Pumpkin Overnight Oats
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Thick and creamy pumpkin overnight oats are the perfect easy breakfast you can make ahead of time. With protein-rich oats and chia and flax seeds, they are a great option for your morning fuel. This recipe is incredibly customizable with several options to cater to your tastes and needs.
These pumpkin overnight oats have lived on my site since 2015, when overnight oats were all the rage. If I’m being honest, though, they’ve never gone out of style in our house! In fact, we make them regularly (in many different flavors– I reserve this pumpkin version for the fall), as they are one of our favorite breakfasts (even one of my kiddos loves them).
You might know that we are a fitness-loving family, and these oats are one of my favorite pre- and post-workout options as they are packed with protein and fiber. Even if fitness isn’t your jam, these oats make a great option for fueling your day, and you’ll love to know they are quite reminiscent of pumpkin pie, so… You can have them for dessert, too!
INGREDIENTS IN PUMPKIN PIE OVERNIGHT OATS
These pumpkin overnight oats are creamy, protein-packed, and full of real pumpkin flavor. The best news? You have options within each ingredient choice. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
PUMPKIN PUREE: be sure you aren’t using pumpkin pie mix! This is filled with a lot of junk you won’t need for your oats. If you are comfortable with making your own pumpkin puree, feel free to make it yourself.
OLD-FASHIONED OATS: do not use quick or steel cut oats for this recipe, as they aren’t the right texture. If you want to insure your overnight oats are gluten free, be sure you’re using a certified gluten free brand.
PUMPKIN PIE SPICE: nice and cozy! Feel free to use cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.
CHIA/FLAX SEEDS: you can use both or either. I like to use a blend we always have on hand, and I’ve also used hemp seeds. Any seeds will do well here, even pumpkin seeds! This is for texture and added protein.
MILK: you have so many options here! I like to use Fairlife as it has extra protein, but you can use non-dairy milk if you prefer. You can also use yogurt for an even creamier texture and extra protein.
VANILLA EXTRACT: this is just to round out the flavor. You can use more or less or none at all if you prefer.
LIQUID SWEETENER: I like using agave, honey, or maple syrup in my overnight oats. Honestly, I just use whatever is handy, though the flavor of maple syrup is most complementary.
CAN I USE QUICK OATS OR STEEL CUT OATS?
Unfortunately, I do not recommend using quick oats for this recipe as they will absorb too much liquid and you risk a very mushy meal. On the other hand, steel cut oats will not absorb nearly enough liquid so the texture will be way too firm.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN OVERNIGHT OATS
STEP #1: layer all of the ingredients into a Mason jar or other container with a lid.
STEP #2: cover the container and allow the oats to soak overnight, or at least 8 hours.
STEP #3: I like to pour my oats into a bowl so I can add toppings more easily!
VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
You can really jazz these up any way you want. There are no rules! As long as you stick to the general ratios, you will find yourself with a solid pumpkin breakfast that will fill you up in all the right ways!
if you’re feeling something sweet, consider adding a dollop of pumpkin spice whipped cream to the top of your oats.
I sometimes like to add a scoop of protein powder to make them extra protein-y! This is my favorite vanilla protein powder.
DO I HAVE TO COOK OVERNIGHT OATS?
The best part about this pumpkin overnight oats recipe is that there is absolutely no cooking required!
CAN I EAT OVERNIGHT OATS WARM?
You can absolutely eat these overnight oats warmed up! Heat in the microwave for best results.
OVERNIGHT OATS STORAGE
These oats will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days before they become mushier than I prefer. If you want to make them more than 3 days ahead of time, see the next section.
MAKE AHEAD STORAGE
If you want to make your overnight oats components in advance and store them until you’re ready to use them, I recommend mixing the dry ingredients together, the wet ingredients together, and then allowing them to sit separately until about 8 hours before you want to enjoy your oats.
Be sure you’re keeping the wet ingredients in the refrigerator! Then, mix together and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree1
- 1 cup (80g) old-fashioned oats do not use quick oats or steel cut oats2
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Tablespoon chia and/or flax seeds3
- 1 cup (240mL) milk4
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ to 1 Tablespoon (15mL) liquid sweetener5
Instructions
- Pour all of the ingredients into a 16 ounce Mason jar or large container with a lid.⅓ cup pumpkin puree1, 1 cup (80g) old-fashioned oats, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 Tablespoon chia and/or flax seeds3, 1 cup (240mL) milk4, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ to 1 Tablespoon (15mL) liquid sweetener5
- Stir or shake the container until all of the ingredients are completely combined. Allow to sit in the refrigerator overnight, or at least 8 hours.
- When oats are ready, eat right out of the jar or spoon into a bowl. Sprinkle with extra toppings6 and spices, if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Notes
- Pumpkin: I always measure pumpkin purée with measuring cups as the moisture content can wildly change the weight measurements, depending on the brand.
- Oats: quick oats will turn mushy, and steel cut oats won’t absorb enough liquid to soften. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best for overnight oats.
- Chia/flax seeds: you can use any kind of seed you prefer here. I like to use a mix of chia and flax for texture and added protein.
- Milk: you can use cow or dairy-free milk here, sweetened or. unsweetened. You can also use Greek yogurt instead (you’d still use 1 cup).
- Liquid sweetener: I like to use agave, honey, or maple syrup, but you can use any sweetener you like, even stevia or sugar. You will want to adjust based on your taste preferences. I like to start with the least amount or simply add it when I eat it.
- Toppings: go wild here! I like to add pepitas and nuts, but you can put literally anything on these oats that you like. If you’re feeling like you want something sweet, I highly recommend my pumpkin spice whipped cream!
- Add protein: I like to add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to my oats to give them more protein content.
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
THREE CHEERS FOR OVERNIGHT OATS! So glad you jumped on the bandwagon. Aren’t they they BEST?!? I’m loving this pumpkin version – the perfect use for that extra bit I have hanging out in the fridge 🙂 YASSSS!
This looks delicious! I have not tried overnight oats yet. But that might change with this recipe! 😉
Wow that’s an interesting idea! I’m gonna try it!
Pinned!
Thanks, Trisha!
Looks very tasty! I did a similar one on my blog, but I didn’t use vanilla. Thinking that it might be a good addition!
Thanks, Aria! I found that it made all the flavors stand out a bit more 🙂
I have never had overnight oats before?! They look really lovely though! And such a good time saver in the mornings!
Oh yes, SUCH a time saver! You should definitely try them!
I so did not think I would like soggy oats either! I actually have to be realllyyyy in the mood for regular oatmeal as is! So cold ones? YIKES. But turns out, I made mine with steel-cut and I LOVE them. Also I like to mix yogurt and chia seeds in with mine and let them really thicken up. I actually think I am going to go prep some right now!
I tried yogurt as well and loved that too! It just took a bit more time to soak than the milk. Glad to have you on board the soggy oats train, Ashley! 😉
Going to Definitely try this Lynn. Looks yummy. Hopefully its diet friendly, it might start being a nite time snack instead of ice cream.
Love a good overnight oats recipe. This was the perfect amount of pumpkin. I doubled the recipe. I like mine a touch sweeter so I added slightly more sweetener. I topped mine with pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips and they were just lovely!
Thanks so much, Monica! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.