Pumpkin Oatmeal

Forget those artificial pumpkin-flavored everything products – this delicious pumpkin oatmeal is the real deal. Rich, warming, and so satisfying you’ll look forward to getting out of bed on chilly fall mornings. Plus it takes 10 minutes to make, so you can have your pumpkin pie oats moment even on busy weekdays. Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll be plotting to make this perfect breakfast every morning until spring! It’s the ultimate healthy breakfast for pumpkin lovers.

I’ve always been a fan of go-to recipes like this. Last fall season, I tossed leftover pumpkin puree into my steel cut oats and loved it so much, I had to try it with regular oats too! Give me a large bowl of oatmeal with pumpkin spice flavor and I’m ready to tackle chilly mornings!

This great recipe is perfect for making oatmeal puree, just blend the cooked oatmeal until smooth and add to smoothies, hot cocoa, or pancake batter! The best part is it works great for meal prep too!

Recipe Ingredients:

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal:

• Old-fashioned oats
• Half-and-half
• Water
• Pumpkin puree
• Honey
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruits, maple syrup, yogurt, pure maple syrup, or additional honey.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

• Old-fashioned oats: These provide a hearty texture and cook up nicely in the oatmeal. Quick oats can be used but will result in a softer texture. For gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Half-and-half: Adds creaminess to the oatmeal. You can substitute with whole milk, dairy-free milk like soy milk, oat milk, or unsweetened almond milk if you prefer.
• Pure Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, to control the flavor and sweetness. You can also use homemade pumpkin puree.
• Honey: Adds a mild sweetness to the oatmeal. You can adjust the amount to taste or use a little maple syrup instead.

How to make oatmeal on the stovetop:

STEP 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the dry ingredients – oats with a little water and half-and-half. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

STEP 2: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the wet ingredients – pumpkin puree, honey, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix the oat mixture well.

STEP 3: Cook the oatmeal for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover oatmeal in the refrigerator in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave in second intervals until warmed through, or heat over low heat on the stove with a splash of liquid, such as milk, half-n-half, or water.

Freezing:  If you want to make this ahead, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge last night and reheat the next morning.

Additions and Substitutions:

ADDITIONS:

• Add-ins: Stir in a spoonful of yogurt, peanut butter, or almond butter for added creaminess and a good source of protein. Try adding flax eggs for extra nutrition.
• Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and texture.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Oats: Use quick oats for a faster cook time or steel-cut oats for a chewier texture (adjust cooking time accordingly). You can even make this into oat flour by blending the cooked oatmeal.
• Sweetener: Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer.
• Milk: Regular milk, unsweetened almond milk, or coconut milk can be used instead of half-and-half.
• Pumpkin puree: If you don’t have pumpkin puree, try using sweet potato puree for a similar flavor.

What Can I Serve with this Pumpkin Oatmeal:

Serve this oatmeal for breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, or toast. Or as a warm snack on a cold fall evening.

Recipe Variations to Try:

Want to switch things up next time? Try making this as a baked oatmeal recipe! Simply transfer your oat mixture to a greased baking dish, adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes at 350°F until golden brown. You can also make a pumpkin oatmeal bake by adding some ground ginger and letting it cool to room temperature before serving.

This easy pumpkin recipe reminds me of my favorite pumpkin pie and is perfect for adding to your fall breakfast ideas.