Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.I love how quick and easy my Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal is to make, it’s packed with cozy seasonal flavors and ready in under 20 minutes. Whether I make it on the stovetop or in the microwave, it’s perfect for busy mornings and can easily be made vegan and gluten-free to suit everyone.
Oatmeal has always been a staple in my diet, it’s one of those comforting breakfasts that instantly takes me back to my childhood. I was inspired to create this recipe because I wanted to bring a cozy, seasonal twist to a classic favorite while keeping it healthy, versatile, and perfect for busy mornings. Whether I enjoy it on its own or pair it with other vegetarian breakfast ideas, it’s always a satisfying start to my day.
Bananas and cream oatmeal is another one of my favorite comforting breakfasts. When I want to switch things up, it’s a perfect alternative to my pumpkin spice oatmeal, both are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether it’s pumpkin or bananas, oatmeal always finds a way to make mornings extra special.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it lets me enjoy the cozy, spiced goodness of pumpkin any time of the year, thanks to organic canned pumpkin. It’s a wholesome breakfast that feels like a treat but is packed with nutrients to fuel my day.
And what better way to start your day than with a hearty, homemade bowl of Pumpkin spice oatmeal? I love creating recipes that bring the joy of seasonal flavors into my home while also ticking the boxes for nutrition. It’s packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, blended with creamy oats and topped with berries and crunchy walnuts.
I made this oatmeal recipe super easy so I can have it ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a total lifesaver when the kids wake up hungry and grumpy, you know what I mean? Plus, it’s so customizable! Whether I’m adding bananas for sweetness, swapping the milk for a plant-based option, or sprinkling on my favorite nuts, it’s all about making breakfast just the way I like it. And for me, it’s also the perfect way to use up leftover pumpkin puree, turning it into something delicious instead of letting it go to waste.
The fiber from the oats, pumpkin, and berries keeps me and my kids full and energized, while the nuts and milk add a satisfying boost of protein. My wholesome, comforting pumpkin oatmeal breakfast recipe is perfect for busy mornings, and once you try it, you’ll never look at store-bought oatmeal the same way again!
🥘 Ingredients
You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. If not, a quick trip to your local market will do the trick. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rolled Oats: I always use rolled oats for their creamy texture, perfect for this recipe.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin puree is the star here, adding natural sweetness and a velvety texture. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
Milk + Water: I like to use a mix of milk and water for the best creamy consistency.
Spices: Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice are my go-to for that cozy, aromatic flavor. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Sweetener: A drizzle of honey is all it needs to balance the spices. It’s just enough to make every bite irresistible!
Swaps
Gluten-Free: If I need this recipe to be gluten-free, I always reach for certified gluten-free oats to keep it safe and delicious. It’s an easy swap that makes all the difference!
Milk: Any milk works here, I’ve used everything from almond and coconut milk to good old regular milk. It’s all about what you love or have on hand!
Sweetener: I like to use honey, but for a vegan option, pure maple syrup is perfect. Sometimes I add a pinch of sea salt to really make the sweetness pop.
Nuts: Walnuts are my favorite, but I also love mixing it up with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or almonds. They add the perfect crunch and boost of nutrients.
🔪 How To Make
Let me show you exactly how I make my Pumpkin spice oatmeal recipe, it’s quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious!
Microwave Oats: When I make my oats in the microwave, I just follow the package instructions, it’s so quick and easy! I combine the water and oats, then microwave on high for about 2 minutes, adding a little extra time if they need to get fluffier before serving.
Add Pumpkin & Mix-Ins: Once the oats are cooked, I transfer them to a large bowl and add all the good stuff: blueberries, pumpkin puree, spices, and walnuts. Then, I give it a good stir until everything is perfectly mixed and smells amazing!
Add Milk: Next, I pour in the milk and stir everything together until it’s nice and creamy. If I want my oats a bit thinner, I just add a splash more milk!
