This is a variation of our stovetop oatmeal base recipe. Fall is the season of all things pumpkin. This warm pumpkin oatmeal recipe with toasted pumpkin seeds is a delicious and filling breakfast that will surely meet your pumpkin spice needs this fall!
Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
Stir the first five ingredients together to ensure even flavor distribution.
If you want a creamier oatmeal, use a creamy milk. Skim and almond milk are thinner, whereas whole milk and cashew are creamier. Be mindful of daily saturated fat intake if using whole.
Don’t over-stir, or the oats will become gummy. Just a quick stir to mix everything together, and that should do the trick!
You can change the type of oats you use in this recipe, depending on what you like and have on hand! Just note that cooking times may vary. Learn more about the different types of oats in this article: Different Types of Oats.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Canned pumpkin: substitute pureed sweet potato or butternut squash.
- Milk or milk alternative: use any milk or milk alternative of your choice. We recommend plain varieties to reduce added sugars, but if you have sweetened on hand, leave out the brown sugar.
- Brown sugar: substitute honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Pumpkin pie spice: substitute cinnamon or apple pie spice or make your own pumpkin spice blend!
- Oats: old fashioned, rolled, or quick oats all work. Steel cut oats work in this recipe too, but note that cooking time increases. Cook according to package directions.
- Pumpkin seeds: substitute toasted pecans for another classic fall combination.
We love buying our spices from The Spice House. Click on the picture below to view & try out hundreds of flavorful spices and herbs!
Recipe Variations
Want to make this pumpkin oatmeal vegan? Use a milk alternative, such as almond, soy, or cashew milk.
Need some recipe inspiration?
Use our stovetop oatmeal base recipe to make this recipe to your taste, or try out these other variations!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success!
Is Pumpkin Oatmeal Healthy?
Yes! Hot oatmeal is a great breakfast to start your morning. (Read more about healthy oatmeal breakfasts here.) Packed with fiber, protein, and flavor, pumpkin pie oatmeal will keep you satisfied and energized throughout your morning. This recipe features oats, milk, and pumpkin puree.
Oats
Oats of any variety are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Carbohydrates are important for energy and focus.
Milk or Milk Alternative
Whether you choose to use cow’s milk or a plant based alternative, you are sure to get some nutritional benefit. Cow’s milk is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamins A & D, and more. There are so many plant-based milk alternatives that it’s hard to generalize their benefits, so be sure to read the nutrition label. Soy milk is the most comparable to cow’s milk.
For more on this subject, check out our plant-based milk vs cow’s milk article!
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin is a great source of beta carotene, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients promote immune function, gut health, good cholesterol, and normal blood pressure. Be sure to purchase pure pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling, as this contains added sugar.
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this pumpkin spice oatmeal recipe as is, or add a splash more milk, a drizzle of nut butter, a sprinkle of dried fruit, or a few dark chocolate chips to your taste!
We kept the added sugar low, but if it’s not sweet enough, add a little more brown sugar to taste or drizzle some maple syrup on top.
How to Store Cooked Oatmeal
Want to make a big batch of healthy pumpkin pie oatmeal to eat throughout the week? Multiply the recipe by your desired yield, cook, cool, then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
When ready to eat, dish out individual servings, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy hot or cold! If eating hot, add a splash of water or milk before heating to help thin the mix.
Want More Pumpkin Recipes?
Try out these recipes to hit all of your pumpkin cravings, then have fun customizing them to your taste!
Pumpkin Oatmeal with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup milk or milk alternative
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- 2 Tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, milk, water, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add oats, reduce heat, and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until oats are plump and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let settle for another minute before eating.
- Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and any other desired toppings. Enjoy!
