Brennan’s Oatmeal Custard: Luxurious Breakfast Treat

The first time I tasted Brennan’s oatmeal custard during a Sunday jazz brunch in Houston, I almost forgot I was eating breakfast. The velvety texture melted on my tongue while the familiar comfort of oatmeal transformed into something truly extraordinary. As sunlight streamed through the windows and jazz notes floated through the air, I savored each spoonful and promised myself I’d recreate this magical dish at home. After several attempts to capture that perfect balance between homey and elegant, I finally perfected this copycat recipe. Now, I can bring a touch of Brennan’s luxury to my kitchen, and you can too!

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Why You Should Add Baked Oatmeal Custard to Your Next Brunch

The genius of this oatmeal custard lies in its transformation of humble ingredients into a dish worthy of a five-star restaurant. By straining the egg mixture, you achieve that signature silky-smooth texture without any eggy bits. The slow baking in a water bath allows the custard to cook gently and evenly, preventing curdling while developing complex flavors. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide just enough texture to complement the creamy custard without overwhelming it. The result is a perfect balance between comfort food and elegant indulgence, elevating breakfast to an entirely new level.

Baked Oatmeal Custard Ingredients

For the Custard Base

• Old-fashioned rolled oats – Creates pleasing texture while absorbing the creamy flavors
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the custard
• Milk – Forms the base of the custard and adds protein
• Whipping cream – Creates luxurious richness and velvety mouthfeel
• Brown sugar – Offers caramel notes that complement the oats
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the oatmeal flavor
• Vanilla extract – Provides aromatic sweetness and depth

For Garnish

• Fresh raspberries – Add bright color and tangy contrast
• Fresh blackberries – Provide deep flavor and visual appeal
• Whipped cream – Creates a beautiful finishing touch and added richness

Equipment Needed

You probably already have the kitchen items you need for making this recipe, but just in case:

• Mixing bowl
• Fine mesh sieve
• 8 1-cup ramekins
• 9×13-inch baking dish

How to Make Breakfast Custard

1. Combine the eggs, milk, and cream and push through a fine mesh sieve. 

2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, oatmeal, vanilla, and berries. 

3. Pour into prepared ramekins to within 1/4 inch of the top.
4. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the baking dish with water to within 3/4 inch of the top of the ramekins.

5. Bake, covered, at 350°F for 1 hour.
6. Serve warm, garnished with berries and whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

Raspberries and blackberries are used here but you can substitute other fruit combinations such as strawberries and blueberries. Here are a few other suggestions:

• Almond slivers are a great addition.
• Think about adding bananas and dates instead of berries.
• You can even top your custard with hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, or maple syrup.

What to Serve With Baked Oatmeal Custard

Serve breakfast custard with your favorite breakfast dishes, such as scrambled eggs or French toast.

This breakfast custard recipe makes a great dessert after a simple main course, such as baked white fish, roast chicken, or grilled meats.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Cool custards completely, then cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap
• Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days
• The texture is best within the first 48 hours

Freezer Storage

• Cover cooled custards with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil
• Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating Methods

• Room temperature: These custards are also delicious served cold or at room temperature
• Oven method (best): Remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 10 minutes
• Microwave method: Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through

Favorite Recipes with Oats

• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Apple Crisp with Oats
• Grandma’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• McDonald’s Oatmeal
• How to Cook Oats
• No Bake Oatmeal Cookies
• Oatmeal Cake
• Oatmeal Coconut Cookies
• Oatmeal Raisin Muffins
• Overnight Oats with Milk

If you would like more types of oatmeal recipes, check out the OATrageous Oatmeals cookbook.

Popular Breakfast Recipes

• Apple Walnut Muffins
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Starbucks Blueberry Muffin

Check out more of my easy breakfast recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!

You can find more of Brennan’s great recipes in their book Breakfast at Brennan’s and Dinner, Too