Add A Finishing Touch: I drizzle a little honey right on top, or maple syrup if I’m keeping it vegan. I love leaving it unstirred so I get that sweet burst of flavor in every bite! Then, I pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds to make sure my oatmeal is perfectly warm and cozy.
Serve Pumpkin Puree Oatmeal: And just like that, it’s ready to serve! This creamy, healthy pumpkin pie oatmeal feels like dessert for breakfast, but it’s only 300 calories, totally satisfying, kid-friendly, and loved by adults too. Enjoy every warm, cozy bite!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making the best pumpkin spice oatmeal is to stir gently if you’re cooking it on the stove! I learned that over-stirring breaks down the oats and turns them into a gummy mess, not exactly the creamy, cozy texture I’m going for. Now, I give it a light stir every so often, and it comes out perfect every time!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- When I make this on the stovetop, I start by bringing water to a boil in a medium pot, then stir in the oats and lower the heat to a simmer. I let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, before adding all the other ingredients and mixing everything together. A little tip: I always use a pot slightly bigger than I think I’ll need so the oats cook evenly without sticking!
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, I add a couple of teaspoons of milk or water and warm it in the microwave on low heat. It comes out just as creamy and delicious as when it’s freshly made.
- Oats: I always use rolled oats for the creamiest texture, but steel-cut oats work great too if you like a chewier bite. It’s all about what you prefer.
📖 Variations
Did you know how versatile my Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal can be? It’s already amazing on its own, but why not switch it up! Here are some of my favorite twists:
Without Pumpkin Puree: If I’m out of pumpkin puree or just not in the mood for it, I still get that cozy pumpkin flavor by adding extra pumpkin pie spice instead. Sometimes, I even swap in sweet potato puree, it’s just as creamy and delicious.
Overnight Oatmeal: On those extra busy mornings, I love making this as overnight oats. I toss the raw oats and all the ingredients into a mason jar, pop it in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to heat and eat the next day, so easy.
Protein Packed: When I want a protein boost, I add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the mix before the second microwave heating. It blends right in and makes this oatmeal even more satisfying.
For Kids: My kids are obsessed with this oatmeal, they say it tastes just like pumpkin pie! If they’re not into berries or nuts, I just swap those out for fun mix-ins like white chocolate chips to keep them happy and excited for breakfast.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
I love pairing my Pumpkin spice oatmeal with a comforting honey latte for a naturally sweet and creamy start of my day, it’s the perfect pairing for the warm oatmeal flavors! If I’m in the mood for something indulgent, I’ll go for my biscoff latte, it adds a delightful cookie-inspired twist, but on lighter mornings, a soothing milk tea is my favorite way to round out the meal.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 24 hours. I don’t recommend storing this pumpkin pie oatmeal recipe for more than 24 hours as it will begin to get mushy.
Reheating: To reheat, I add a splash of milk or water to the oatmeal and warm it in the microwave on low heat. It comes out just as creamy and delicious as when it was freshly made!
❓Recipe FAQs
Is Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Healthy?
Absolutely! As a nutritionist and health coach, I can tell you that while Quaker pumpkin oatmeal isn’t the healthiest choice due to its refined instant oats and added sugars, my Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal is a game-changer. Made with wholesome old-fashioned oats, no added sugar, and packed with nutrients, it’s a breakfast you can feel good about starting your day with!
What makes this oatmeal a nutritious and energizing way to start the day?
My recipe is packed with whole grain oats, which are full of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients to keep me energized and satisfied all morning. It’s naturally sweetened with pumpkin and berries, so there’s only 2 grams of added sugar, yet it still tastes like pumpkin pie! Plus, with over 11 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving, it’s a hearty, healthy way to start the day.
Is canned pumpkin healthy?
It depends! If you’re using pure pumpkin puree with no added sugar, then yes, canned pumpkin is a healthy option. I always go for organic pure pumpkin puree with a BPA-free lining to keep it as healthy as possible. Just make sure to avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, it’s loaded with sugar and not a great choice!
