Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal with Berries
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.This Easy Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal is a delicious and healthy breakfast that can be made on the stove top or in the microwave. Ready in under 20 minutes, kid-friendly, easily made vegan or gluten-free — the perfect start to a fall day!
Oatmeal is a total staple in my diet. It’s one of those tried-and-true comfort breakfasts that goes all the way back to my childhood. My typical breakfast is always oatmeal with some sort of mix-ins: apples/pears, nut butters or nuts, banana, berries, ground flaxseed, yogurt, the list is endless! But when I want to switch things up, I love making this easy cinnamon and spice oatmeal with berries and pumpkin.
Whether it’s pumpkin season or not, you can pretty much have this year round thanks to organic, canned, pureed pumpkin that’s available at any local grocery store! Although, I have to admit, it’s very comforting to have this on colder fall mornings. Just be careful not to buy “pumpkin pie filling” – which is packed full of sugar and other preservatives that you don’t want to be starting your morning off with.
Not only does this dish come together in less than 20 minutes, but it’s super healthy and super easy! It will keep you full all the way until lunch thanks to the fiber from the oats, pumpkin and berries; and added protein from the nuts and milk.
It’s also kid-friendly too. Both of my kids like adding banana into their oatmeal, and I like mine a little less sweet so I tend to just add berries. And thanks to the warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, this will literally taste like dessert for breakfast!
How to make Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal with Berries and Pumpkin
Step 1: 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 + oats and microwaved on high for 2 minutes (more if the oats need to get fluffier before serving)
Step 2: Add your blueberries, pumpkin pie filling, spices and walnuts. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the milk and stir to combine. For thinner oats, add more milk!
Step 4: 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.
And there you have it! The perfect, dessert-for-breakfast, pumpkin pie oatmeal that’s only 300 calories, is super satisfying, is kid-friendly and adult-approved!
Can you make Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal vegan?
Yes! This oatmeal breakfast recipe is easily made vegan with a few adjustments:
- Use a plant based milk, like unsweetened soy or almond (just make sure there is no carrageenan added to it)
- Use a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup, agave nectar or brown rice syrup instead of honey
Is oatmeal gluten free?
Yes, oats are a gluten free grain. The issue comes in the packaging/processing and the risk of cross-contamination. Most oats are packaged/processed in facilities that work with grains that do contain gluten (wheat, barley, etc.). If you’re celiac or very sensitive to gluten, I recommend buying certified gluten-free rolled oats – which are guaranteed to be 100% gluten free and processed in its own facility.
Is oatmeal healthy?
Oats are incredibly rich and nutrient dense, they make an ideal breakfast and give you energy for the day ahead. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber and can help lower cholesterol and control blood sugars. Oatmeal is also extremely filling, so it’s perfect for helping to maintain a healthy weight and fending off mid-morning munchies!
Top tips for making Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal
- If cooking on the stovetop, use a pot that’s one size up from what you’d typically use. Oats cook better in a thin layer on the stovetop, so the more room they have the better (within reason – you don’t want to use a giant stockpot for these oats!)
- Don’t stir too much (if making on the stove!) – vigorous stirring of the oats will break them down and will turn them into a gummy texture.
- If you need to reheat these oats (after storing it in the fridge), just add a couple tsp more milk or water (more if needed) and warm in the microwave on low heat until the oatmeal is warm and creamy.
- Rolled oats work great in this recipe, but you can use steel cut oats for a more toothsome bite!
- To make this recipe vegan, use an unsweetened, plant-based milk.
- Make sure you choose plain pumpkin puree with no added sugar!
Be sure to try these other healthy and delicious breakfast recipes!
- Grab and Go Breakfast Cookies
- Skinny Maple Granola
- Banana Blast Smoothie
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast
- Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal
If you have tried this Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!
Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal with Berries and Pumpkin
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.
Notes
- If cooking on the stovetop, use a pot that’s one size up from what you’d typically use. Oats cook better in a thin layer on the stovetop, so the more room they have the better (within reason – you don’t want to use a giant stockpot for these oats!)
- Don’t stir too much (if making on the stove!) – vigorous stirring of the oats will break them down and will turn them into a gummy texture.
- If you need to reheat these oats (after storing it in the fridge), just add a couple tsp more milk or water (more if needed) and warm in the microwave on low heat until the oatmeal is warm and creamy.
