Looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy breakfast that practically screams autumn? This baked pumpkin oatmeal recipe is exactly what you need! It’s a warm, comforting dish packed with pumpkin flavor and wholesome ingredients, perfect for starting your day on a sweet note. It’s the ideal make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert.
What is Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal?
Baked pumpkin oatmeal is a delightful twist on traditional stovetop oatmeal. Instead of cooking it on the stove, you combine rolled oats, pumpkin puree, milk, spices, and other ingredients in a baking dish and bake it in the oven until it’s set and slightly golden brown. This method creates a creamy, subtly sweet, and incredibly satisfying breakfast or brunch. It’s also incredibly customizable – feel free to adjust the spices, sweeteners, and toppings to your liking! It’s a great way to get your veggie serving in for the day. Ready to experience the magic of baked pumpkin oatmeal? Give this recipe a try today!
Key Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy breakfast:
- Rolled Oats: 3 cups. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking or steel-cut oats.
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 1/2 cups. Make sure it’s pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Milk: 3 cups. Any milk works! Dairy (whole, 2%, skim, or soy. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk add interesting flavors.
- Eggs: 2 large.
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup. Packed. You can substitute maple syrup or honey for a natural alternative. Adjust based on sweetness preference.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons. This is the magic spice blend that makes it taste like autumn!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Helps the oatmeal rise slightly and become fluffy.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Optional Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), dried cranberries, raisins.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal:
This baked pumpkin oatmeal recipe is incredibly easy to make! Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy! It requires minimal effort and preparation time (about 10 minutes prep, bake for 40 to 45 minutes), making it perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week. The beauty of having this baked is the fact that it can be made way ahead of time and reheated, making this a busy family dream. Its rich, creamy texture and warm pumpkin spice flavors make it a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Mix-Ins (Optional): If you’re using any mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, gently fold them into the oatmeal mixture.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and lightly golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set up a bit more.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of nuts.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal:
This baked pumpkin oatmeal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. First, the highlight of this dish is undeniably the flavor—think the comforting warmth of pumpkin pie in a hearty, healthy breakfast. Second, making this at home saves you money compared to buying muffins and pastries or premade individual cups at the grocery store. Finally, the toppings! With endless topping combinations, you can customize each serving precisely to your liking.
If you love this oatmeal, explore our apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe for a similar cozy vibe! Experience your delicious future—give this recipe a try right now!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the baked pumpkin oatmeal to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- Freeze: Cut the cooled oatmeal into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: Reheat the entire baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Skillet: Reheat sliced baked oatmeal in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Final Thoughts:
This baked pumpkin oatmeal recipe is a winner because it’s not just a breakfast; it’s an experience. It’s a hug in a bowl, a boost of energy, and a celebration of fall flavors, all rolled into one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option, a delicious brunch idea, or a comforting dessert, this recipe has you covered. So, go ahead, give it a try, and let the warmth of pumpkin and spice fill your kitchen.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal FAQs:
Q: Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?
A: No, I don’t recommend it. Quick-cooking oats will become mushy in the oven. Rolled oats provide the best texture.
Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can! Substitute the brown sugar with an equivalent amount of maple syrup or honey.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prepping. You can bake it the night before and simply reheat it in the morning.
Q: Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add a scoop to bump up the protein. Consider adding the protein to the wet ingredients for best distribution. Also, if using a sweeter protein powder, please consider decreasing the amount of brown sugar used.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Yes, baked pumpkin oatmeal freezes very well. Cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: yes, go for it – chop up a few nuts and throw them in to the mix, walnuts go great, or even pumpkin seeds too.
