There’s something about the first crisp morning of fall that makes you crave comfort that earthy scent of pumpkin spice in the air, the quiet rustle of leaves outside your window, and a bowl of something warm to start the day. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal brings all that together in one creamy, spiced, soul-hugging breakfast.
This isn’t just oatmeal, it’s pumpkin pie in a bowl, minus the guilt, minus the crust, but with every bit of the nostalgia. Whether you’re rushing out the door or curling up with a blanket and coffee, this recipe gives you a quick, nourishing way to celebrate the season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or water / plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream or coconut cream
- Ground cinnamon
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Maple syrup drizzle
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring milk or water to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the oats, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender and creamy — about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon into bowls and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and anything else that makes you happy.
Tip: For extra richness, stir in a small knob of butter or a splash of heavy cream before serving. It’s optional — but transformative.

Tips & Tricks
- Texture matters: Use rolled oats for creaminess. Instant oats can work, but the flavor feels flatter.
- Too thick? Add a splash more milk until it reaches your ideal consistency.
- Batch-friendly: Make a double portion and refrigerate leftovers — it reheats beautifully with a bit of added milk.
- Flavor hack: Toast your oats in the pan for 1 minute before adding liquid to bring out a subtle nutty aroma.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan version: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and sweeten with maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Protein boost: Stir in Greek yogurt, protein powder, or a spoonful of almond butter before serving.
- Overnight oats: Combine all ingredients (uncooked) in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and serve cold or warmed — perfect for mornings on the go.
- Spice it your way: Adjust the pumpkin pie spice — add extra cinnamon or nutmeg if you love bold flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Yes, but they take longer — around 20–25 minutes. You’ll also need a bit more liquid (about 2½–3 cups total). The result is chewier but still delicious.
Can I skip the whipped cream?
Of course — though it’s worth it for the dessert-like finish. You can swap it for Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter option.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
(Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.)
There’s a quiet joy in starting your morning with something that feels both wholesome and a little indulgent. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal bridges that gap perfectly a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or heavy.
So tomorrow morning, as the coffee brews and the light filters through the window, take ten minutes to make this. It’s not just breakfast it’s a ritual that tastes like fall itself.

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Recipe – Cozy Fall Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or water / plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream or coconut cream
- Ground cinnamon
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Maple syrup drizzle
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring milk or water to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the oats, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender and creamy — about 5–7 minutes.Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon into bowls and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and anything else that makes you happy.
