Pumpkin Overnight Oats
One of my favorite easy breakfast recipes is simple overnight oats. I especially LOVE pumpkin overnight oats because they taste just like a slice of pumpkin pie! Overnight oats are super convenient too. Take about 5 minutes in the evening and wake up to these fall-inspired, healthy and super easy pumpkin overnight oats. As an added plus, this pumpkin overnight oats recipe is packed with protein, so you’ll stay satisfied right up until lunch!
Looking for a healthy breakfast idea with cozy fall flavors? I have just the recipe for you, my friend. These pumpkin overnight oats are delicious, filling and super simple to make. I like to make a few batches on Sunday, so I have a ready-to-go, nutritious breakfast throughout the busy work week.
What are Overnight Oats?
Have you tried overnight oats? Overnight oats is a no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, you soak the raw oats with milk and typically a few other ingredients. As the oats soak, they will absorb the liquid and soften enough to eat uncooked. They need a bit of time to fully absorb the liquid and work great to soak all night long…hence the name overnight oats!
The next morning you have a ready-to-eat, delicious, creamy bowl or jar of oatmeal. The consistency is similar to porridge or pudding. It makes for a hearty and convenient breakfast that has a more thick and creamy texture than cooked oatmeal.
Pumpkin Overnight Oats Ingredients
Pumpkin Overnight Oats are packed with good-for-you ingredients. They also make for a hearty, satisfying breakfast with a good balance of fat, protein, and carbs in the ingredients. Let’s talk details.
- Oats. For any overnight oats recipe, it’s best to use old–fashioned rolled oats.
- Milk. Whatever milk you enjoy will work great in these pumpkin overnight oats. I like unsweetened vanilla cashew or almond milk best.
- Canned pumpkin. Use 100% pure canned pumpkin for these overnight oats. Don’t grab pumpkin pie filling by mistake, which has added spices and sugar.
- Greek yogurt. This makes your oats super creamy and gives them a nice boost of protein. Use any favorite yogurt. I would recommend plain or vanilla yogurt, so that the pumpkin flavors really shine through.
- Chia seeds. These are optional, but I always add them to my overnight oats because they make the oats super thick and more filling.
- Pumpkin pie spice. This spice combination is what gives these oats that classic pumpkin pie flavor. Feel free to use cinnamon, if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice in your kitchen.
- Vanilla extract. Vanilla adds a nice flavor to the oats. Try subbing with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Sweetener. Use whatever you prefer to sweeten your oats, to taste. I personally like to use 1 1/2 packets of Stevia. You could also use 2-3 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup.
How To Make Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Overnight oats typically include a 1:1:1 ratio of oats, milk and yogurt. With these pumpkin overnight oats, we’re adding an equal amount of pumpkin puree into the mix. This recipe could not be easier – mix, soak and enjoy!
- Mix. Mix all of the ingredients (minus toppings) in any jar, bowl or container. I like to use these 16 ounce wide mouth mason jars.
- Soak. Once you have all your ingredients stirred together, simply cover and put the oats in the fridge to soak overnight.
- Enjoy! When you’re ready for breakfast, grab your overnight oats from the fridge, add a splash of milk for a smoother consistency and give the oats a stir. Don’t forget your favorite toppings!
Topping Suggestions
There are so many ingredient options you can use for topping your oats! And in my opinion, it’s the toppings that really take your pumpkin overnight oats to the next level. My favorite toppings are:
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Fresh fruit – blueberries, apple slices, banana slices
- Chopped pecans or walnuts or pumpkin seeds
- Chocolate chips
- Granola
- Nut butter
How Long Do Overnight Oats Need to Soak?
Soaking oats for at least 8 hours or overnight is recommended for the best texture and consistency. However, if you’re in a pinch for time, you can actually soak oats for just 2-4 hours with good results. The oats will become more thick and creamy as they absorb the liquid over time, so if you soak them for just 2 hours, they won’t have quite the same volume that they would if you soaked them for 8+ hours. They will still be delicious, though!
Can You Eat Overnight Oats Hot?
