Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal – Easy & Cozy Fall Breakfast

Last updated on August 6, 2025

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s something undeniably nurturing about the aromas wafting from the kitchen—especially when pumpkin is involved. Do you remember the first time you made a cozy fall dish that warmed your soul? I certainly do. It was a chilly October afternoon, and I was experimenting with a recipe that promised to intertwine flavors of pumpkin and spice. The result? A scrumptious baked oatmeal that had my house smelling like heaven. If you’ve ever craved a warm, tasty breakfast that make your mornings feel extra special, this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal is what you need.

I’m here to assure you that making this delightful dish is simple, stress-free, and totally doable—even if it’s your very first time in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a breakfast that’s not only nourishing but also bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe of Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

What makes this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal dear to my heart isn’t just the nostalgic memories it evokes; it’s also how wonderfully approachable it is for beginner cooks. We’ve all been there—standing in front of the stove, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about whether dinner will be a disaster or a triumph. This oatmeal dish eliminates that worry.

Baked oatmeal is inherently forgiving, and even if some elements aren’t perfect, you still get to savor the deliciousness! The pumpkin puree adds moisture, while the oats create a satisfying texture that fills you up without weighing you down. This recipe is not only a great way to enjoy a hearty breakfast, but also an excellent opportunity for cozy family moments around the table—sharing laughter, stories, and maybe even a little whipped cream, if you’re feeling indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this delightful recipe.

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal is a cozy, nutrient-packed breakfast that’s perfect for chilly fall mornings. Made with wholesome oats, pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, it’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and great for meal prep. Top it with nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for added flavor and texture!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Base:
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (for greasing)
  • 2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk of choice (e.g., almond, oat, dairy)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
  • Raisins or other dried fruit

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil or avocado oil.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In the same or a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey until smooth.
5. Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips if using.
6. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and the center is set.
7. Cool: Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. The oatmeal will firm up as it cools.
8. Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite toppings like yogurt, milk, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
• Nut-Free: Omit nuts or use pumpkin/sunflower seeds.
• Make Ahead: Bake ahead and reheat individual portions throughout the week.
• Sugar Alternative: Substitute maple syrup with brown sugar or agave if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: pumpkin baked oatmeal, baked oats, fall breakfast, healthy pumpkin oatmeal, gluten-free baked oatmeal

Essentials

1. Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: We’ll use this for greasing the baking dish. Both oils are healthy options that lend a nice flavor to the dish.
2. 2 Cups Rolled Oats: Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need them. These give your baked oatmeal the heartiness it needs.
3. 2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Spice: Store-bought or homemade; this blend is what gives your dish its cozy fall vibe.
4. 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder: This helps your oatmeal rise and get that fluffy texture.
5. ¼ Teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
6. 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin from a can or homemade (not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices).
7. 1¼ Cup Milk of Choice: Almond milk is a fantastic dairy-free option, but use any milk you love.
8. 2 Large Eggs: These add richness and help bind everything together. If you want to make this vegan, simply substitute with flax eggs.
9. 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and sweetness to the dish.
10. ⅓ Cup Maple Syrup or Honey: Sweetens your oatmeal beautifully. Adjust based on your preferred sweetness level.

Optional Add-Ons

Feel free to sprinkle in any of these toppings or mix-ins for an extra special touch:

• Chocolate Chips: Because who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate in the morning?
• Nuts: Walnuts or pecans provide a great crunch and additional nutrients.
• Raisins or Dried Fruit: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries! Here are a few tips to customize this recipe to fit your pantry:

• You can substitute the maple syrup with brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
• If you want an even quicker route, you can use pre-made pumpkin pie spice instead of mixing your own spices.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

How to Make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Step-by-Step

Ready to bring this cozy dish to life? Here’s how to make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal, step-by-step:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A warm oven will help create that perfect, golden crust on your baked oatmeal.

2. Grease Your Dish:
   Grab your baking dish—an 8×8 inch square one works perfectly. Lightly grease it with olive oil or avocado oil. This step is essential to make sure your oatmeal doesn’t stick.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, take your rolled oats, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined. This simple mix will be the base of your oatmeal, and it’s where all the delicious flavors begin.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In the same bowl (or a separate one if you prefer), add the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup or honey. Stir these moist ingredients together until they are well mixed, and you see no lumps of pumpkin puree.

