Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

This Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal combines the hearty goodness of oats with the sweetness of pumpkin, creating a breakfast that’s both nourishing and delish! The addition of classic pumpkin spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhances the flavor, making each bite a celebration of fall. This dish is easy to prepare and can be tailored to your taste with various toppings and add-ins.

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Key Ingredients

• Pumpkin
• Oats
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Milk
• Eggs
• Baking Powder
• Sweetener or Sugar
• Vanilla
• Optional Chocolate Chips

Texture and How it Tastes

The exterior forms a slightly crispy, golden-brown crust, while the interior remains soft and moist. The oats themselves absorb the liquid ingredients during baking, resulting in a chewy consistency that’s tender but still has some bite. The pumpkin and chocolate chips really shine here and provide even more moisture and tender texture.

What Type of Pumpkin to Use

You will need pureed pumpkin for this recipe, not pumpkin pie filling. The consistency of pumpkin pie filling is different from pure pumpkin puree due to the added ingredients. This will affect the texture of your oatmeal. It will also make it very sweet.

I use this canned, pureed pumpkin. It’s convenient and ready to use.

How to Make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a baking dish or cast iron skillet with oil/butter.
3. Combine rolled oats, sweetener, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
4. Combine pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and milk in a separate bowl.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Bake.

What Type of Sweetener to Use

Whatever sweetener you prefer will work in this recipe. I use this monkfruit sweetener because it is zero calories and does not have an aftertaste. It also measures 1:1 to table sugar, so if you prefer to use standard sugar, you can. You can also use brown sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey if you wish. Use enough to suit your taste.

How to Tell When it’s Done

• Knife or Toothpick Test: Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the baked oatmeal. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Golden Brown Top: The top of the oatmeal should be a nice golden brown color. This indicates that the oats have cooked and the surface has slightly caramelized.
• Firm Center: Gently press the center of the baked oatmeal. It should feel firm and set, not jiggly or liquid-like.
• Edges Pulling Away: The edges of the baked oatmeal should start to pull away slightly from the sides of the baking dish.

How to Ensure the Oatmeal Doesn’t Turn Out Too Dry or Too Wet

• Use the Right Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for baked oatmeal. Quick oats can become mushy, and steel-cut oats might not absorb enough liquid in the given time.
• Bake Thoroughly: Make sure to bake until the center is set and a knife or toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with minimal crumbs.
• Avoid Overbaking: Check the oatmeal a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. Overbaking can dry it out, so take it out of the oven as soon as it’s done.
• Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure all ingredients, especially the liquid and pumpkin puree, are thoroughly mixed. This helps the oats absorb the liquid evenly.
• Use a Proper Baking Dish: Ensure your baking dish isn’t too small, which can make the oatmeal too thick and harder to cook through evenly.

Can you Make/Prepare it Ahead

You can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Omit the eggs and baking powder. Store it the mixture in a dish tightly covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, beat the egg separately and then add the egg and baking powder to the mixture.

What Type of Pan to Use

I use my 10 inch cast iron skillet because it retains heat well and creates a beautifully crisp exterior. Here are more options:

• Glass or Ceramic Baking Dish: These are great for even heating and often result in a nicely browned top. A 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch dish is recommended.
• Metal Pan: You can use one of these, but keep in mind they heat up quickly. You may need to adjust the cook time to prevent overcooking.

Toppings and Add-Ins Ideas

• Chopped Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• Peanut Butter/Almond Butter/ Sun Butter
• Cranberries
• Bananas
• Berries
• Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
• Maple Syrup
• Granola
• Whipped Cream
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Shredded Coconut

How to Store

You can store it tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can use the microwave and reheat until heated through. You can also heat it in the oven at 350 degrees until warm and heated through.

If the oatmeal seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of milk, water, or a dollop of yogurt to restore moisture.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed for up to 3 months (for optimal flavor and freshness).

More Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Protein Muffins
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Pumpkin Crisp
Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Cornbread
Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Watch step by step video instructions here on Youtube.