The Best Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Fall is the perfect time to add pumpkin to everything, and what better way to do that than with some overnight oats? This protein-packed breakfast is one of my favorite ways to save time and have something tasty ready for me when I wake up.
Why I Love Overnight Oats
Oats have been a staple in my diet for years. I always loved the Quaker instant oats as a kid (Peaches n Cream was my fave!). As I got older and dove more into my food choices, I started looking at a more balanced option for my morning breakfast that also didn’t have so much added sugar. I found it best to just start making my own flavorful oats at home rather than relying on the instant stuff.
A game changer when it comes to making anything for breakfast is making it balanced. This means having a good balance of carbs, protein, fats, and micronutrients. This recipe is packed with all four of these things to help provide sustained energy throughout the morning. Don’t get me wrong, a classic bowl of oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar sounds really good and sometimes hits the spot, but you might experience a blood sugar spike and crash shortly after eating it. Adding toppings and mix-ins to your oats not only makes it fun and even more delicious, but it also helps make them more satiating. Bonus points if you focus on seasonal foods too (;
Oats Are Nutritious
I don’t care what you’ve been told by health influencers who are afraid of carbohydrates – Oats. Are. Good for you. It’s crazy to think we are even having this conversation with the amount of research and information about their health benefits. I can save that research for another blog post, but I swear there’s a different food every week that I see being demonized on the Internet, and it’s getting a little old. Don’t you dare come for my oats! They’re loaded with fiber, can help lower cholesterol, and contain many vitamins and minerals. They also require minimal processing compared to other grains.
For this recipe, I recommend using rolled oats. Quick-cooking oats aren’t the best for overnight oats as they can become too mushy, and steel-cut oats need to be cooked before eating. My favorite brand is the One Degree Organic Foods Rolled Oats. They’re sprouted and glyphosate-free.
A Time and Money-Saving Option
Making your breakfasts the night before can save you so much time in the morning. I don’t know about you, but the more sleep I can get, the happier I’m going to be throughout my day. Overnight oats are a great option for this reason. Since the oats and milk mingle in the fridge for a while, you don’t have to worry about cooking them either! Oats are also a relatively cheaper food, coming in at less than $.50 per serving. You can prepare a decent batch at a time to prepare you for a few meals but I wouldn’t recommend leaving them in the fridge for more than three days.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is not only the poster child of fall, it is also a nutritious and versatile food that offers many health benefits. Here are some of the key health benefits of consuming pumpkin:
- Nutrient-Rich: Pumpkins are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- Eye Health: The high levels of beta-carotene in pumpkin are essential for maintaining good vision and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Immune Support: Vitamin C, found in pumpkin, helps boost the immune system, which is important for overall health and disease prevention.
- Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in pumpkin can contribute to heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular function.
- Healthy, Glowing Skin: The antioxidants in pumpkin, including beta-carotene, may promote healthy skin by protecting it from UV damage and reducing the signs of aging. You can even use pumpkin in skincare products or homemade face masks.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content in pumpkin supports a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Pumpkin contains various antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
With all of these benefits, it makes sense why people obsess over it when it’s in season. Now that we covered why you’re going to *fall* in love with this recipe, let’s get into it!
Products Used in this recipe:
- Sprout Living Epic Protein – This is my favorite plant protein powder with minimal ingredients. I use it in a lot of my baked goods and oat recipes! I love both the chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients
For the Oats
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 scoop protein powder I use Sprout Living Epic Vanilla, linked above
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice feel free to add extra to your liking!
- 1 dash vanilla extract optional
Toppings
- handful of crushed pecans optional, you can also do walnuts
- whipped cream optional, but IMO this is neccessary
- chocolate chips changes the flavor a bit, but is a tasty option!
Instructions
The Night Before
- Add all ingredients for the oats to a jar or container of choice. To ensure everything is mixed together thoroughly, be sure to give it a stir after adding each ingredient.
- After all ingredients are added, put the cover on your container and give it a good shake! Make sure no dry oats are sitting at the bottom.
- After inspecting the oats, feel free to give them a taste test. Add extra pumpkin pie spice or almond milk if needed.
- Leave this in the fridge overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Before You Eat
- Add any toppings you'd like and enjoy! These oats are best served cold, but you can heat them up as well.
I hope you all enjoy this super easy and fun fall breakfast. This recipe has been a staple in my seasonal rotation and will always be a favorite, especially with how close it tastes to actual pumpkin pie! It’s honestly life-changing. Let me know if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out.