Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love Pumpkin Overnight Oats because I can prepare breakfast the night before and have it waiting for me in the morning. There is no stovetop cooking required, which makes this recipe especially convenient on busy days.
I also enjoy the combination of creamy pumpkin and warm spices. Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give the oats a cozy pumpkin-pie-inspired flavor without turning breakfast into a complicated recipe.
Another reason I make these overnight oats is how easy they are to customize. I can change the milk, adjust the sweetness, add nuts or fruit, or make the texture thicker or thinner depending on what I prefer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Pumpkin puree
- Milk
- Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Directions
- I add the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, milk, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds to a jar or container with a lid.
- I add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a small pinch of salt.
- I stir everything thoroughly until the pumpkin and yogurt are evenly incorporated and there are no large clumps remaining.
- I cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, although I prefer leaving it overnight so the oats and chia seeds have plenty of time to soften.
- In the morning, I stir the oats again and check the consistency. If they are thicker than I want, I mix in a splash of milk until they reach my preferred texture.
- I taste the oats and add a little extra maple syrup or spice if needed.
- I finish my Pumpkin Overnight Oats with chopped pecans, walnuts, an extra spoonful of yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Servings and Timing
I usually get 2 servings from one batch of Pumpkin Overnight Oats.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: at least 4 hours or overnight
- Total time: about 4 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
Variations
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
When I want even more pumpkin-pie flavor, I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices. I also add a little extra vanilla and finish the oats with chopped pecans.
Apple Pumpkin Overnight Oats
I stir finely diced apple into the mixture before refrigerating it. I like the fresh texture and natural sweetness the apple adds to the creamy pumpkin oats.
Banana Pumpkin Overnight Oats
I mash part of a ripe banana into the mixture. The banana adds sweetness and creates an even creamier texture, so I can reduce the amount of maple syrup if desired.
Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats
I stir a little unsweetened cocoa powder into the oat mixture and add a small amount of chocolate chips when I want a chocolate variation.
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Overnight Oats
I use my preferred unsweetened non-dairy milk and dairy-free yogurt. Oat, almond, or soy milk can all work depending on the flavor and consistency I want.
Storage/Reheating
I keep Pumpkin Overnight Oats in a tightly covered jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best quality, I usually enjoy them within about 3 to 4 days.
If the oats become thicker while sitting in the refrigerator, I stir in a splash of milk before serving. I prefer adding crunchy toppings such as nuts immediately before eating so they maintain their texture.
Although overnight oats are traditionally served cold, I can warm them when I prefer a hot breakfast. I transfer a serving to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring between each one and adding a splash of milk if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats for Pumpkin Overnight Oats?
I can use quick oats, but they produce a much softer texture. I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats because they soften overnight while still retaining some texture.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
No. I can leave out the chia seeds if I do not have them. Because chia seeds absorb liquid and help thicken the oats, I may need to use slightly less milk when omitting them.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I prefer using plain pumpkin puree because it lets me control the sweetness and spices. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sweeteners and seasonings, so it can make the final flavor considerably sweeter.
Can I eat Pumpkin Overnight Oats warm?
Yes. Even though I usually eat overnight oats chilled, I can warm them in the microwave. I stir them well and add a little milk if they become too thick while heating.
How long do Pumpkin Overnight Oats need to soak?
I give my oats at least 4 hours in the refrigerator so they have enough time to absorb the liquid and soften. For the easiest make-ahead breakfast and a creamy consistency, I prefer preparing them before bed and leaving them overnight.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Overnight Oats give me an easy way to enjoy a creamy, warmly spiced breakfast without having to cook in the morning. Pumpkin puree, rolled oats, yogurt, chia seeds, and cozy spices come together in a simple recipe that I can prepare in just a few minutes before refrigeration.
PrintPumpkin Overnight Oats Recipe
Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a creamy, make-ahead breakfast filled with pumpkin puree, yogurt, chia seeds, and warm fall-inspired spices. They require no stovetop cooking and can be prepared the night before for an easy morning meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Pumpkin puree
- Milk
- Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Add the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, milk, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds to a jar or container with a lid.
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a small pinch of salt.
- Stir thoroughly until the pumpkin and yogurt are evenly incorporated and no large clumps remain.
- Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Before serving, stir the oats again and check the consistency. Add a splash of milk if the mixture is thicker than desired.
- Taste and add additional maple syrup or spices if desired.
- Serve topped with chopped pecans or walnuts, an extra spoonful of yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best balance of softness and texture. Quick oats can be used but will produce softer overnight oats.
- For pumpkin pie flavor, replace the individual spices with pumpkin pie spice and add extra vanilla if desired.
- Finely diced apple can be stirred into the mixture before chilling for an Apple Pumpkin Overnight Oats variation.
- Mashed ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creates a creamier texture.
- For a chocolate variation, add unsweetened cocoa powder and a small amount of chocolate chips.
- For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened non-dairy milk and dairy-free yogurt.
- Chia seeds can be omitted, but slightly less milk may be needed because the oats will not thicken as much.
- Use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for better control over sweetness and spices.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and add crunchy toppings immediately before serving.
- The oats can be served cold or gently warmed in the microwave with an additional splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg