Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Pumpkin Overnight Oats. Easy, healthy steel cut oats, made in the slow cooker while you sleep! With pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Pumpkin Overnight Oats. Easy, healthy steel cut oats, made in the slow cooker while you sleep! With pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups steel cut oats (do not substitute quick cooking instant, or rolled oats), gluten free if needed
- 2 cups milk any kind you like (i used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup plus additional for topping*
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal (or swap an equal amount of c hemp seeds, or 3 tablespoons additional steel cut oats)
- 1/2 teaspoon groundâ nutmeg (it’ s an amazing flavor upgrade to grate your own whole nutmeg. i us
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
- for serving: chopped toasted pecans dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, chocolate chips, pea
- Carbohydrate 17.904071672388 g
- Cholesterol 8.0000000067628 mg
- Fat 2.87363833556651 g
- Fiber 3.07738339278082 g
- Protein 3.54114333561875 g
- Saturated Fat 1.62219833460412 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (293g)
- Sodium 335.534466698372 mg
- Sugar 14.8266882796072 g
- Trans Fat 0.380225666939158 g
- Calories 110 calories
Step-by-step
- Place all of the ingredients, except for the toppings, in the bottom of a 4-to-6-quart slow cooker and stir to combine: Steel cut oats, water, milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, flaxseed meal, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours (overnight) or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the oats are soft but maintain a bit of chew.
- Remove cover and stir to evenly combine the ingredients, scraping the oats off the bottom and away from the sides.
- Enjoy warm with desired toppings.
Pumpkin Overnight Oats: A Busy Woman's Best Friend
My mornings are a whirlwind. Between getting the kids ready for school, prepping for work, and squeezing in a quick workout, finding time to make a healthy breakfast often feels impossible. That's why I've fallen head over heels for overnight oats. This isn't your grandma's oatmeal; this is a revolutionary way to start your day with a delicious and nutritious meal, all while saving precious time.
This particular recipe, Pumpkin Overnight Oats, has become a staple in my kitchen. The creamy texture of pumpkin puree blends seamlessly with the hearty steel-cut oats, creating a comforting and satisfying breakfast that keeps me full and energized until lunchtime. The warm spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – add a delightful autumnal flavor that's perfect for those crisp mornings. And the best part? It takes mere minutes to prepare the night before!
I'm a firm believer in using quality ingredients. While you can use any type of milk you prefer (I often opt for unsweetened vanilla almond milk for its subtle sweetness and creamy texture), the maple syrup provides just the right amount of natural sweetness without overpowering the delicate pumpkin flavor. The addition of flaxseed meal boosts the nutritional profile with healthy fats and fiber. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, too! Chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips add a wonderful textural contrast and extra flavor.
The beauty of overnight oats lies in their versatility. I love that I can customize this recipe to fit my mood and dietary needs. Sometimes I add a handful of chia seeds for extra fiber, or swap the flaxseed meal for hemp seeds. If I'm feeling particularly indulgent, I might even add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the time-saving convenience, overnight oats are incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making this a fantastic option for those on a tight budget. Plus, it's a great way to reduce food waste by using up leftover pumpkin puree from a previous recipe.
But the best thing about this recipe? It tastes amazing! The slow-cooking process allows the oats to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a creamy and comforting breakfast that’s far superior to any quick-cooking variety. It's a perfect blend of sweet and savory, warming and satisfying. Honestly, I've had people ask me for this recipe after just one bite! It's become my go-to recipe for busy mornings, and I'm confident it will quickly become yours, too.
This Pumpkin Overnight Oats recipe is not just a breakfast; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and smart meal prepping. It proves that eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, especially when you have a little help from your slow cooker. So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast that will fuel your day, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: The best part about overnight oats is that you can make them the night before and grab them in the morning. This saves a lot of precious time during your busy morning routine.
- Customize your toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet oatmeal, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup.
- Experiment with different spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of protein powder, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or some nut butter.
- Use different types of milk: Feel free to experiment with different types of milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Storage: Store leftover overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
