Comforting Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Warm Spice

Q: What are Pumpkin Overnight Oats and how are they different from regular overnight oats?

Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a no‑cook breakfast where rolled oats soak overnight in milk and yogurt with pumpkin puree and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving a cozy, autumnal flavour. The technique is the same as regular overnight oats, but the pumpkin adds moisture, fibre and that classic pumpkin‑spice profile — just be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Use old‑fashioned rolled oats for the best creamy-but‑textured result.

Q: Can I make these Pumpkin Overnight Oats vegan or dairy‑free?

Yes — swap cow’s milk and Greek yogurt for almond, oat or soy milk and a plant‑based yogurt, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Note that dairy‑free yogurts can vary in thickness, so you may need to tweak the liquid (add a tablespoon or two) to match the texture in the recipe. For extra protein, choose a high‑protein vegan yogurt or fold in a scoop of plant protein and a bit more liquid.

Q: My overnight oats are too thick or too thin — how can I fix the texture?

If they’re too thick, stir in 1–3 tablespoons of milk until you reach the desired creaminess; if they’re too thin, stir in a tablespoon of oats or 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds and let sit 10–15 minutes to thicken. Also double‑check your oats: old‑fashioned rolled oats give the recipe its intended bite, while quick oats will create a softer, sometimes thinner texture. Weighing ingredients (90 g oats / 240 ml liquid) helps get a reliable result every time.

Q: Can I heat Pumpkin Overnight Oats, and what’s the best way to serve them warm?

Yes — microwave a jar for 30–60 seconds and stir, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick; alternatively, warm gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Heating brings out the spices and makes the oats feel more like a hot bowl on a chilly morning — great with a drizzle of maple and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for contrast, à la cosy café vibes. If you prefer on‑the‑go warm breakfasts, pour into a thermos after heating.

Q: Are Pumpkin Overnight Oats healthy — what about calories, sugar and protein?

They’re a nutrient‑dense breakfast: roughly 470 kcal, ~18 g protein, ~15 g fat and ~9 g fibre per serving in the base recipe, though toppings and ingredient swaps will change those numbers. To reduce sugar, cut back on maple syrup or choose unsweetened yogurt and milk; to boost protein, use extra Greek yogurt or add a scoop of protein powder. For lighter options, swap to lower‑calorie milk and skip or reduce dried fruit and nuts.

Pumpkin Overnight Oats Comforting MakeAhead Fall Breakfast

By Emma SterlingSeptember 29, 2025

0 (0 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Pumpkin Overnight Oats are my go-to fix for chilly mornings. Oh my gosh, the warm spices hit you first. The flavor is cozy pumpkin, cinnamon, and a whisper of nutmeg.

Quick Hook

Do you love grab and-go breakfasts? This no-cook Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats idea tastes like fall in a jar. Fun fact: pumpkin delivers a good boost of vitamin A.

Brief Overview

This recipe nods to classic American fall flavors. It borrows from pumpkin pie and simple pantry breakfasts.

Difficulty is easy. Prep takes 10 minutes . Chill time is 6– 8 hours . Total time is about 6 8 hours 10 minutes .

Yields two servings. Serve in jars for a make-ahead Breakfast Oats Jar. They’re great hot or cold.

Main Benefits

Top health win is fiber and protein. Greek yogurt plus chia seeds keep you full. You’ll get a sensible breakfast without fuss.

Perfect for busy weekdays. It’s brilliant for meal prep and rushed school mornings. Also lovely for a cozy weekend at home.

What makes this recipe special is the texture. The rolled oats soften but still have bite. I learned that after a soggy experiment. Honestly, I now swear by using old-fashioned oats.

I call it a No-cook Pumpkin Oats Recipe. It’s also easy to tweak into Vegan Pumpkin Overnight Oats. Swap dairy for almond milk and dairy-free yogurt.

If you want extra texture, try Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds. The chia gels the mix and makes it creamy.

Try it as Overnight Oatmeal in the fall. Or pack it as Overnight Oats In A Jar. One serving is about 1 cup. It’s an Overnight Oat that travels well.

I’ve made this for friends many times. They always ask for the recipe. Little tip: toast the nuts. It makes the jar feel fancy.

Now onto ingredients and exact measurements.

