Cozy and delicious, this Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal is the ultimate fall/winter breakfast. Packed with hearty oats, creamy pumpkin, and spices it’s the perfect breakfast for those cool mornings. The flavors blend together to taste like your favorite pumpkin pie…in oatmeal form.
I am continuing with the theme of winter squashes and focusing on the king of them all- pumpkin to make this yummy pumpkin pie oatmeal. Fall means pumpkin picking and pumpkin spice everything. As soon as the calendar turns to September you can barely make it down any aisle of the grocery store without coming across pumpkin spice something. For instance, there are pumpkin spice cookies, coffee, ice cream, yogurt, cream cheese, muffins, even pasta sauces and more. I guarantee you can name your favorite snack and there is a good chance you will find a limited edition pumpkin spice flavor.
But what is this beloved pumpkin spice fall flavor we just can’t seem to get enough of?
Have you ever tried plain pureed pumpkin? It’s pretty bland but has the same texture as other winter squashes such as butternut or kabocha. It is not very sweet, and most likely not palatable or enjoyable eaten plain. The pumpkin ‘flavor’ that we have all come to love actually comes from a mixture of spices that gives us that warm fall feeling. These spices include ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and allspice. These spices are what give that delicious pumpkin pie or pumpkin spice latte all that flavor.
Unfortunately, most pumpkin spice products contain lots of added sugar and calories. While it is fine for an occasional treat, we can still enjoy the pumpkin spice season by cooking some things at home. Sweet tasting, calorie free spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger (all things found in pumpkin spice!) are a great way of adding flavor to baked goods or other foods. When the spices are combined with the pureed pumpkin the sweet treats are endless. You can also feel good knowing you are getting additional nutrients in your diet. Try mixing it into plain Greek yogurt, or pancake mix or other baked goods, or this pumpkin pie oatmeal!
In fact, most pumpkin spice foods or drinks on the market may contain minimal amounts of real pumpkin, if any at all. Read the ingredient labels to see if real pumpkin is used. It’s no big deal if real pumpkin is not used, you can still enjoy those pumpkin flavors this time of year. However, you are missing out on the amazing nutritional benefits pumpkins have to offer.
Nutrition
Real pumpkin is low in calories and full of micronutrients. It is also an incredible source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which gives it that vibrant orange color. Antioxidants protect the cells from damage and the body converts beta carotene into vitamin A. We need vitamin A for a healthy immune system, good eye health/vision, and for healthy skin and cells. Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin E, C, B2, potassium, iron and manganese. In addition to its rich micronutrient content, one cup of pumpkin provides ~3 grams of fiber.
This pumpkin spice oatmeal is a great way to enjoy your favorite seasonal flavor and reap all the nutritional benefits without all the added sugar. This oatmeal is made with simple ingredients you most likely already have in the pantry: rolled oats (or steel cut), canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and milk. All the ingredients are cooked together until thick and creamy. Finally, you get to devour a bowl of delicious ‘pumpkin pie’ oatmeal for breakfast.
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk of choice I used almond milk
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup oats quick cooking or steel cut
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½-1 Tablespoon light brown sugar or sweetener of choice*
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine milk and water in a small pot over medium heat, bring to a simmer.
- Add the oats, stir and bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer.
- Add the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar stirring until well combined.
- Continue to simmer the oatmeal, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid has been absorbed or desired consistency is reached (pending which oats you cook refer to the package instructions on how long to cook oats)
- Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and stir well. *
- Serve immediately, garnish with favorite toppings like chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, granola, maple syrup, whipped cream etc..
Nutrition Facts
*You can use steel cut oats or quick cooking oats in this recipe, your preference. They have similar nutrition profile it just comes down to convenience (as steel cut oats will take longer to boil) and texture (quick cooking oats are chopped into smaller pieces for quicker cooking times). Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package so you know how long the oats cook for.
Additionally, add your favorite toppings to this oatmeal like granola, nut butter, nuts, chia seeds, flax, maple syrup and more.
One bite and I guarantee you will fall in love with this warm and cozy pumpkin spice oatmeal. It is the perfect dish when you want a hot breakfast packed with nutrients to keep you full all morning. Also, check out my other blog posts on winter squash: Winter squash 101/ roasted butternut squash and Butternut squash risotto
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
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