Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats: 5-Minute Fall Morning Bliss

Picture this: It’s a crisp fall morning, your alarm just went off, and you’re already dashing out the door—but wait, You remember you’ve got a jar of pumpkin spice overnight oats waiting in the fridge. That’s right, friends, this is my go-to lifesaver when mornings feel like a marathon. A few minutes of prep the night before means you wake up to creamy, dreamy oats packed with all those cozy pumpkin spice flavors you crave. No cooking, no stress—just grab and go. I can’t tell you how many times this little jar has saved me from skipping breakfast (or worse, that sad desk granola bar). The best part? It tastes like autumn in a bowl.

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats - detail 1
Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Listen, I’ve made a lot of breakfasts in my life, but these pumpkin spice overnight oats? They’re special. Here’s why:

  • 5-minute prep – Seriously, mix it up before bed and breakfast makes itself while you sleep
  • No cooking – Who has time to stand over a stove at 7am? Not me
  • Customizable – Add more spice, less sweet, nuts on top – make it yours
  • Healthy fuel – Packed with fiber from oats and pumpkin to keep you full till lunch
  • Autumn in a jar – That warm pumpkin spice flavor makes even Monday mornings feel cozy

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making jars of it every Sunday night like I do.

The Perfect Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make my favorite fall breakfast – and a few important notes so you don’t end up with pumpkin pie filling instead of puree (been there, not fun):

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats – old-fashioned kind, not quick oats (they get too mushy)
  • 1/2 cup milk – whatever you’ve got. I use whole milk, but almond milk works great too
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree – NOT pie filling. Look for 100% pumpkin in the can
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup – the real stuff, please. Or honey if you prefer
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice – or make your own blend if you’re fancy
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract – the good quality stuff makes a difference
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional) – my secret for extra thickness and nutrition

That’s it. Simple ingredients that come together like magic overnight.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Alright, let’s get mixing. The beauty of these pumpkin spice overnight oats is how foolproof they are—but I’ve got some tricks to make them perfect every time. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be spooning up autumn-flavored goodness before you can say “good morning.”

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab your favorite jar or bowl—I like using a mason jar because it looks cute and seals tight. Toss in your rolled oats (remember, old-fashioned for the perfect texture), milk of choice, that glorious pumpkin puree, and chia seeds if you’re using them. Now here’s my secret: whisk it like you mean it. Those chia seeds can be sneaky and clump together if you don’t mix thoroughly. You want everything evenly distributed before moving on.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Sweetness

Time for the magic. Drizzle in your maple syrup—I always taste test the syrup first because, hey, quality control. Sprinkle in that pumpkin pie spice (take a big whiff—smells like fall, right?) and add the vanilla extract. Pro tip: if you love extra spice like I do, add a pinch more cinnamon here. Give it another good stir—you shouldn’t see any dry spots or spice clumps.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Here’s where the “overnight” part happens. Seal that jar tight or cover your bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge and let the oats work their magic for at least 6 hours (I usually do 8). In the morning, give it a good stir—you’ll notice it thickened up beautifully. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk. Now the fun part: top with pecans, a dollop of yogurt, or extra pumpkin spice if you’re feeling extra. Grab a spoon and enjoy your no-fuss breakfast.

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

After making these oats more times than I can count (okay fine, probably twice a week all fall), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

  • Taste before chilling – Adjust sweetness now, not tomorrow when it’s too late. The flavors mellow overnight.
  • Shake it up – If using a jar, give it a good shake after an hour to redistribute any settling chia seeds or spices.
  • Creamy hack – Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving for extra protein and tang.
  • Texture lover? – Wait to add crunchy toppings like pecans or granola until morning so they stay crisp.

These little tweaks make all the difference between “good” and “oh-my-goodness-I-need-this-every-morning” good.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Listen, rules are made to be broken—especially with overnight oats. Here’s how I mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:

  • Coconut milk for a tropical twist (the canned full-fat kind makes it extra creamy)
  • Scoop of vanilla protein powder when I need more staying power
  • Chai spices instead of pumpkin spice for a different warm flavor
  • Diced apples stirred in for fresh crunch and natural sweetness

The beauty? You can’t mess it up—just taste as you go.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the fun part—dressing up your pumpkin spice overnight oats. Here’s how I love to serve mine:

  • A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for that perfect crunch
  • A dollop of Greek yogurt swirled on top—creamy meets cozy
  • An extra sprinkle of pumpkin spice because, well, why not?
  • A drizzle of warm maple syrup right before eating

Pair it with your morning coffee or a chai tea latte, and suddenly breakfast feels like a fall ritual rather than a rushed afterthought. Trust me, it’s the little things. You can also find more breakfast ideas on our site.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the beauty of these pumpkin spice overnight oats – they’re meal prep magic. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days (though mine never last that long). No reheating needed – just grab, stir, and enjoy cold. If the oats thicken too much overnight, just add a splash of milk to loosen them up. Perfect for busy mornings when every minute counts.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what’s actually in these pumpkin spice overnight oats – because yes, they taste like dessert, but they’re secretly good for you. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates (your exact amounts may vary depending on your milk choice or how generous you are with that maple syrup).

One serving gives you:

  • 250 calories – perfect fuel to start your day
  • 45g carbs (with 6g fiber from those oats and pumpkin)
  • 7g protein – add Greek yogurt to bump this up
  • 5g fat – the good kind that keeps you satisfied

Not too shabby for something that tastes like pumpkin pie, right? And remember – these oats pack way more nutrition than that sad cereal bar you might grab otherwise. For more healthy options, check out our cottage cheese meal ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steel-cut oats instead?

Oh honey, I tried this once—big mistake. Steel-cut oats need actual cooking and won’t soften enough overnight. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for that perfect creamy texture.

Is pumpkin puree the same as pie filling?

Nope, and confusing them will ruin your oats. Puree is just pumpkin (check the label—should only list pumpkin). Pie filling has sugar and spices already mixed in—way too sweet for this recipe.

Why are my oats watery?

You probably didn’t mix thoroughly enough—those chia seeds need to absorb liquid evenly. Also, measure your milk carefully; eyeballing it leads to soup instead of creamy oats.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely, Just swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and use maple syrup instead of honey. They taste just as amazing—my vegan sister approves.

How long do they really need to soak?

At least 6 hours, but I find 8 is perfect. Any longer and they get too thick—though that’s easily fixed with a splash of milk in the morning.

For more delicious recipes and updates, follow us on Facebook.

Print

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats: 5-Minute Fall Morning Bliss

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and easy breakfast with pumpkin spice flavors. Prep the night before for a hassle-free morning.

  • Author: RecipeZest
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins (plus overnight chilling)
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a jar or bowl, combine oats, milk, pumpkin puree, and chia seeds.
  2. Add maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract.
  3. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  4. In the morning, stir again and add toppings if desired.
  5. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Adjust sweetness with more or less maple syrup.
  • Add nuts or granola for extra crunch.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made

Readers Love These Recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star