Why You’ll Love This Overnight Oats with Pumpkin Spice

• It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. Seriously, the “work” is done the night before. All that’s left in the morning is grabbing a spoon and enjoying. It’s a lifesaver for busy schedules.
• The flavor is pure autumn comfort. We’re using real pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices that will make your kitchen smell incredible. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but in the best, most wholesome way.
• It’s incredibly versatile. Don’t like pecans? Use walnuts. Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle of maple syrup in the morning. This recipe is a fantastic base for all your favorite toppings.
• The texture is dreamily creamy. Unlike hot oatmeal that can sometimes get gloppy, the slow overnight soak creates a wonderfully smooth, pudding-like consistency that’s just so satisfying.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat)
• 1/4 cup plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• For topping: pecans, yogurt, extra maple syrup

Tools: A 12-ounce jar or container with a lid, a small spoon or whisk for mixing.

The chia seeds are the secret weapon here—they plump up and help create that lovely, thick texture. And that pinch of salt? It’s not optional, I promise. It makes all the warm spices and the sweetness from the maple syrup really pop.

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling. This is the most important distinction! Puree is just cooked pumpkin. Pie filling has sugar and spices already added. Using pie filling will make your oats far too sweet and alter the spice balance.
• The Right Oats Matter. You really want old-fashioned rolled oats for this. They hold their shape and give a perfect texture. Quick oats will turn too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without cooking.
• Embrace the Chia Seed. If you’re new to chia seeds, don’t be intimidated. They’re flavorless little powerhouses that act as a natural thickener. You’ll notice they create a lovely gel-like consistency that makes the oats super creamy.
• Taste in the Morning. I like to mix everything and resist tasting until the morning. The flavors meld and develop overnight, and the sweetness can sometimes mellow. Always give it a taste after it’s set and adjust the maple syrup then.

How to Make Overnight Oats with Pumpkin Spice

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• A side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage — The savory, salty crunch is a fantastic contrast to the sweet, creamy oats. It turns your jar into a complete, balanced meal that feels really substantial.
• A simple fruit salad with apples and pears — The fresh, crisp fruit adds a different texture and a bright, juicy element that cuts through the richness of the oats beautifully.

Drinks

• A hot cup of black coffee or a strong espresso — The bitterness of the coffee is the perfect companion to the sweet, spiced oats. It’s a classic pairing that just feels right, especially on a chilly morning.
• A steaming mug of chai tea — The spices in the chai will echo the warm notes in your oats, creating a deeply cozy and aromatic breakfast experience that’s hard to beat.

Something Sweet

• A warm, flaky apple turnover — If you’re feeling indulgent, this is the way to go. The combination of spiced pumpkin and baked apples is pure autumn heaven on a plate.
• A small, dark chocolate square — For a quick and elegant finish, a piece of high-quality dark chocolate with your coffee after your oats is a simple yet deeply satisfying treat.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using quick oats or instant oatmeal packets. The texture will be a mushy, disappointing mess. Rolled oats are essential for that perfect, distinct chew.
• Mistake: Skipping the salt. I know it seems minor, but salt is a flavor enhancer. Without it, your oats can taste flat and one-dimensional. That tiny pinch makes a world of difference.
• Mistake: Not mixing thoroughly. If you don’t shake or stir well, you might get a clump of dry spice or a pocket of chia seeds. A little vigorous mixing at the start ensures a perfectly consistent jar.
• Mistake: Adding fresh fruit before soaking. Berries or bananas will get soggy and brown overnight. Always add fresh toppings right before you eat for the best texture and flavor.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make a big batch. This recipe is easily multiplied. Mix everything in a large bowl, then divide it into individual jars. You’ll have breakfast ready for the next 3-4 days—just grab and go.
• Tip: Warm it up if you prefer. While typically eaten cold, you can gently heat these oats in the microwave for 60-90 seconds if you want a warm breakfast. Stir well halfway through.
• Tip: Toast your nuts. If you’re using pecans or walnuts, toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes before chopping. It unlocks their oils and gives them a deeper, richer flavor and crunch.
• Tip: Layer it for a parfait. For a pretty presentation, layer the oat mixture with yogurt in a clear glass. It looks impressive and lets you get a bit of everything in each bite.

FAQs

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
They’re best within the first 2-3 days. After that, the oats can start to get a bit soft and the texture might not be as ideal. I find making a batch on Sunday for Monday through Wednesday is the perfect schedule. The pumpkin puree means they might not last quite as long as a basic oat recipe, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Can I use water instead of milk?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The milk (whether dairy or plant-based) adds creaminess and richness that water just can’t provide. The final result will be much less satisfying and taste a bit thin. If you need to use water, try adding a tablespoon of yogurt or a bit more pumpkin puree to help with the texture.

My oats are too thick! What should I do?
No problem at all! This happens sometimes depending on your oats or the brand of pumpkin. Simply stir in an extra splash of your chosen milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. It’s much easier to thin them out than to thicken them up, so don’t worry.

Can I freeze overnight oats?
Yes, you can! They freeze surprisingly well. Portion them into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You might need to give them a really good stir and potentially add a splash of milk in the morning, as the texture can change slightly, but it’s a great option for meal prepping far in advance.

I don’t have pumpkin pie spice. What can I use?
You can easily make your own! A good starting blend is 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch each of nutmeg and cloves. Adjust the ratios to your taste—if you love ginger, add a little more. It’s a great way to customize the flavor profile to exactly what you like.