Pumpkin Overnight Oats is an easy vegan breakfast recipe you can make ahead. Naturally sweetened with dates, this healthy pumpkin overnight oats recipe is dairy free and contains no added sugar. Top with a bit of coconut whip for a decadent breakfast treat!
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I remember when I first heard of overnight oats I thought they sounded super gross. I imagined the oats soaked overnight would have a weird texture and there couldn't possibly be anything good about them.
Man oh man am I ever glad I finally came to my senses and gave them a try, because overnight oats is hands down one of my favourite breakfasts to eat year around. I love that they're ready when I get out of bed in the morning. I love that my kids love them and will scarf down a bowl.
I love how easy it is to stir together a batch of overnight oats, and scale it up or down. And I love how many adaptations you can make on a single, simple recipe with different fun flavors. They're perfect to include in your weekly meal prep routine!
I've got a beloved basic recipe for Banana Overnight Oats, and I'm also super into these Apple Pie Overnight Oats in the cooler month. Peanut Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats? Why not?!
But today, my friends, we're making Pumpkin Overnight Oats and let me tell you, you're in for a treat.
What's in pumpkin overnight oats?
Alright friends, time to raid the pantry. Here's what you need to make this vegan overnight oats recipe:
- Oats --> We're using regular old rolled oats today.
- Pumpkin puree --> Canned is totes fine but have you made homemade pumpkin purée?
- Plant milk --> I use oat milk, but any unsweetened plant-based milk is fine.
- Dates --> Medjool dates, aka nature's candy, is the sweetener in this recipe. You could also use a splash of maple syrup if you were so inclined.
- Chia seeds --> To help thicken things up.
- Spices --> Cinnamon and ginger make this recipe taste like a pumpkin pie. You can also use pumpkin pie spice if you've got that hanging around.
- Vanilla --> I used my homemade vanilla extract.
Equipment
All you need is a bowl or a mason jar or something else you can use to mix up your overnight oats. A lid is preferable, but if you don't have one you can use Bee's Wrap or something like that.
How do you make overnight oats?
Try to stay with me, guys, because this one is real complicated.
Step 1: Put everything into a jar.
Step 2: Stir it up.
Step 3: Cover the jar and place in the fridge overnight, or for at least one hour.
Step 4: Eat your delicious overnight oats the next morning!
That is literally it. You're done. You rule the world. It's even easier than whipping up a bowl of oatmeal because it's already ready the moment you open your eyes.
Suggested toppings
I love mixing up textures when I eat my overnight oats, so always include a couple of crunchy toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Toasted pecans
- Coconut cream (or whipped cream if you like)
- Hemp seeds
- Granola (try this Healthy Pumpkin Granola)
How long do overnight oats last?
If you make a big batch of pumpkin pie overnight oats (or any overnight oats, really) they'll last about 3 days if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
If you want to make a family-sized batch, simply adjust the number of servings in the recipe card below and it'll automatically adjust the recipe for you.
What if I forget to make them the night before?
In a perfect world, you remember to mix up your overnight oats every night before bed. In a regular people world, sometimes you forget. Not a big deal.
Simply mix up your Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats and throw them into the fridge for an hour. Go have a shower, get yourself organized, and in no time at all your oats will be good to go.
Can you have warm overnight oats?
You sure can! If you prefer your oats to be warm, just heat them up in the microwave or stove top when you're ready to eat.
Ways to use up a can of pumpkin purée?
Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a perfect recipe to use up a can of pumpkin purée, but if you cracked a can just to make this recipe, try making a Pumpkin Chai Latte or 5 Minute Mac and Cheese For One. Perhaps some Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?!
Hey Nutrition Lady, are oats healthy?
Oats are rich in indigestible carbohydrates called beta-glutens which help to lower blood cholesterol levels. Oats are also host to a number of phenolic compounds which have antioxidant properties.
Due to the high levels of those beta-glucans, oats are also helpful in stabilizing blood sugar. In fact, eating oats in the morning may help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the entire day.
Oats are also a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Look for gluten-free oats if you're celiac or have another gluten sensitivity.
Other recipes you might enjoy:
Healthy Pumpkin Granola
Pumpkin Millet Muffins
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Naturally Sweetened Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup almond milk - or other milk of choice
- 2 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1-2 medjool dates thinly sliced
- â…› teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a glass jar with a lid.
- Stir to combine well.
- Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 1 hour.
- Serve with dollop of coconut whip if you like.
Notes
- Nutrition values are an estimate only.
- I find my oats plenty sweet with one date, but if you prefer sweeter oats you can use two.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published October 29, 2015. It was retested, rephotographed, and updated on October 29, 2019. Last updated and republished on October 22, 2021.
Frances
Like having oatmeal at the ready. And can make it different way to suite each person. I have not gotten to like chia seeds yet I must confess, so I leave them out. But because (ha!) I haven't gotten to like eating cold oatmeal either, I warm it up and so it gets thick anyway. I like using dates, dates are a favorite. I usually sneak in a walnut half or two also. I use those large corning ware mugs with lids and it makes it convienent.
Katie Trant
I don't think the chia seeds are really necessary to thicken them up, so if you don't like them then by all means leave them out! And warming them up is a great idea too. Glad you enjoyed this recipe as much as we do 🙂
Andrea
My two year old and I love having this for breakfast. The recipe is delicious as is but we love it even more with some freshly grated nutmeg.
Jennie
Do you think I would have to use rolled oats or could I use steel cut/old fashioned or do they get soggy?
Katie Trant
I've never tried making overnight oats with steel cut oats, so I have no idea how they would turn out. But since steel cut oats take so much longer to cook than rolled oats I would think they might not absorb enough liquid / be soft enough to eat in the morning. If you do try it, please let us know how it turns out!
HEATHER
My pumpkin overnight oats are in the fridge ready for the morning. Sounds delicious. I like over night oats warmed up so I will put my now not so giant microwave to work in the morning, but faster than making porridge from scratch at that sleepy time of the day.
Katie Trant
Yep, they're great warmed up as well! I usually can't be bothered, but like to take them out of the fridge a while before I eat them to take the edge off of the chill.
Gemma
Hi, this looks delicious - I think I will go get some pumpkin this weekend. Just curious as to how many dates you would use for this recipe, as I can't see them in the list (or am I just overlooking that part?!). I normally eat frozen dates like toffees straight from the freezer, so don't really have a concept of how many would be too many!
Thank you
Katie Trant
Whoops! Thanks for catching that - I've updated the recipe now. It's 2-3 thinly sliced dates, depending on how sweet you like your oats. Frozen dates sounds like a great snack, I'll have to try that sometime!
Gemma
Thanks!
Frozen dates are awesome, but be warned they are very moreish!