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
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- 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
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.