GF, DF

A warming winter breakfast of baked rhubarb, berries and apple served with creamy vanilla bean yoghurt and a crunchy maple pecan granola topping. Filled with oats, coconut, cinnamon and vanilla, it’s wholesome, cosy and perfect for slow mornings or shared brunches.

This baked winter breakfast is the kind of recipe that feels comforting and nourishing without being overly heavy or sweet. The warm fruit softens into a gently spiced, jammy base while the maple pecan granola adds crunch and texture, making it perfect for slow winter mornings or serving to guests over brunch.

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily swap in different seasonal fruits depending on what you have on hand — pears, plums, blackberries or figs all work beautifully alongside the rhubarb and berries. The granola topping can also be adjusted with different nuts or seeds, making it a lovely “use what you have” style recipe.

It’s also ideal for preparing ahead of time when entertaining. The fruit and granola can both be made in advance, then simply layered with yoghurt before serving. Served in jars or small glasses, it feels simple yet elevated with very little effort on the day.

Because the fruit is only lightly sweetened, you can customise the final sweetness depending on how you like to start your mornings. Pair it with creamy vanilla bean yoghurt for something softer and more indulgent, or use plain Greek yoghurt for a fresher, tangier balance.

What's in this recipe?

Baked rhubarb & apple

Rhubarb
Rhubarb is best used when in season and plentiful during the cooler months. Once baked, it softens into a beautifully tart and jammy texture that pairs perfectly with sweeter fruits.
Apple
Apple adds natural sweetness and a softer variation in texture alongside the rhubarb. It absorbs the warm spices beautifully and helps round out the flavour of the compote.
Mixed berries
Mixed berries give the compote its rich berry colour and depth of flavour while pairing beautifully with the tart rhubarb. Use whatever frozen berries you already have on hand for an easy and adaptable option.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a gentle caramel-like sweetness that balances the tartness of the rhubarb and berries without making the compote overly sweet.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavour of the fruit and adds warmth and softness to the compote.
Cinnamon & ginger
Cinnamon brings warmth and coziness, while fresh ginger adds brightness, freshness and a little zing. Together they help lift and balance the sweetness of the baked fruit.
Lemon zest
Lemon zest adds freshness and acidity, helping brighten the richer sweet flavours and making the fruit taste more vibrant.
Cornflour
Cornflour thickens the fruit juices as the compote bakes, creating the perfect glossy, jammy consistency for layering and serving.

Maple pecan granola

Rolled oats
Rolled oats make up the bulk of the granola, giving it its hearty texture and classic toasted oat flavour. If serving this recipe to someone gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten free oats.
Shredded coconut & pecans
Shredded coconut adds a warm toasted flavour and beautiful texture once baked. Pecans bring buttery crunch and richness, but can easily be swapped for other nuts you have on hand such as almonds, walnuts or pistachios.
Maple syrup & brown sugar
Maple syrup and brown sugar add a deep caramel-like sweetness and help create those delicious crunchy granola clusters. The maple syrup also gives the granola a lovely glossy finish once baked.
Oil
I like to use avocado oil for its neutral flavour and health benefits, but any mild flavoured oil will work well here. Using oil instead of butter keeps the granola crisp and light rather than rich or crumbly.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and coziness to the granola and pairs beautifully with the baked fruit. It gives the granola that comforting winter breakfast flavour that makes it so moreish.
Salt
A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out all the warm toasted flavours in the granola.

Step-by-step photos

Baked rhubarb ingredients mixed & ready to bake

Rhubarb ready to serve

Mixing dry granola ingredients

Folding wet ingredients into granola

Granola ready to bake!

Granola ready to eat!