Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal
There’s something about pumpkin oatmeal that feels like a warm hug on a crisp morning. With the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and a boost of pumpkin puree, it’s the fall breakfast you’ll crave all year long.
This recipe is super simple to make. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a hearty, filling meal that will keep you going all morning. Whether you’re rushing out the door or sitting down with your family, it’s a delicious and comforting choice to fuel your day.
Great Reasons You Will Want to Make This Pumpkin Oatmeal
This healthy pumpkin oatmeal recipe is not only delicious but also packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you feeling full and energized all morning. It’s the kind of breakfast that’s both comforting and nourishing, giving you the boost you need to tackle the day ahead!
- Cozy flavors: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and creamy pumpkin makes each spoonful feel like a cozy fall treat. It will make your taste buds happy.
- Easy to make: Even if you’re not much of a cook, it’s easy to pull together in minutes. Just heat, mix, and serve!
- Ready in minutes: You can have a bowl of this pumpkin goodness ready in just 12 minutes. It’s the perfect choice to kickstart your busy weekday mornings.
- Budget-friendly: With affordable ingredients like oats, canned pumpkin, and basic spices, this healthy breakfast is easy on the wallet.
- Batch cook for easy mornings: You can batch cook this oatmeal and store it in the fridge. Then, just reheat and top with your favorite toppings for a quick, hearty breakfast all week.
- Customize ingredients: If you want an even creamier texture, swap in coconut milk or add nut butter to customize your taste.
- Internal Link Opportunity: If you love oats, you can try this Quick And Easy Homemade Banana Oatmeal or Oat Milk Latte. For pumpkin lovers, try Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Here’s Your Grocery List For Pumpkin Oatmeal
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Oats: Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect balance of texture and creaminess. Avoid instant oats, as they can get mushy.
- Pumpkin puree: Look for canned 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars.
- Milk: Use any milk you prefer such as cow’s milk or plant-based. Unsweetened almond milk works wonderfully for added creaminess.
- Brown sugar: Choose light brown sugar for a subtle sweetness or go bolder with dark brown sugar.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Look for a blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can also make your own pumpkin pie mix if you have these spices on hand.
- Vanilla extract: Always go for pure vanilla extract, not the imitation one, for the best flavor.
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds): Choose raw, unsalted pepitas for a natural crunch. If you love more flavor, opt for lightly roasted ones.
Before You Get Started
How To Make Pumpkin Oatmeal
Step 1: Combine The Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan. Add the water, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good whisk until everything is well combined. This step ensures the pumpkin and warm spices are evenly distributed, giving your oatmeal that perfect fall flavor.
Step 2: Heat And Add The Oats
Now, place the saucepan over medium-high heat and let the mixture warm up. Once it starts to boil, add the oats to the saucepan. Stir them in slowly, making sure they’re fully mixed into the liquid.
Step 3: Simmer
Once the oats are fully incorporated, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the oatmeal simmer gently for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tips: Keep an eye on the pot and stir every so often to prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the bottom. You can cook it a little longer or shorter, depending on how thick you like your oatmeal.
Step 4: Add Vanilla And Serve
Once your oatmeal reaches the perfect consistency, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, adding a lovely warmth and rounding out the flavors.
Now, your oatmeal is ready to serve! Divide it into two bowls (or one big one if you’re feeling extra hungry!). For the finishing touches, top each bowl with a sprinkle of pepitas for crunch, a splash of milk for extra creaminess, a little brown sugar for sweetness, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice to make it pretty.
Tips and Variations
- For a dairy-free diet, use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Consider adding a dairy-free butter or a splash of coconut cream for added richness.
- For a low-sugar diet, reduce the brown sugar or swap it with a sugar-free alternative like stevia. You can also sweeten it with mashed banana or applesauce.
- Stir in fresh berries for a burst of freshness, bananas for natural sweetness, or chia seeds for omega-3.
- Cook the oats longer or add a bit of milk to keep the oatmeal extra creamy. If you want it extra smooth, blend the oats at the end.
My Favorite Tools For Making Pumpkin Oatmeal
Saucepan Nuwave Healthy Nonstick Ceramic
Buy Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat with a little extra milk for a quick and easy breakfast.
Yes, but they require a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You can make pumpkin oatmeal vegan by using plant-based alternatives for dairy ingredients. Swap regular milk for almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk. Sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of honey. For toppings, use coconut yogurt, nut butter, or chopped nuts instead of dairy-based options.
Serving Ideas
Toppings: If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, you’re going to love this pumpkin pie spice syrup drizzled on top of your oatmeal.
Serve with Bacon and Tomato Egg Bites Recipe and a few strips of Oven Baked Bacon and Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte to make a complete breakfast
Make-Ahead Tip: Batch cook your pumpkin oatmeal and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for an easy, grab-and-go breakfasts you can warm up in the microwave.
Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk + extra for serving
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree pure
- 1/4 cup brown sugar + extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice + extra for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats gluten-free, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pepitas pumpkin seeds for topping
Instructions
Mix and Heat
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together water, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high until it comes to a boil.1 cup milk, 1/3 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup water
Cook the Oats
- Stir in the oats, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal thickens to your desired consistency.1 cup old-fashioned oats
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Serve
- Divide the oatmeal into two bowls. Top with pepitas, a splash of milk, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.2 tablespoons pepitas
Notes
- For a dairy-free diet, use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Consider adding a dairy-free butter or a splash of coconut cream for added richness.
- For a low-sugar diet, reduce the brown sugar or swap it with a sugar-free alternative like stevia. You can also sweeten it with mashed banana or applesauce.
- Stir in fresh berries for a burst of freshness, bananas for natural sweetness, or chia seeds for omega-3.
- Cook the oats longer or add a bit of milk to keep the oatmeal extra creamy. If you want it extra smooth, blend the oats at the end.