### Overnight Pumpkin Oats: A Quick and Tasty Breakfast
Overnight pumpkin oats are an enjoyable and healthy breakfast choice that the whole family will love. Blending oats, yogurt, pumpkin, nuts, and seeds with warm autumn spices, this recipe results in a creamy, protein-rich meal that is ideal for hectic mornings.
#### Flavor Profile
These overnight oats are smooth and subtly sweet, infused with comforting spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. The medley of flavors captures the spirit of fall, making it a soothing breakfast selection.
#### Skill Level
This no-cook recipe is easy enough for children to make, enabling them to prepare their own nutritious breakfasts with little oversight.
#### Recommended Tools
Using wide-mouth mason jars with lids is perfect for meal preparation. They simplify the mixing of ingredients and are convenient for breakfasts on the go.
#### Make Ahead
Feel free to double or triple the recipe to stock your freezer. This ensures you’ll always have a quick and healthy breakfast option available.
### Ingredients Tip for Overnight Pumpkin Oats
1. **Oatmeal**: Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats deliver the ideal chewy consistency. Steer clear of quick oats as they tend to become too mushy.
2. **Pumpkin**: Opt for fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree, making sure to choose pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices.
3. **Dairy**: Vanilla yogurt and regular milk perform well, but you can switch to any yogurt or milk alternative. A splash of vanilla extract brings out the flavor.
4. **Sweetener**: Brown sugar or pure maple syrup pairs perfectly with the pumpkin pie spices. You can also utilize jam, jelly, honey, or monk fruit syrup for added sweetness.
5. **Nuts & Seeds**: Chia seeds help thicken the oats, though you can substitute them with nut or seed butters, hemp hearts, or ground flax. Incorporate walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for additional crunch.
6. **Variations**: Top your oats with whipped cream, fresh berries, or pumpkin spice granola. You can also mix in raisins, currants, or mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
### Holly’s Pro Tips
– If you’re out of milk, blend 2-3 tablespoons of nut butter with a cup of water as a substitute.
– Mix the ingredients thoroughly before refrigerating to avoid clumping of chia seeds.
### Keep Your Overnight Oats Fresh
These pumpkin oats can be enjoyed cold or heated in the microwave. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze (without the yogurt) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir in yogurt before serving.
### More Make Ahead Breakfasts
Discover additional make-ahead breakfast ideas to streamline your morning routine.
### Recipe: Overnight Pumpkin Oats
**Prep Time**: 20 minutes
**Chill Time**: 4 hours
**Total Time**: 4 hours 20 minutes
**Servings**: 4
#### Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Adjust sweetness as desired.
2. Divide the mixture into four mason jars or containers. Seal securely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
3. Before serving, top with whipped topping and pecans if you wish.
#### Notes
– Use flavored or unflavored yogurt, adding extra sweetener if using plain yogurt.
– Steel-cut oats may be used but require a longer refrigeration time.
– Chia seeds offer the best texture; substitute with ground flax, finely chopped nuts, or oat bran if necessary.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 355
– **Carbohydrates**: 49g
– **Protein**: 10g
– **Fat**: 15g
– **Fiber**: 8g
– **Sugar**: 24g
This nutritious and tasty breakfast choice is certain to become a beloved favorite in your home, providing a quick and satisfying start to your day!