Ingredients & Equipment

Oh my gosh, I love talking ingredients. As Julia Child said, people who love to eat are the best people. This version of Pumpkin Overnight Oats is simple and forgiving.

Main Ingredients

Overnight mixture:

1 cup (90 g) rolled old-fashioned oats. Use sturdy oats, not instant.
1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice. Almond, oat, or 2% work well.
1/2 cup (120 g) pumpkin puree. Use plain canned pumpkin puree.
1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt. For vegan swaps, use coconut or soy yogurt.
1 tbsp (12 g) chia seeds. They thicken and add omega-3s.
2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup. Quality matters; avoid flavored syrups.
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract.
1 tsp ground cinnamon.
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp ginger).
Pinch of fine salt ( 1/8 tsp ).

Toppings (optional):

2 tbsp (15 g) chopped pecans or walnuts.
2 tbsp (20 g) raisins or dried cranberries.
Extra maple syrup or granola for crunch.

Quality tips. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for texture. Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Choose Greek yogurt that’s thick and tangy. Pick pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combo: cinnamon + pumpkin pie spice. It’s cozy and classic. Flavor enhancers: a pinch of fine salt wakes flavors.

A tiny splash of espresso does too. Aromatics: vanilla extract smooths the mix. Quick substitutions: replace maple with honey or agave.

Swap yogurt for dairy-free yogurt. Use 1 tbsp extra chia for thicker texture. If you want a vegan option, try Vegan Pumpkin Overnight Oats .

Equipment Needed

2 jars or airtight containers ( 12 16 oz / 350 475 ml each).
Measuring cups and spoons, or a digital scale.
Small bowl and whisk, or fork.
Spoon for stirring and serving.
Refrigerator.

Common swaps: use a reused jam jar instead of a mason jar. Use a bowl and cling film if you lack jars.

I normally make this as an Overnight Oats In A Jar . Honest tip: prep it before bed. It saves frantic mornings.

This no-cook recipe works great as a make-ahead Breakfast Oats Jar or quick Overnight Oatmeal . If you like chia, you’ll adore Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds .

Cooking Method

“Breakfast is the day's most important meal.” I believe it.
Pumpkin Overnight Oats make mornings simple. They taste like autumn. They feel like a hug.

Prep Steps

Clear your counter first. Gather jars and spoons.
Measure oats, milk, pumpkin, yogurt, and spices. This is your mise en place.

Save time by lining up toppings. Chop nuts ahead. Store fruit in small tubs.
Keep the fridge at 40° F ( 4° C) or colder.

This keeps the jars safe.

step-by-step Process

Whisk milk, pumpkin, yogurt, syrup, vanilla, and spices. Aim for a smooth mix.
Stir in oats and chia seeds until even. No dry patches.
Divide into two jars. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace. Seal jars tight.
Refrigerate for 6– 8 hours or overnight. That soak is crucial.
Stir before serving. Add milk if too thick. Top with nuts and fruit.
Warm for 30 60 seconds in microwave if you like hot oats.

Visual cues matter. The oats should be creamy and plump. Chia seeds should look gelled. Pumpkin should blend uniformly. If texture is grainy, add milk and rest ten minutes.

Pro Tips

Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture. Steel-cut oats need cooking.
If too thick, thin with 1 3 tbsp milk.

If too loose, add a pinch of oats.
Avoid using pumpkin pie filling. It’s too sweet. Use plain pumpkin puree instead.

For a quick grab, make a make-ahead Breakfast Oats Jar . They keep up to four days.

Common mistakes to avoid. Don’t skip the chia. Don’t leave jars out. Don’t use instant oats for chew.
I once forgot to seal jars.

Lesson learned. Coffee and cold oats saved me. Honestly, no regrets.

This no-cook No-cook Pumpkin Oats Recipe works for everyone. Try the Vegan Pumpkin Overnight Oats swap with almond milk. Enjoy your Overnight Oats In A Jar .

Try Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds next time. Trust me. You’ll want seconds.

"A good day starts with breakfast," my grandma used to say. I believe her. Pumpkin Overnight Oats are my go-to.

They taste like fall in a jar. Honestly, they saved many hectic mornings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in pretty jars for charm. Think Overnight Oats In A Jar vibe. Top with chopped pecans for crunch. Add dried cranberries for a sweet tang.

