There’s something irresistibly cozy about this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe — the warm spices, the creamy pumpkin, and that comforting oatmeal texture make it a perfect breakfast to start your day or a snack to warm you up on cooler mornings.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin baked oatmeal recipe has earned a solid spot in my morning routine. What I adore is how it combines simple pantry staples into a flavorful, nutritious dish that feels just like fall in every bite. Plus, it’s forgiving and easy to make even on rushed mornings.
- Rich Flavor & Texture: The pumpkin puree and spices create a warm, comforting flavor that elevates ordinary oatmeal into something special.
- Hands-Off Baking: You mix everything in one bowl and bake — no stovetop hassle, which is great when mornings are busy.
- Customize with Ease: From toppings like pecans to swapping the sweeteners, you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs easily.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores well and tastes just as good reheated, making breakfasts ahead of time a breeze.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe lies in simple ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Each element plays a role, giving you a moist, flavorful, and hearty breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature fall flavor; also boosts fiber and vitamins.
- Milk: Keeps the oatmeal creamy and helps everything bind together.
- Brown sugar: Offers caramel notes that deepen the flavor while balancing the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with its own warm undertones, and it pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Eggs: They help hold the baked oatmeal together without making it heavy.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to deliver that cozy, spiced aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch to enhance the overall flavor.
- Baking soda: Gives the oatmeal a slight lift and keeps it from getting too dense.
- Old fashioned oats: The hearty base that gives a chewy texture and sustains you all morning.
Make It Your Way
I like switching things up based on what’s in my pantry or mood. This recipe is forgiving, so don’t hesitate to play with your favorite add-ins or swap a few ingredients to suit your taste.
- Variation: I often add chopped apples or dried cranberries for a fruity twist — the slight tartness perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices.
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk without losing creaminess.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar and maple syrup with honey or coconut sugar based on your preference.
- Nut-Free: Simply skip pecans or other nuts if you have allergies or want to keep it nut-free.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, grease your 9x9-inch baking pan well with cooking spray or butter. This ensures the oatmeal comes out cleanly without sticking — I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step makes cleanup trickier!
Step 2: Whisk Your Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, beaten eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and baking soda. Make sure everything is well combined; this base is what gives your baked oatmeal that lush richness.
Step 3: Stir in the Oats
Add the old fashioned oats and gently stir until the oats are evenly coated. The mixture should look thick but well blended. Remember, the oats will absorb the moisture as it bakes, so don’t worry if it feels slightly loose now.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top out. Bake for about 35 minutes. The center will jiggle slightly when it’s done but will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking or it can dry out — keep an eye near the end!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy it warm straight from the oven or let it cool and slice it for a grab-and-go snack. I love topping mine with extra maple syrup, chopped pecans for crunch, and a dollop of whipped cream when I’m feeling indulgent.
Top Tip
From my experience, a few key tips will help you nail this pumpkin baked oatmeal every time and make it truly special.
- Use Old Fashioned Oats: Steel-cut or quick oats don’t bake up the same — old fashioned oats hold moisture well and give that perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Pumpkin Pie Spice: It’s the secret ingredient that turns pumpkin into a cozy, warm flavor experience.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye after 30 minutes—overbaking leads to dryness. The center should be just set and slightly wobbly.
- Custom Toppings Elevate the Dish: Toast your pecans lightly before adding for extra crunch and nuttiness; it makes a noticeable difference.
How to Serve Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I frequently top my pumpkin baked oatmeal with a drizzle of real maple syrup, a handful of toasted chopped pecans for crunch, and a swirl of whipped cream or Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. Sometimes a sprinkle of cinnamon on top finishes it beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit, a crisp apple or pear slices, or a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to round out a cozy breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch with friends, I like serving the baked oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with a swirl of whipped cream and pecans, then garnished with a fresh sage leaf—this adds a touch of elegance and seasonal charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover remaining baked oatmeal with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 4–5 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts during the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this baked oatmeal in single-serving portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready for a quick breakfast, I pop a piece in the fridge overnight or reheat from frozen — it thaws beautifully without losing texture.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave a slice for 45–60 seconds or warm it in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or a little extra maple syrup before reheating helps keep it moist and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I recommend sticking with old fashioned oats for this recipe because they retain moisture and texture during baking. Quick oats tend to become mushy and won’t give you the same pleasant chew.
To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Also, swap out brown sugar and maple syrup with your preferred vegan-friendly sweeteners.
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts gives a wonderful crunch, while dried or fresh fruit like cranberries, apples, or raisins add bursts of flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 5 days. It reheats well but you can also enjoy it cold if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a cherished fallback when I want a filling, flavorful, yet easy breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to — hearty, wholesome, and just right every time. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do and find it as comforting and versatile as I have!
Print
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and delicious breakfast option that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with hearty oats. Perfectly baked to a slightly wiggly center that sets as it cools, it's a comforting dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Serve it with optional maple syrup, chopped pecans, or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup (regular, lite, or sugar free)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
Optional Toppings
- Additional maple syrup
- Chopped pecans
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and baking soda until smooth and well combined.
- Add oats: Stir in the old fashioned oats until the mixture is evenly combined, making sure all oats are coated with the wet ingredients.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35 minutes; the center will be slightly wiggly but will firm up as it cools.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or cold. Top with additional maple syrup, chopped pecans, or whipped cream as desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal is nutritious and filling, perfect for a wholesome breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the morning.
- For added texture and flavor, top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving.
- You can use regular, lite, or sugar-free maple syrup based on your dietary preferences or needs.
- Ensure not to overbake; the center should remain a bit soft when you take it out to ensure moistness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat portions as needed for a quick breakfast or snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg

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