• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Quick Start Guide
  • All Recipes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Entrees
    • Snacks
    • Appetizers
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
  • Shop
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Dizzy Busy and Hungry!
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • SHOP
  • QUICK START
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • SHOP
    • QUICK START
    • ABOUT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Pumpkin Overnight Oats

    Published: Sep 3, 2021 Modified: Sep 3, 2021 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Side shot of milk being poured into a white bowl with overnight oats, pecans, and cranberries on black surface.
    Overhead shot of overnight oats in a clear glass cup garnished with pecans and cranberries on a blue speckled surface with a spoon and peach colored napkins in the background.
    Close up shot of overnight oats in a clear glass cup garnished with pecans and cranberries on a blue speckled surface with peach colored napkins in the background.

    This recipe for Pumpkin Overnight Oats is flavorful, warm, and will fill your stomach! High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this vegan overnight oats recipe is so easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it can cook overnight and be ready for you in the morning!

    Close up shot of overnight oats in a clear glass cup garnished with pecans and cranberries on a blue speckled surface with peach colored napkins in the background.
    The whole family will enjoy these unique and delicious pumpkin overnight oats!
    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👪 FAQs
    • 💭 Other Helpful Tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍳 More Breakfast Dishes
    • 🎃 Pumpkin Recipes
    • Vegan Overnight Oats
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe

    There is no better feeling than waking up early on a chilly autumn morning and smelling the enticing aroma of Pumpkin Overnight Oats already cooked in your crock pot and ready to be enjoyed! This oatmeal is the ultimate in a healthy, tummy-warming, energy-providing breakfast. You have to try it!

    Using steel cut oats is the key to a hearty and nutritious breakfast. Unlike traditional quick or rolled oats which go through extra processing to reduce cooking time, steel cut oats are much closer to the unprocessed oat and provide more health benefits as a result. They take longer to cook, but that's no problem for an overnight recipe!

    If you can't get enough of overnight oats, you'll also love this recipe for Easy Strawberry Overnight Oats!

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead shot of ingredients- milk, water, applesauce, pumpkin pie spice, salt, maple syrup, pure pumpkin, and steel cut oats.
    With only eight simple ingredients, this pumpkin overnight oats recipe can not get any easier!
    • milk - I like to use unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but use whatever you prefer.
    • water - ensures that your oats don't get too thick.
    • steel cut oats - since steel cut oats take longer to cook, they're perfect for this recipe!
    • maple syrup - a more natural way to add sweetness to your oatmeal.
    • pumpkin puree - low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this is the perfect ingredient for a healthy breakfast.
    • pumpkin pie spice - pairs with the pumpkin puree to give this vegan overnight oats recipe its signature pumpkin flavor!
    • applesauce - provides additional flavor and texture.
    • salt - helps balance out all of the warm sweetness.

    🔪 Instructions

    Four panel collage of process shots- combining ingredients and placing in the crockpot to cook.
    You will love how easy it is to create these flavorful and delicious pumpkin overnight oats!
    1. Combine milk, water, oats, syrup, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, applesauce, and salt in a bowl.
    2. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
    3. Spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick spray.
    4. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Turn the slow cooker off, give the mixture a stir, and give it 5-10 minutes to thicken up.

    👪 FAQs

    Are overnight oats good for weight loss?

    Because oats are high in fiber they keep your stomach full for longer, which can reduce cravings and help you eat less in general. This can lead to weight loss, as oatmeal also helps in clearing out your digestive tract.

    Do overnight oats have to be in a mason jar?

    Definitely not, although serving oatmeal in a mason jar makes for a fun presentation. This vegan overnight oats recipe utilizes the slow cooker as opposed to soaking in the fridge.

    What type of oats are best for overnight oats?

    Because this recipe uses the heat from the slow cooker, steel cut oats are best as they won't fall apart. When making overnight oats in the fridge, rolled oats are preferable as they're more absorbent and will soak up the liquid even in the cold temperature.

    How long can overnight oats sit in the fridge?

    Your overnight oats will keep in the fridge for around 5 days to a week, which makes them perfect to make in large batches and then reheat for a quick breakfast whenever you need it!

    Overhead shot of overnight oats in a clear glass cup garnished with pecans and cranberries on a blue speckled surface with a spoon and peach colored napkins in the background.
    These comforting and delicious pumpkin overnight oats are the perfect way to start your morning!

    💭 Other Helpful Tips

    • If you're pressed for time or don't want extra dishes, you can combine all of the ingredients right in the slow cooker.
    • To make this in the fridge instead of a slow cooker, you'll want to use rolled oats instead of steel cut. Substitute 3 cups of rolled oats for every 1 cup of steel cut, then combine everything, portion out into containers, and leave in the fridge overnight.

    Pumpkin overnight oats are a perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, especially in the cool autumn months. This vegan overnight oats recipe is high in nutrition and will keep you full and satisfied throughout the day!

    📖 Variations

    • This recipe is great to customize, especially when it comes to toppings. Sprinkle with cinnamon, dried cranberries, pecans, dark chocolate chips, coconut, or a dollop of peanut or almond butter.
    • For added nutrition, mix some chia or flax seeds into your oatmeal mixture.
    • If you want an even creamier texture, add some Greek yogurt.

