Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

This cozy slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal transforms your morning routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The magical combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and hearty steel-cut oats cooks while you sleep, meaning you wake up to the comforting aroma of fall wafting through your home.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed nourishing breakfasts without morning chaos. My family now requests it regularly throughout fall and winter, and houseguests always ask for the recipe after staying over.

Ingredients

• Steel cut oats essential for this slow cooking method as they maintain texture without becoming mushy
• Canned pumpkin puree provides authentic flavor and creamy texture look for 100% pure pumpkin not pie filling
• Unsweetened almond milk creates the perfect consistency while keeping the oatmeal dairy free
• Maple syrup offers natural sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully
• Pumpkin pie spice delivers that classic fall flavor in one convenient blend
• Cinnamon adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort
• Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors without adding sweetness
• Salt absolutely necessary to balance the sweetness and make the flavors pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Thoroughly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray butter or coconut oil. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier. Be sure to cover the sides as well as the bottom.

Combine All Ingredients

Add steel cut oats water almond milk pumpkin puree maple syrup vanilla pumpkin pie spice cinnamon and salt to your greased slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined with no dry pockets of oats or spice clumps. The mixture will look very liquid at this stage which is perfect.

Set It And Forget It

Cover your slow cooker and set to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you have a programmable slow cooker use the 7 hour setting followed by the warm function. This timing allows the oats to soften completely while absorbing the pumpkin and spices.

Morning Stir

When you wake up give the oatmeal a thorough stir to reincorporate everything as the oats will have settled to the bottom during cooking. The mixture should be thick creamy and fragrant with a beautiful orange hue.

Bookmark

The pumpkin puree is truly the star ingredient here. I once tried doubling it for extra flavor and was amazed at how much richer the oatmeal became. My daughter now calls this our special autumn breakfast and helps measure the spices every Sunday night as we prepare it for the week ahead.

Storage Success

This oatmeal keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week making it perfect for busy households. Store in airtight containers portioned for individual servings. The oatmeal will thicken considerably when chilled which is completely normal. When reheating simply add a splash of almond milk or water to achieve your desired consistency before warming in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or on the stovetop over medium low heat.

Topping Transformations

While this oatmeal is delicious on its own adding toppings creates endless variety throughout the week. Try chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and healthy fats. Fresh apple or pear slices add seasonal freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt provides protein and creaminess. A sprinkle of granola adds textural contrast. For special occasions a small drizzle of additional maple syrup or a few mini chocolate chips makes breakfast feel like a treat.

Seasonal Adaptations

This recipe welcomes modifications based on seasonal availability. In winter try substituting sweet potato puree for the pumpkin and adding crystallized ginger. Spring calls for stirring in fresh berries after cooking. Summer brings opportunities for sliced peaches or nectarines as toppings. Fall naturally welcomes additions like sautéed apples or pears. The base recipe remains consistent while the variations keep breakfast exciting year round.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular dairy milk or any non-dairy alternative like oat, soy, or coconut milk in equal amounts. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, but all work well in this overnight oatmeal.

→ Can I use quick oats or rolled oats instead of steel-cut?

No, this slow cooker method is specifically designed for steel-cut oats. Quick oats or rolled oats would become too mushy when cooked for 6-8 hours. Steel-cut oats maintain their texture and create the perfect consistency.

→ How do I store leftover pumpkin oatmeal?

Allow the oatmeal to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to one week. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency since the oats will thicken when chilled.

→ Can I freeze this pumpkin oatmeal?

Yes! Portion the cooled oatmeal into freezer-safe containers or silicone muffin cups. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a bit of additional milk.

→ What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves. This will give you approximately 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice substitute.

→ What toppings work well with this oatmeal?

Beyond the suggested pecans and maple syrup, try toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, a dollop of yogurt, sliced banana, or even a small amount of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.