There’s something incredibly cozy about a warm, spiced breakfast that fills the kitchen with autumn scents. That’s exactly why my Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe has become a go-to for chilly mornings — it’s comforting, nutritious, and downright delicious, the kind of breakfast that feels like a little hug in every bite.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many weekends this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe has saved me from the “what’s for breakfast?” scramble. It’s simple, filling, and the pumpkin adds such a lovely warmth without being overpowering. Plus, it bakes in one dish — less mess means more time to enjoy your morning.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice blend together to offer just the right cozy sweetness with a hint of spice.
- Simple Prep: You toss everything into one bowl, so it’s a hassle-free dish that anyone can make.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with oats and protein from eggs, it keeps you energized for hours.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts, syrup, or whipped cream to match your mood — the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe plays a special role, coming together for a satisfying texture and rich flavor. I always pick the best pumpkin I can find (canned pumpkin, not pie filling!) to get that natural sweetness and creaminess, and I recommend old fashioned oats for the best bite.
- Pumpkin: Adds moisture, richness, and warming flavor essential to the fall vibe.
- Milk: Helps hydrate the oats for a soft but slightly chewy texture.
- Brown sugar: Deep molasses notes enhance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spice.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add protein for lasting energy.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The magic mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; the signature warmer flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Baking soda: Gives lightness so the oatmeal isn’t too dense.
- Old fashioned oats: Provide hearty texture and keep you full longer than quick oats.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe my own by swapping in different toppings or stirring in extras. It’s the kind of recipe that invites your creativity—sometimes I throw in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise or swap maple syrup for honey for a different kind of sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts before baking gives a delightful crunch I really enjoy. I usually toast the nuts beforehand to deepen their flavor.
- Fruit Boost: Toss in dried cranberries or fresh blueberries for a pop of tartness that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve made this using almond or oat milk with great success — just pick a milk you love and swap it 1:1.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet breakfast, I cut the brown sugar and maple syrup by half and still get plenty of natural warmth from the pumpkin and spices.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I always make sure to grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray; it helps the baked oatmeal come out cleanly without sticking. If you have parchment paper handy, lining the pan is another great option for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Whisk Together Those Flavor Stars
In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and baking soda until smooth. I like to really blend everything well here—it helps the oats absorb the liquid evenly so you don’t get any dry spots in your finished bake.
Step 3: Stir in the Oats Gently
Next, add the oats and stir until completely combined. The mixture will look thick and spongy, but that’s just right! Letting the mix rest a few minutes lets the oats soak in the pumpkin and spices—which I find makes for the best texture.
Step 4: Bake and Be Patient
Pour the oatmeal batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake it for about 35 minutes. You’ll notice the center might still jiggle a bit when you take it out, but it will firm up as it cools—don’t be tempted to bake it longer, or it can dry out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Warm or Cold
I often serve mine warm right out of the oven with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, some chopped pecans, and a dollop of whipped cream. But honestly, it’s just as delicious chilled overnight and sliced the next day—great for busy mornings!
Top Tip
From making this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up some handy tips that helped me get it just right every time, especially if you’re new to baked oatmeal.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting your oat mixture rest for about 5 minutes before baking allows the oats to soak up the pumpkin and spices, creating a creamier texture.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Overbaking dries it out, so trust that the slight jiggle in the center is perfect—it firms up once cooled.
- Use Good Quality Pumpkin: Real pumpkin (not pie filling) gives the best flavor and consistency; it’s worth the extra few minutes at the store.
- Add Texture with Toppings: I always add toasted pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup to bring this oatmeal from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my baked oatmeal with a handful of chopped toasted pecans and a warm drizzle of maple syrup. Sometimes I add a spoonful of whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness with some creaminess. These simple additions take the dish from comforting to fancy breakfast vibes.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. I also like to add a side of turkey bacon or scrambled eggs if I want a more protein-packed breakfast that feels balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this in mini ramekins for individual portions, topped with a cinnamon stick and fresh apple slices for a festive touch. It’s a great way to wow guests who are expecting a simple breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I slice it into squares for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. Just make sure it has cooled completely before storing—that keeps it from getting soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer bag. When I want a quick breakfast, I just pop one out and thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it gently in the microwave. It retains its flavor and texture surprisingly well.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze. I like to microwave a slice for about 40-60 seconds until warm, then add fresh toppings. You can also reheat in a toaster oven to get a slightly crisp top, which is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While you can substitute quick oats, the texture will be softer and less chewy than old fashioned oats, which give this recipe its hearty bite. For best results, stick with old fashioned oats.
No, canned pumpkin refers to pure pumpkin puree and is the ingredient used here. Pumpkin pie filling usually contains added sugar and spices, which can alter the sweetness and flavor of the baked oatmeal.
You can make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs and using a plant-based milk. Maple syrup keeps the sweetness vegan-friendly, and you might consider adding a vegan whipped topping or nuts as garnish.
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, consume within this timeframe.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe is close to my heart for how effortlessly it combines comfort, flavor, and nutrition. It’s helped me welcome fall mornings with a smile — and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a try on your next slow morning and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, the kind of recipe you want to make over and over again.
Print
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal is a hearty and nutritious breakfast option combining creamy pumpkin, warm spices, and old fashioned oats. This comforting dish is naturally sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, then baked to perfection for a slightly wiggly center that sets as it cools. It's perfect served warm or cold, and can be topped with additional maple syrup, chopped pecans, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup (regular, lite, or sugar free)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
Optional Toppings
- Additional maple syrup
- Chopped pecans
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and baking soda until smooth and combined.
- Add Oats: Stir the old fashioned oats into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. The center may still be slightly wiggly but will firm up as it cools.
- Serve: Enjoy the baked oatmeal warm or cold. Add optional toppings like extra maple syrup, chopped pecans, or whipped cream if desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal keeps you full with fiber and protein from the oats and eggs.
- Top with pecans and maple syrup for a deliciously sweet and crunchy contrast.
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure the baking pan is well greased to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- The pumpkin pie spice can be homemade by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don't have a pre-made blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg

Leave a Reply