A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess. Pair with a hot chai or strong coffee. For weekends, add warm spiced pears.

make-ahead Breakfast Oats Jar looks lovely on picnic trays.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate chilled jars immediately. Chill for 6 8 hours minimum. Store sealed jars up to 4 days in fridge.

Freezing is possible but not ideal. Texture loosens after thawing. If you freeze, thaw overnight in fridge. Reheat gently in microwave for 30 60 seconds .

Stir and add a splash of milk if thick. For stovetop, warm in a small pot briefly.

Variations

Want vegan? Use almond milk and dairy-free yogurt. That makes Vegan Pumpkin Overnight Oats easy. Need more protein? Add a scoop of vanilla powder.

For gluten-free, choose certified oats. Try a Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats twist with extra cinnamon. Or make Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds for gelled creaminess.

Seasonal swap: replace pumpkin with apple puree. Or fold in mashed roasted pear in winter.

Nutrition Basics

Each serving is roughly 470 calories. Protein sits near 18 grams. Fiber comes in at about 9 grams. Pumpkin gives beta carotene and vitamin A.

Chia adds omega-3 and more fiber. Oats deliver slow release energy for mornings. This is simple, filling, and nourishing.

I once under sweetened a batch. Big lesson learned: taste before sealing. Adjust maple syrup next time. This No-cook Pumpkin Oats Recipe is forgiving.

Try it as Overnight Oatmeal or a single Overnight Oat jar. You’ll tweak it into your perfect breakfast. Go on make it tomorrow morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Overnight Oats and how are they different from regular overnight oats?

Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a no-cook breakfast where rolled oats soak overnight in milk and yogurt with pumpkin puree and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving a cozy, autumnal flavour.

The technique is the same as regular overnight oats, but the pumpkin adds moisture, fibre and that classic pumpkin-spice profile just be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best creamy but-textured result.

Can I make these Pumpkin Overnight Oats vegan or dairy-free?

Yes swap cow’s milk and Greek yogurt for almond, oat or soy milk and a plant-based yogurt, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Note that dairy-free yogurts can vary in thickness, so you may need to tweak the liquid (add a tablespoon or two) to match the texture in the recipe.

For extra protein, choose a high-protein vegan yogurt or fold in a scoop of plant protein and a bit more liquid.

How long will Pumpkin Overnight Oats keep in the fridge and can I meal-prep them?

You can safely refrigerate them in airtight jars for up to 4 days, which makes them perfect for weekly meal prep or busy mornings. Keep crunchy toppings (nuts, granola, toasted seeds) and dried fruit separate and add them just before eating to preserve texture, and leave a little headspace in jars if you plan to shake them.

Freezing isn’t ideal yogurt and texture can change so stick to fridge storage for best results.

My overnight oats are too thick or too thin how can I fix the texture?

If they’re too thick, stir in 1 3 tablespoons of milk until you reach the desired creaminess; if they’re too thin, stir in a tablespoon of oats or 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds and let sit 10 15 minutes to thicken.

Also double-check your oats: old-fashioned rolled oats give the recipe its intended bite, while quick oats will create a softer, sometimes thinner texture. Weighing ingredients (90 g oats / 240 ml liquid) helps get a reliable result every time.

Can I heat Pumpkin Overnight Oats, and what’s the best way to serve them warm?

Yes microwave a jar for 30 60 seconds and stir, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick; alternatively, warm gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Heating brings out the spices and makes the oats feel more like a hot bowl on a chilly morning great with a drizzle of maple and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for contrast, à la cosy café vibes.

If you prefer on-the-go warm breakfasts, pour into a thermos after heating.

Are Pumpkin Overnight Oats healthy what about calories, sugar and protein?

They’re a nutrient-dense breakfast: roughly 470 kcal, ~18 g protein, ~15 g fat and ~9 g fibre per serving in the base recipe, though toppings and ingredient swaps will change those numbers.

To reduce sugar, cut back on maple syrup or choose unsweetened yogurt and milk; to boost protein, use extra Greek yogurt or add a scoop of protein powder. For lighter options, swap to lower-calorie milk and skip or reduce dried fruit and nuts.