten-free work well.
2. Milk: any milk will do—whole or vanilla almond are my usual choices.
3. Pear: use your favorite—Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc all shine here.
4. Walnuts: raw or toasted; roasting them with the pears adds extra depth.
5. Ground flax: optional, for extra fiber.
6. Maple syrup: or your preferred liquid sweetener.
7. Cinnamon: warm and cozy, divided between pears and oats.

Notes About This Pear Overnight Oatmeal

• I like to bake diced pears for 5–7 minutes with a drizzle of maple and a sprinkle of cinnamon—that extra step really elevates the flavor. If you’re short on time, raw pears are fine.
• Ground flax is optional. It boosts fiber but won’t change the core flavor if you skip it.
• Steel-cut oats can be used, but they stay chewier; rolled oats give a creamier texture for overnight oats.
• These jars keep well in the fridge for 3–5 days, so I often make several servings at once.

Try Other Favorite Overnight Oat Recipes

• BANANA BREAD OVERNIGHT OATS
• CINNAMON ROLL OVERNIGHT OATS
• PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE OVERNIGHT OATS
• PUMPKIN PIE OVERNIGHT OATS
• TRIPLE CHOCOLATE PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS
• VANILLA COLD BREW COFFEE OVERNIGHT OATS
• PEANUT BUTTER BANANA PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS
• CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and let me know. I love seeing your versions—tag me @lemonsandzest on Instagram or share on Facebook!