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📋 Recipe Card
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
I love how quick and easy my Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal is to make, it’s packed with cozy seasonal flavors and ready in under 20 minutes. Whether I make it on the stovetop or in the microwave, it’s perfect for busy mornings and can easily be made vegan and gluten-free to suit everyone.
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lowfat milk to make vegan, use unsweetened almond or soy milk
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (make sure there is no sugar added)
- 1/4 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (more to taste)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp crushed walnuts
- 1/4 of a banana, mashed (optional)
Instructions
- Make the rolled oats according to the package: you can either make them in the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, I combined the water, salt and oats and microwaved on high for 2 minutes (more if the oats need to get fluffier before serving)
- Add your blueberries, pumpkin, spices, banana, and walnuts. Stir to combine.
- Add the milk and stir to combine. For thinner oats, add more milk!
- Drizzle the honey on top. I like to actually eat mine without the honey stirred in, to get more of that delicious honey flavor in each bite. Heat one more time in the microwave to get the oatmeal as warm or hot as you like it (about 30 seconds – 1 minute).
Notes
-
- If I am cooking it on the stove, I learned that over-stirring breaks down the oats and turns them into a gummy mess, not exactly the creamy, cozy texture I’m going for. Now, I give it a light stir every so often, and it comes out perfect every time!
- When reheating, I add a couple of teaspoons of milk or water and warm it in the microwave on low heat. It comes out just as creamy and delicious as when it’s freshly made.
-
- I always use rolled oats for the creamiest texture, but steel-cut oats work great too if you like a chewier bite. It’s all about what you prefer.
- When I make this on the stovetop, I start by bringing water to a boil in a medium pot, then stir in the oats and lower the heat to a simmer. I let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, before adding all the other ingredients and mixing everything together. A little tip: I always use a pot slightly bigger than I think I’ll need so the oats cook evenly without sticking!
Nutrition
Serving: 1bowl of oatmeal | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.6g | Protein: 11.4g | Fat: 9.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 346.4mg | Potassium: 530.7mg | Fiber: 6.8g | Sugar: 15.1g
So good!!
So glad you liked it!
this combination of flavors made these the perfect for comforting breakfast for fall great recipe!!
Awesome! So happy to hear that Claudia!
This is my favourite breakfast at this time of year – pure comfort in a bowl.
Totally right?? This is one of my favorite fall breakfasts as well!
All of my favourite flavours in a warming bowl. YUM!
Woohoo! Thanks Dannii!
What a lovely autumnal breakfast! And it was just perfect, as I only had a couple of tablespoons of the pumpkin puree leftover! Delicious!
Thanks so much Ieva! So glad you liked it!
The nutrition facts show 300 calories per serving. Does this take into account the mashed bananas or not?
Hi There! Yes, the nutritional information includes the mashed bananas. Thanks!
If I make this as an overnight oats recipe, how long should I heat it up in the microwave the next day?
Hi Shameer! You can heat it for about 1 minute in the microwave – just enough so that it’s warmed through! Hope that helps!
Such a delicious brunch treat! I had all the ingredients and made this for breakfast yesterday! My family loved it!
Aw yay! So happy to hear that Tavo! 🙂
This is my favourite breakfast in autumn. So comforting and full of flavour.
Totally! This is perfect for fall!
This sounds amazing and very addicting especially since fall is just around the corner! My daughter and I can’t wait to make this, so excited to try this!
Thanks so much Beth! I’m sure you both will love this recipe! 🙂
Pumpkin oatmeal is the perfect fall breakfast. Crushed walnuts add lovely texture to this oatmeal. Thank you for a great recipe.
Totally!! I love making this in the fall! Glad you liked it!
We loved this. Perfect, easy, delicious breakfast!
Awesome! So happy to hear that Michele!
This looks really good! How can I make this dairy free?
Thanks!! You can just substitute either unsweetened almond or coconut milk for the regular milk and it should work out great! Just make sure whatever milk substitute you use has no sugar added and is carrageenan free!