If you’re craving a cozy, wholesome breakfast that basically feels like a warm hug in a bowl, I absolutely have to share this Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe with you. It’s super simple, packed with fall flavors, and just perfect for making-ahead breakfasts or even a comforting snack. When I first tried this one, I was hooked—it’s like pumpkin pie and hearty oats had a delicious baby! Stick around, because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and easy enough to whip together on any busy morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Prep: Toss all the ingredients together in one bowl — no fancy techniques needed.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it the night before and breakfast is ready to go in the morning.
- Yummy Fall Flavors: Pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree give it that cozy seasonal vibe everyone loves.
- Customizable Toppings: From nuts to chocolate chips, you can tailor every slice to suit your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that perfect creamy, tender oatmeal bake with a hint of spice and natural sweetness. When shopping, I recommend choosing fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor—and don’t skip the oat milk if you’re aiming for extra creaminess!
- Rolled Oats: I always use rolled oats, not instant, because they hold their texture beautifully when baked.
- Baking Powder: Adds just the right puff and lightness to this oatmeal bake.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend is magic; it brings that comforting fall flavor you want in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: I prefer maple syrup for a natural sweetness, but brown sugar works great too!
- Pumpkin Puree: Pick up canned 100% pumpkin puree or use homemade if you have it on hand.
- Oat Milk: Oat milk makes it creamy and dairy-free, but you can swap in your favorite milk if you like.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Because vanilla always makes everything better.
- Ground Flaxseeds: These act as a binder and add a subtle nutty flavor, plus a boost of fiber.
- Optional Add-ins/Toppings: Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, raisins, dried cranberries, maple syrup, or vegan whipped topping are all fantastic choices to mix in or top your bake.
Variations
I love that this Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own depending on what you have in the pantry or your dietary needs. Over time, I’ve played around with textures, add-ins, and spices, and it’s always a hit.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: I often toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, which adds a nice contrast to the soft oats.
- Swap Flax for Chia: If you don’t have flaxseed, ground chia seeds work beautifully as an egg replacer too.
- Use Fresh Spices: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to get the same warm flavor.
- Sweetener Options: Feel free to try coconut sugar, agave syrup, or honey (if not vegan) instead of maple syrup or brown sugar.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish and give it a generous spray with non-stick spray. This little step makes sure your oat bake slides right out and keeps cleanup easy—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together your rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. I like to whisk them a bit so everything is evenly distributed before adding the wet stuff.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Flax
Now pour in the brown sugar (or maple syrup), pumpkin puree, oat milk, vanilla extract, and ground flaxseeds. Stir everything until the mixture’s uniform and creamy. It looks a bit thick but don’t worry—that’s how it should be.
Step 4: Bake and Wait for the Magic
Transfer the batter to your baking dish and pop it right in the oven, middle rack. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and you see the edges puff up nice and firm. I usually peek at the 30-minute mark just to check, but sometimes you need the full 35 for that perfect set texture.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve
Don’t skip the 20-minute cooling time—it lets the bake set so it slices beautifully instead of falling apart. My favorite way to serve? A little whipped cream on top, a handful of chopped pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s enough to make your family go crazy for breakfast!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Use Rolled Oats, Not Instant: Rolled oats keep their texture and don’t turn mushy after baking, making a better overall bake.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Letting the bake cool for at least 20 minutes is key for clean slices and a firmer texture.
- Customize with Toppings: I find adding nuts or chocolate chips before baking adds pockets of flavor and texture that everyone loves.
- Watch Oven Temperature: Ovens vary; if your bake browns too quickly, tent it with foil after 25 minutes.
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my oatmeal bake with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or Greek yogurt if I want something tangy. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and nuttiness, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup takes it over the top. You could also toss on some fresh fruit if you want a bright note.
Side Dishes
When I serve this for a brunch or a cozy breakfast, I like pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon or sausage for some savory contrast. It also goes great with a cup of strong coffee or pumpkin spice latte to keep the seasonal vibes going.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for a holiday morning or special occasion, try baking individual portions in a muffin tin—perfect for easy grab-and-go servings. You can also dust the top with cinnamon sugar just before serving or add a swirl of almond butter for extra richness. I’ve even wrapped leftovers in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting friends—and they were thrilled!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually slice mine into portions so it’s easy to grab a piece whenever I want. It actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.
Freezing
This pumpkin oatmeal bake freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s a real lifesaver to pull out on busy mornings! Frozen slices should be good for about 2 months.
Reheating
I like reheating my leftovers in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or popping them in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that slight crisp top. If reheating from frozen, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge and heat as usual.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth before measuring it into the recipe. Make sure it’s thick and not watery, so your bake doesn’t become too soggy.
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Is this Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe vegan?
Yes! Using oat milk and ground flaxseeds as an egg replacer keeps this recipe completely vegan-friendly. Just check your optional toppings to keep it consistent.
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Can I prepare this the night before?
While you can mix everything the night before and bake in the morning, I prefer baking it the night before and letting it cool so that it’s ready to slice and eat right away. It makes busy mornings much smoother!
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What can I use if I don’t have flaxseeds?
Ground chia seeds are a great substitute as a binder. I haven’t tested other egg replacers extensively, so chia is my go-to alternative.
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Can I add chocolate chips to the oatmeal bake?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips is one of my favorite tweaks for a sweet surprise in every bite. Just stir them in before baking, or sprinkle on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites, especially in the chillier months when I crave something comforting yet healthy. It’s such a warm start to my day, plus the flexibility to customize means it never feels boring. I really hope you’ll give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get that perfect autumn breakfast on the table, and I bet your family or guests will be begging for seconds too!
PrintPumpkin Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake is a warm, comforting, and hearty breakfast perfect for fall or any chilly morning. Made with rolled oats, pumpkin puree, warming spices, and dairy-free milk, it’s a wholesome and naturally sweetened dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings. It’s easy to prepare, baked to fluffy golden perfection, and makes great leftovers for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cloves as substitute)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/4 cups oat milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings/Add-ins
- Chocolate chips
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Raisins
- Dried cranberries
- Maple syrup
- Vegan whipped topping or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×9 or 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the brown sugar (or maple syrup), pumpkin puree, oat milk, vanilla extract, and ground flaxseeds to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated into a uniform batter.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it on the center rack of your preheated oven, and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bake should puff up around the edges and turn golden on top when done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 20 minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve warm. Add optional toppings such as whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your hearty pumpkin oatmeal bake!
Notes
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a blend of 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves as an alternative.
- Leftovers will keep well for up to 4 days stored in a covered container in the fridge. Reheat in an air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
- While oat milk is recommended for creaminess and flavor, any milk substitute or regular milk can be used as per your preference.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chia seeds for ground flaxseeds as the egg replacer. Other vegan egg replacers might work but have not been tested with this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/9th of the bake)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg