Pumpkin Oatmeal

Homemade Pumpkin Oatmeal is so warm and comforting, and only takes about 10 minutes to make. A wholesome, nutritious breakfast that you can make on the stovetop or in the microwave!

We’re using canned pumpkin puree for this oatmeal recipe, so if you’ve got that extra bit left from making your favorite pumpkin baked treats, swirl it into this cozy, pumpkin-flavored oatmeal!

A bowlful of pumpkin oatmeal topped with apples, walnuts and pumpkin puree, with a spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe

Looking for a comforting, hearty, and nutritious breakfast all in one? This Pumpkin Oatmeal is the one that you’re looking for. Not only does it have all the fall flavors you’re craving, but it only takes about 10 minutes to make from start to finish.

This oatmeal recipe can be made on the stovetop or in the microwave, but both methods still take less than 10 minutes, so it’s up to you how to make it.

  • Easy To Make: This pumpkin oatmeal recipe is about as easy to make as just making regular oatmeal, with a couple of ingredients stirred in for flavor.
  • Customizable: You can easily customize the toppings or add-ins for this pumpkin oatmeal.
  • Make Ahead: Go ahead and make this oatmeal the night before and just warm it up in the microwave for an easy breakfast.
  • Nutritious: Even though we’re adding brown sugar to sweeten this oatmeal recipe, it’s still packed with nutritious ingredients. You can even substitute the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener or leave it out.
ingredients for making pumpkin oatmeal

Ingredients For Pumpkin Oatmeal

Just a few simple ingredients are all you’re going to need to get this pumpkin oatmeal on the table in less than 10 minutes. Head to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities needed.

  • Old Fashioned Oats: We love the flavor and chewy texture of regular, old-fashioned oats for this recipe, but if you only have quick, or 1-minute oats, follow the cooking times on the package and then continue on with the recipe.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Unsweetened pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If pumpkin pie filling is all that you have, you can also use that, but cut down on the brown sugar since pumpkin pie filling is sweetened.
  • Milk: Whole milk is our go-to for this oatmeal recipe, but you can swap it out with almond milk or low-fat milk.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness but also the deeper flavor of molasses.
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon for a warm cozy feel.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Amps up the flavor of the pumpkin in this oatmeal.
pumpkin oatmeal in a brown bowl with spoons

How To Make Pumpkin Oatmeal

This oatmeal recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Have we mentioned that you can make it on the stovetop OR in the microwave? Both cooking methods will take less than 10 minutes, from start to finish.

  • STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS: Add milk to a small pot and bring to a simmer. Stir in the oats and a pinch of salt and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon, and then simmer the mixture for another minute until the oats are chewy and the oatmeal is thick. Pour into a bowl and garnish with desired toppings.
  • MICROWAVE INSTRUCTIONS: Add the milk, salt, and oats to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Stir the oatmeal, and then add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Microwave for another minute (if needed) to thicken the oatmeal, and then serve.
A bowlful of pumpkin oatmeal topped with apples, walnuts and pumpkin puree, with a spoon.

What Toppings Can I Add To Oatmeal?

For this Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe, we use toppings that compliment the fall vibes of this simple breakfast recipe. Sliced apples, walnuts, a swirl of pumpkin puree, a drizzle of honey, and maybe a little more brown sugar depending on how sweet you like your oatmeal.

More Oatmeal Topping Ideas:

  • Pears
  • Raisins, Craisins, or Other Dried Fruit
  • Milk or Cream
  • Other Nuts (Like Pecans or Sliced Almonds)
  • Berries
  • Bananas
  • Granola
  • Peanut Butter or any Nut Butter
  • Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds
  • Coconut Flakes
A bowlful of pumpkin oatmeal topped with apples, walnuts and pumpkin puree, with a spoon.

Can This Oatmeal Recipe Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Making homemade oatmeal is really so easy, it can be and should be made right before eating. Leftover oatmeal will get very thick in the refrigerator and the oats will get soft instead of having that delicious, chewy texture.

However, you can microwave leftover oatmeal and thin it out with milk or cream, too. So don’t throw it away if you do have any leftovers or if meal prepping is the only option.

A bowlful of pumpkin oatmeal topped with apples, walnuts and pumpkin puree, with a spoon.

How To Make Pumpkin Overnight Oats

You can use these same flavors to make overnight oats, too! Simply add the oats, milk of choice, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon to a container and stir.

Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) and for up to 3 days. Stir the oats before serving and adjust the flavors if needed.

  • PRO TIP: I, for one, and not a fan of overnight oats but I know it’s a very popular breakfast item. My tip for making and liking overnight oats is to heat them before serving. It’s a looser oatmeal texture but still delicious.

Looking For More Breakfast Recipes?

If you try this recipe, please let us know how you liked it in the comment section below. We always love hearing from you!

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A bowlful of pumpkin oatmeal topped with apples, walnuts and pumpkin puree, with a spoon.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

  • Author: Dan
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Serving 1x

This Pumpkin Oatmeal is so hearty and comforting, and has all your favorite fall flavors! Cook it on the stove top or in the microwave for a hearty and easy nutritious breakfast!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (can swap out almond or oat milk)
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened – not pumpkin pie filling
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Toppings:

  • Swirl of pumpkin puree
  • Sliced apples
  • Walnuts
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Splash of milk or cream
  • See post for more topping ideas!

Instructions

Stove Top Instructions:

  1. Add your milk of choice to a small pot and bring to a simmer. Stir in the oats and a pinch of salt, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon, and simmer for another minute until the oats are chewy and the oatmeal is thick. Pour into a bowl and garnish with desired toppings.

Microwave Instructions:

  1. Add the milk, salt, and oats to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Stir the oatmeal and then add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Microwave for another minute (if needed) to thicken the oatmeal and serve.

Recipe Notes

Reheat: Reheat oatmeal in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to thin out the oatmeal as needed.

Store: Store leftover oatmeal in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Category: Breakfast / Brunch
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American

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