Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a cozy and easy breakfast that’s perfect for those chilly mornings. The creamy oats soak up the sweet and spicy flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg overnight, making them soft and ready to eat as soon as you wake up.
I love how simple it is to prepare this recipe the night before — just mix everything together, refrigerate, and you’re set. It’s a great way to enjoy the warm taste of pumpkin without spending time cooking in the morning. Plus, you can easily add your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup to make it just how you like.
Whenever I make these pumpkin oats, I feel like I’m starting the day with a little bit of fall comfort, no matter the season. They’re filling, flavorful, and a wonderful way to sneak some extra fiber and vitamins into your breakfast. I always look forward to grabbing my jar from the fridge and enjoying those creamy, pumpkin-spiced flavors on the go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: These give the oats a nice chewy texture after soaking. You can use quick oats, but the texture will be softer. Avoid instant oats since they’ll get too mushy.
Pumpkin puree: This adds creamy texture and that warm pumpkin flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin, sweet potato puree works well too.
Milk and yogurt: These help soften the oats and make the mixture creamy. Dairy or plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy all work great. For yogurt, Greek is thicker but regular or dairy-free versions are fine too.
Maple syrup or honey: This sweetens the oats naturally. Adjust the amount to your taste or use agave or date syrup as alternatives.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger): These warm spices bring out the pumpkin’s flavor. Feel free to tweak the amounts depending on how spicy or mild you like it.
Toppings: Granola adds crunch and pumpkin seeds give a nutty bite. If you want, swap granola for chopped nuts or seeds, and yogurt topping for coconut whipped cream if you prefer dairy-free.
How Can I Make My Pumpkin Overnight Oats Creamy and Not Too Thick?
Getting the right creamy texture without your oats being too thick is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Use rolled oats because they soak up liquid well but keep some texture.
- Keep the ratio of oats to liquid about 1:1 (oats to milk + yogurt combined) for creamy consistency.
- Stir well before refrigerating to evenly distribute the pumpkin and spices.
- After soaking overnight, if your oats seem thick, stir in a bit more milk to loosen them up.
- Adding yogurt helps to enrich the oats and makes them smoother.
Following these tips will give you a creamy, pleasant texture that’s easy to eat yet filling and flavorful every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jars or small airtight containers – perfect for mixing and storing your oats overnight.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of oats, pumpkin, and spices for consistent flavor.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring all the ingredients together evenly.
- Refrigerator – essential for chilling your oats overnight and helping them soften.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a scoop of protein powder for extra energy and to keep you full longer.
- Mix in mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness and a fruity twist.
- Top with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and healthy fats.
- Sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds to boost fiber and omega-3s.
Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings: dollop of yogurt or whipped cream, granola, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and a sprinkle of cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. The oats need to chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight, so they can absorb the flavors and soften perfectly. It’s an easy recipe that does most of the work for you while you sleep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well so all the flavors blend evenly.
2. Chill Overnight
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and put it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This resting time lets the oats soak up the liquid and pumpkin flavors, making the oats soft and creamy.
3. Serve and Enjoy
In the morning, take your oats out and give them a good stir. If they seem a little thick, add a splash of milk to loosen them up. Top with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream, sprinkle granola and pumpkin seeds for crunch, and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious pumpkin breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before mixing it in. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave, then stir well to remove any extra water.
Can I Make Pumpkin Overnight Oats Without Yogurt?
Absolutely! You can skip the yogurt or replace it with more milk or a dairy-free alternative. Just note that yogurt helps add creaminess and a bit of tang, so your oats might be slightly less rich.
How Long Can I Store Overnight Oats?
Store your prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before eating and add extra milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
For sure! Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey and adjust to your taste. You can also use other sweeteners like agave or a sugar-free option if you prefer.