- Rolled oats work great in this recipe, but you can use steel cut oats for a more toothsome bite!
- To make this recipe vegan, use an unsweetened, plant-based milk.
- Make sure you choose plain pumpkin puree with no added sugar!
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!
I love the texture you achieved with this recipe! What’s the secret?
Thanks so much Jenn!! The secret is getting the oats fully cooked before you mix anything else in!
How quick is it to whip this up? My friend made something similar yesterday and it tasted great!
You can easily have this ready in under 20 minutes! Enjoy!
I love oatmeal, it really healthy and equally very low in carbs which is why its such a great option for breakfast.
Totally agree Natalia! Enjoy!
Is there a way to make this Baby friendly?
Great question! I’d recommend making it, and then just pureeing it all together so that it’s got a smooth consistency. And if your baby hasn’t been exposed to walnuts yet, you might just want to remove the walnuts so that it’s allergen friendly too.
This recipe was delicious! I made it yesterday, and making it again today. It comes together so quickly (made it in the microwave). I love the addition of berries. Thank you for sharing!
Yay!! So happy to hear that! And yes I love that you can make this easily in the microwave – that’s how I do it too! 🙂
A wonderful healthy way to kick start any morning . We love oatmeal, thanks for the recipe.
Totally!! I love how you can change up the mix-ins for oatmeal and it feels like a completely different dish every time 🙂 I hope you love this recipe if you try it!
I love oats, too. There is so much you can do with it. In fact, there is so much it can do with you, too, health-wise 🙂 Definitely a great pumpkin pie oatmeal berries recipe to have – thank you!
Ha love that “there’s so much it can do with you, too, health-wise” — so true!! 🙂
I am not a morning person, but I would gladly jump out of bed for this dish! Thank you for sharing!
Anytime!! I’m not a morning person either and knowing a yummy breakfast is waiting for me definitely helps me get moving every day! 🙂
Love this hearty and healthy meal! Would be a great way to start the day!
Thank you so much Beth! I hope you love it when you try it!
This is perfect for enjoying fall flavors year round!
Totally!! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying “pumpkin pie” in the spring and summer! 🙂
How long does it take to make this recipe? I just want to make sure I can incorporate it into my busy day!
This recipe is super fast!! Ready in under 20 minutes but really, the majority of that time is just letting it cook in the microwave and letting it sit for a little bit before eating it 🙂 Enjoy!
Hello Anjali, Thanks for sharing this delicious healthy recipe. This recipe is perfect for breakfast as oatmeal is very filling & may help to lose weight. Even oatmeal & berries control blood sugar of the body.
Thanks so much! So glad you liked this recipe – and I completely agree that it’s a great way to start the day because of it’s blood-sugar-stabilizing effects as well as it’s ability to keep hunger at bay until lunchtime!
I want to eat this. For breakfast. For lunch. For dinner. It sounds amazing! (Can you tell I can’t wait to try this!)
Best part – I’ve got everything here!! I LOVE when I find a new recipe and I already have the ingredients!
Yess!! I can’t wait to hear how you liked this recipe Gretchen – so awesome that you already had all the ingredients on hand!
Great suggestions – Thanks for providing such an important article with some healthy tips
No problem, glad it’s helpful!
Every time I see a post for pumpkin oatmeal I must comment because I am a believer! The first time I tried it I used too much oatmeal. Now I practice the quickie way–homemade pumpkin pie spice, some dollops of pumpkin, maple syrup and maye some toasted walnuts. Looks like we have similar tastes! Try adding some roasted cardamom. And my empathy for IBS. My husband was diagnosed with it. He’s found piles of bitter greens and spices help along with managing his stress. He does pilates. Basically, it’s all stuff that maintains you being in optimal health. Easier said than done though. Good luck! P.S. Pumpkin and similar squashes are very easy on the stomach.
I love the idea of adding maple syrup and cardamom!! Great suggestion – I’ll definitely try it next time 🙂 So sorry to hear that your husband has IBS as well – I can definitely empathize! Totally agree about squashes – they are very easy to digest and are super healthy (fiber, antioxidants, etc). Thanks so much for your comment!
Your oatmeal sounds fabulous. 2 years ago when I had a miscarriage I was super depressed. Acupuncture saved me! Enjoy your holistic medicine experience. I’m a firm believer in holistic health.