If you love cozy, comforting breakfasts that feel a little indulgent but are actually wholesome, then you’re going to flip for this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe. I absolutely love how this oatmeal captures all the warm spices and autumn vibes we crave and then bakes up into this soft, scrumptious dish that your whole family will fight over. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to breakfast or even a snack that feels totally special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The pumpkin and warm spices blend to deliver that classic fall taste without being overpowering.
- Make-ahead convenience: Bake it once and enjoy breakfasts all week — it reheats beautifully, saving you time on busy mornings.
- Customizable and kid-friendly: You can easily adapt the recipe for dietary needs or double up the pecans for crunch lovers.
- Wholesome ingredients: Simple pantry staples with no refined sugar overload, so you feel good about every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together, from the rolled oats giving body to the creamy pumpkin puree and warming pumpkin pie spice. When shopping, look for quality maple syrup and fresh pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) for best flavor.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: I like certified gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive — they give a chewy texture that holds up well baked.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend is a shortcut to fall flavor—don’t skimp on it!
- Baking powder: Adds a little lift so your baked oatmeal isn’t dense.
- Fine salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
- Pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin, not pie filling—adds moisture and that rich color.
- Milk of choice: Dairy or any plant-based milk works great, depending on your preference.
- Eggs: They bind the mixture together; I’ll share an egg-free tip too!
- Pure maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Unsalted butter or coconut oil: Melted, adds richness and a lovely mouthfeel.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash to deepen the flavor.
- Chopped toasted pecans: My secret for that irresistible nutty crunch—you can omit if you’re nut-free.
Variations
I love making this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe my own by switching up a few things. It’s a forgiving base that you can tweak depending on what’s in your pantry or your family’s tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Nut-free version: I skip the pecans and sometimes sprinkle sunflower seeds on top instead — it still adds great texture and is allergy-friendly.
- Vegan/egg-free option: Mixing ground flax meal with water to replace eggs works beautifully without changing the texture much.
- Add-ins: Sometimes I toss in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even diced apples for an extra flavor twist.
- Spice adjustment: If you like more warmth, I bump up the cinnamon or add a bit of ground ginger — very cozy!
How to Make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉. I like using a 9×9-inch baking dish for even cooking and just grease it lightly with butter or a neutral oil spray so nothing sticks. Getting this step done early saves you time and makes sure your baked oatmeal comes out neatly every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately
In a large bowl, whisk together your oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Then, in a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla. This two-step mixing helps make sure your oatmeal bakes evenly, instead of clumping up.
Step 3: Combine and Pour into Pan
Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry until everything is nicely combined — don’t overmix, just enough to fully incorporate. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface gently. Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for that satisfying crunch you’ll be hooked on.
Step 4: Bake and Test for Doneness
Bake for about 30 to 34 minutes. I like to start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, you’re good! The edges should be golden and the center set, but still tender. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before cutting — this resting time helps it hold its shape perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Toast Your Pecans First: I discovered this trick early on — toasting pecans before adding them amps up their flavor so much more than raw nuts.
- Don’t Overbake: Baked oatmeal is moist and tender, so pulling it out right when the center is set prevents it from drying out.
- Use Real Maple Syrup: I’ve found that pure maple syrup gives the best depth of sweetness — it totally elevates this recipe.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the oatmeal cool slightly after baking so it firms up, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my servings with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or whipped cream to cut through the sweetness and add creaminess. A quick drizzle of maple syrup and a little sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top finishes it off perfectly, giving a little something extra with each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this with fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or a handful of berries for contrast. Sometimes I serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a smoked sausage for a more filling brunch that still feels light.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday breakfasts, I’ve cut this baked oatmeal into cute mini squares and served them on a platter with tiny bowls of various toppings like nuts, seeds, and cream cheese spreads. It’s a crowd pleaser that looks and tastes special, but is so simple to put together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I typically store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that refrigerated baked oatmeal actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have mingled overnight.
Freezing
Leftover slices freeze really well! I wrap them individually in parchment and foil before popping in a freezer bag, then they can be reheated anytime within 2 months. It’s a huge timesaver for busy mornings.
Reheating
I usually reheat a slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm it up in a toaster oven. Adding a little splash of milk before microwaving helps keep it moist and soft. If you like it warm with a crisp top, toasting is the way to go.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?
Quick oats absorb liquid differently and bake up softer, so while you can use them, the texture will be less hearty and more mushy. I recommend sticking with old fashioned rolled oats for the best balance of chew and structure.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to keep it dairy-free without compromising flavor.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers well and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze slices individually for up to two months for later enjoyment.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it, then bake fresh in the morning — though I prefer baking it ahead and reheating for convenience without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become something I turn to whenever I want a breakfast that feels special but comes together with little fuss. It’s warm, inviting, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy. I genuinely hope you make it, share it, and enjoy it as much as I do — it’s one of those recipes that turns a regular morning into a cozy moment you look forward to. You’re going to love it!
Print
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal recipe is a cozy, wholesome breakfast option perfect for fall or any time you crave comforting flavors. Made with rolled oats, pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spices, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, it’s a nutritious and delicious way to start your day. The pecans add a lovely crunch, and it can be easily customized to be nut-free or egg-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups old fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free, if needed)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Additional Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted + more for topping (omit for nut-free)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or oil spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and fine salt to evenly distribute the flavors and leavening agent.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, maple syrup or honey, melted butter or coconut oil, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the oatmeal batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the toasted chopped pecans, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Bake Until Set: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 34 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to sit for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm, optionally topping with yogurt, whipped cream, an extra drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.
Notes
- Egg-free option: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flax meal with 3 tablespoons water. Let the mixture thicken for 5-10 minutes before adding to the recipe.
- How to toast pecans: Place pecans in a small pan over medium-low heat, stirring every minute for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and cool before chopping and adding to the recipe.
- You can use any milk of choice — dairy or plant-based — to suit dietary preferences.
- Maple syrup or honey can be used interchangeably as natural sweeteners.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 piece)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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