Best Pumpkin Oatmeal

This healthy and cozy pumpkin oatmeal makes the perfect breakfast for a chilly fall morning. It has a ton of pumpkin flavor with a little spice and a touch of sweetness.

When I think of fall mornings, my mind instantly goes to creating the coziest morning routine. In my dream world, I would make a fancy caffeinated beverage and then get this pumpkin oatmeal going on the stove.

It’s packed with pumpkin flavor and comforting spices and is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. I love that it comes together in no time at all so I can savor my fall morning!

Here’s What You Need

• old fashioned rolled oats – rolled oats make for a super creamy bowl of oatmeal and are my personal favorite type of oatmeal! I typically use Bob’s Red Mill rolled oats, which are gluten-free. If you’re looking to use steel cut oats, try this pumpkin pie oatmeal instead.
• water – the liquid you’ll cook the oats in. You can also use milk if you’d like your bowl of oatmeal to be extra creamy. Unsweetened almond milk is my favorite for oatmeal.
• pumpkin puree – make homemade pumpkin puree or use store bought. If you are using canned, make sure it’s pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling! Pumpkin pie mix has added sugar!
• pumpkin pie spice – make your own pumpkin pie spice or purchase a store-bought blend
• cinnamon – compliments the pumpkin flavors perfectly.
• salt – just a hint to bring all of the flavors together.
• toppings – feel free to use your favorite toppings, but I used chopped pecans, a splash of milk and maple syrup.

tip!If you're looking to add protein to your oatmeal, try this protein pumpkin oatmeal instead!

How to Make Oatmeal on the Stovetop

Combine ingredients – Add rolled oats, water, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and a dash of salt to a medium saucepan and heat over medium/high heat.

Simmer – Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Serve – The oatmeal is ready when the oats have soaked up most of the liquid and the oats are creamy, thick and fluffy.

Add toppings and enjoy – Transfer oats to a bowl and add pecans, a splash of milk and maple syrup, to taste.

How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave

My preferred method of making oatmeal is on the stovetop, but you can also microwave it if you’re short on time!

Just add the rolled oats, water, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and a dash of salt into a microwave-safe bowl with plenty of room for the oats to expand and bubble up. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and then microwave at 30 seconds increments, stirring between each one.

Cook until the oatmeal is the consistency you like – it usually takes about 2-3 minutes, but you’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid is absorbed and the oats are hot.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Toppings

Surprisingly, this pumpkin oatmeal is really versatile. Here are some topping ideas:

• maple syrup – I always love adding an extra drizzle of maple syrup to sweeten my oatmeal a bit.
• pecans – pecans compliment the flavors in this oatmeal perfectly!
• milk – add a splash of milk to thin out the oatmeal a bit if you’d like. Any milk works!
• coconut whipped cream – feeling fancy? Add coconut whipped cream for added creaminess and sweetness!
• granola – add extra crunch and flavor by sprinkling some granola on top. This pumpkin granola would be delicious!

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

• Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Cups
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Pumpkin Chia Pudding
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
• Vegan Pumpkin Protein Bars