5. Bring It Together:
   Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix—just enough for the oats to be evenly coated with the pumpkin goodness.

6. Spread and Bake:
   Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the edges are puffed up, the center is set, and the top is lightly golden.

7. Cool and Serve:
   Once it’s out of the oven, let your Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into squares. Initially, it might be a little soft, but as it cools down, it will firm up beautifully.

8. Enjoy Every Bite:
   Serve it warm, topped with yogurt, a splash of milk, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or even some fresh fruit or whipped cream if you fancy it!

9. Storage:
   If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

While Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal is a forgiving recipe, there are still a few common hiccups that can occur. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll be set for success!

Overmixing the Batter

When you combine your dry and wet ingredients, it’s tempting to mix them vigorously to ensure there are no lumps. However, overmixing can lead to a dense, chewy texture instead of the light, fluffy outcome you desire. Just stir until everything is combined.

Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree

This is an easy mistake to make, especially when browsing in a busy grocery aisle. Pumpkin pie filling is loaded with spices and sugar, which will throw off the balance of your oatmeal. Use pure pumpkin puree for that perfect pumpkin flavor without the extra sweetness.

Forgetting to Grease the Baking Dish

Trust me on this one—grease your dish well! An ungreased dish can result in a stuck-on mess that’s hard to salvage. A little olive oil or avocado oil goes a long way and makes serving a breeze.

Not Letting It Cool Before Slicing

I get it—everyone is eager to dig in! But allowing your baked oatmeal to cool for just 5 minutes before slicing helps it firm up so you can enjoy clean, beautiful squares. When you dive in too quickly, it can crumble and lose its lovely shape.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Once you prepare this delectable oatmeal, what’s the best way to serve it? Here are a few ideas to elevate your Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal experience.

Classic Toppings

Simple yet satisfying, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey over warm squares is always a winner. Pair that sweetness with a dollop of yogurt—either regular or dairy-free— to add creaminess and a bit of tang.

Fresh Fruit Addition

Consider garnishing your served pieces with sliced bananas, diced apples, or even a handful of berries. The fresh fruit will add brightness and contrast to the warm, spiced oats.

Nutty Crunch Factor

If you’re a nut lover, sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a satisfying crunch. They work beautifully with the sweet pumpkin for flavor and texture harmony.

Make It Decadent

Feeling indulgent? Go all out with whipped cream—yes, even for breakfast! A cloud of cream on top of your warm baked oatmeal will elevate it to a dessert-like status. Feel free to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg dust over the cream for flavor oomph.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Once you’ve mastered the basics of Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal, you might want to experiment further. Here are some pro-level tips to elevate your baking game.

Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste

Feeling a little adventurous? Customizing the sweetness to fit your taste buds is simple! Start with ⅓ cup of maple syrup, but taste the batter before you bake. If you’d like it sweeter, you can always add a little more!

Customize with Seasonings

Pumpkin spice is delightful, but why stop there? Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg, cloves, or even a hint of cardamom to deepen the flavor profile. This can create different layers and make each batch unique.

Use Different Fruits and Nuts

Don’t feel limited to chocolate chips and nuts—get creative with your mix-ins! Blueberries, cranberries, or even coconut flakes can provide exciting flavors and textures. Just remember to adjust the sweetness based on what you add.

Experiment with Cooking Time

You might find that your oven runs hotter or cooler than average. Keep an eye on your oatmeal during baking—if it’s golden-brown but still appears soft, pull it out. You can always bake it a bit longer if needed.

Conclusion & Next Steps

You’ve just unlocked the magic of Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal! It’s quick, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor. Not only is this recipe easier than it looks, but it’s also endlessly customizable and beginner-approved. Whether you enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings, this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning.

Now, it’s your turn to try making this delightful dish! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the cozy aromas fill your home. You’re bound to fall in love with the process just as much as the result.

If you loved this recipe or have any variations you’d like to try, let me know! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share a picture of your Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal on social media. I can’t wait to hear about your cozy kitchen adventures!

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