Overnight oats are intended to be eaten cold, but you can definitely eat them warmed up, if you prefer. If you think cold oatmeal sound unappealing, I recommend giving it a try. I actually like to take my overnight oats out of the fridge about 10 to 15 minutes before I plan to eat them, so they’re not super cold but still have a chill. If it turns out you don’t enjoy the cold oats, pop them in your microwave, and cook in 30 second increments until the oats are heated to your liking.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?
Overnight oats will typically stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days, which makes them a great meal prep option. I like to quintuple (is that even a word?) this recipe on Sunday and have overnight oats on hand, in the fridge, for the whole week. Wait to add any toppings, including fresh fruit, until just before you plan to eat the oats, so they stay fresher longer.
Are Pumpkin Overnight Oats Good For You?
This recipe for overnight oatmeal is packed with good-for-you ingredients. It also has a great balance of macronutrients making it a healthy breakfast choice with plenty of fiber.
Enjoy my other favorite fall breakfast recipes:
Apple Cinnamon Protein Oatmeal
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
If you try this pumpkin overnight oats recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
A quick and easy, no cooking required, make-ahead breakfast with my favorite Fall flavors!
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free, if needed)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (any milk works)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2-1 tablespoon Chia seeds (optional, but works well to thicken the oatmeal)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- desired sweetener- I used 1 1/2 packets Stevia. 2-3 teaspoons honey or maple syrup would work well too.
- optional toppings- raisins, craisins, shredded coconut, granola, seeds, nuts, nut butter
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Combine all ingredients, except toppings, in a small bowl or jar with a lid. I like to use an almost empty jar of almond butter (if I have one) and the smaller mason jars. You can also just use a cereal bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 hours.
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Enjoy cold or gently warmed in the microwave. Sprinkle with desired toppings and additional milk, as desired. I like to take my oatmeal out of the fridge about 10-20 minutes before I'm ready to eat. It's chilled, but not super cold.
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It works great to make several servings at once, to enjoy throughout the week. Prepared oatmeal cups will keep well for about 5 days in the fridge.
QUICK MICROWAVE VERSION: Follow instructions as directed. When you're ready to enjoy, pop it in the microwave and heat in 30 seconds increments until oats are of desired warmth.
MEAL PREP: Feel free to double, triple, quadruple or quintuple the recipe to meal prep for the week. Oats will stay fresh, covered, in the fridge for up to about 5 days. Don't add toppings until you're ready to enjoy.
MAKE IT GLUTEN FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.
MAKE IT NUT-FREE: Don’t top with nuts or nut butter! You might enjoy toasted pumpkin seeds on top and a drizzle of sunbutter.
MAKE IT DAIRY-FREE & VEGAN: Use a dairy-free yogurt variety.
Photos by Sasha at Eat Love Eats.
Did you make this recipe?
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This recipe was first published November 2014 and was updated with new content September 2020.
These were so delicious! It was the perfect quick morning breakfast, especially loved the pumpkin!
This recipe is so good! I love overnight oatmeal, but the pumpkin made it next level!
These oats are my new favorite! They are delicious and filling. I’ve started adding a bit more milk to mine, as I prefer oats a bit milkier (about 1/4 cup more works well). Thanks for the recipe!
This was delicious and I love that it kept me full for hours! Going to meal prep this for next week. Thanks for a great recipe!
Absolutely loved this overnight oatmeal! It had the best pumpkin flavor and I’ll definitely be making it on repeat!
Loving this recipe! As someone who loves oatmeal, but finds it takes too long to make on rushed mornings, and it’s too hot to eat during the summer, cold overnight oats are perfect! I put it together the night before, then toss it in my lunch bag and eat it when I get to work.
I also enjoyed adding some shredded coconut mixed in for some texture and flavor.
I love pumpkin but I’m on a vegan diet. Any ideas what I could use to sub for the yogurt? Or do you think I could skip the yogurt?
You can definitely try leaving it out, but I haven’t tried this so I’m not sure how it will come out. You could also use a dairy-free yogurt.
Great recipe, Kim! My kids and I have been enjoying this breakfast pretty much every morning. So tasty!
This pumpkin pie overnight oatmeal sounds like such a healthy treat. Yum! Pinning to try soon.
I didn’t have almond milk so I used what I had in the fridge and I also added a few chocolate chips and it’s so good! Will definitely make it again!
Yay! So glad that you enjoyed and thanks so much for your comment!