    🍳 More Breakfast Dishes

    While these vegan overnight oats are a great breakfast on their own, here are a couple of other breakfast recipes that you can pair with your oatmeal or make all on their own. These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls require no baking and are the perfect portable breakfast or snack. If you're a smoothie person, you have to try this Banana Spinach Smoothie with Kiwi, and this simple Berry Salad would make the perfect companion to your overnight oats!

    🎃 Pumpkin Recipes

    • Cheddar Pumpkin Healthier Grilled Cheese - This autumnal take on grilled cheese is a bit healthier than the original sandwich; it tastes great and you can feel even better serving it to your family!
    • Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake - For a simple and delicious dessert, try this pumpkin spice cake.
    • Bacon and Pumpkin Pasta - A unique and tasty pasta dish that's full of health benefits.
    Side shot of milk being poured into a white bowl with overnight oats, pecans, and cranberries on black surface with a spoon on the side.
    You won't believe how simple it is to make these nutritious and flavorful pumpkin overnight oats!

    If you would like another pumpkin option for breakfast, try these gluten-free pumpkin muffins! They are a delicious and healthy choice to make any morning better.

    Vegan Overnight Oats

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    📋 Recipe Card

    Side shot of overnight oats in a clear glass cup garnished with pecans and cranberries on a blue speckled surface with a spoon and peach colored napkins in the background.

    Pumpkin Overnight Oats

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    Warm and delicious, this oatmeal cooks overnight in the crock pot and provides a healthy, hearty breakfast for the whole family! See recipe notes for alternate fridge instructions!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 130 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ¾ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • 1 cup steel cut oats
    • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
    • ¾ cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • pecans or dried cranberries for garnish (optional)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all ingredients (except garnishes) in a large bowl.
      1 ¾ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 ½ cups water, 1 cup steel cut oats, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, ¾ cup pumpkin puree, 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Pour the mixture into the crock pot.
    • Cover and set to cook on low for 4-5 hours.
    • Turn off the crockpot (or turn it to warm), stir the oatmeal, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
    • Serve with pecans, dried cranberries, or other garnish.
      pecans or dried cranberries for garnish

    Notes

    • You can substitute any milk + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the vanilla almond milk.
    • In a hurry? Just mix all the ingredients right in the crockpot.
    • Using a whisk helps to combine all the ingredients faster than just using a spoon.
    • The pumpkin pie spice will sit on top even after you have mixed it in and it all looks 'wet'.
    • To make this in the fridge instead of the slow cooker:
      • Use 3 cups of rolled oats instead of 1 cup of steel cut oats.
      • Keep all the remaining ingredients the same.
      • Mix all the ingredients together (except for the garnishes).
      • Distribute the mixture into 6-8 mason jars or other covered containers and place in the refrigerator overnight.
      • In the morning, just stir and eat. Or you can heat it for a minute or so in the microwave for a warm, hearty breakfast!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3582IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in October 2014, but was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in September 2021.

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

    Close up of a signature of Kristin.

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Overhead shot of a small clear bowl with cornbread mix and a spoon on a marble surface and a cornbread mix box in the background.
      Copycat Jiffy Cornbread Mix
    • Overhead shot of oatmeal in a clear bowl with a spoon on a green checkered cloth with sunflowers.
      Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal
    • Close up side shot of multiple pancakes stacked on each other with syrup drizzled on them and bananas on the side all on a light blue plate.
      Chocolate Cream of Wheat Pancakes (Coco Wheats)
    • Side shot of slices of pineapple banana bread on a marble plate with bananas and a pineapple in the background.
      Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Banana Bread
    553 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Flipboard
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Thanks for stopping by! Share a tip or comment... Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. christine

      October 20, 2014 at 10:18 pm

      I just bought a box of steel cut oats in hopes of finding a good overnight recipe. I've never tried it before but yours looks like a great one to start with. Pinning!

      Reply
    2. Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

      October 20, 2014 at 9:29 pm

      This looks so warm and comforting! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads

      October 20, 2014 at 8:50 pm

      I love that this is an overnight oatmeal! Looks so wonderful!

      Reply
    4. Shelby

      October 20, 2014 at 8:31 pm

      Love this oatmeal and nothing is more warming than a nice hot bowl on a cold day!

      Reply
    5. Renee's Kitchen Adventures

      October 20, 2014 at 8:26 pm

      Nice job with the oatmeal.

      Reply
    6. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm

      October 20, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      I am going to try it. Thanks.

      Reply
    7. holly waterfall

      October 20, 2014 at 12:21 pm

      I haven't had overnight oats in a long time. I think this recipe has inspired me to start up again!

      Reply
    8. Sarah

      October 20, 2014 at 11:30 am

      I love this! I've never had pumpkin oatmeal, and I love that you used your crock pot!

      Reply
    9. Terri/Love and Confections

      October 20, 2014 at 10:09 am

      I would so love to wake up to this smell. I need to invest in a timer so I can make overnight oatmeal, since my crockpot doesn't have one. Thanks for participating in #PumpkinWeek!

      Reply
    10. Liz

      October 20, 2014 at 8:48 am

      Kristin, what a yummy way to start the day! Love that you sprinkled the top with dried cranberries 🙂

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    A close up of a woman

    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

    Trending Recipes

    • Side view of chicken potato bake in baking pan on a wooden table with white plates and a spoon in the background.
      Chicken Potato Bake
    • Pan fried banana snacks piled on a white square dish and placed on yellow and green napkins.
      Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
    • Side view of stew in brown pot on a brown placemat.
      Brazilian Fish Stew
    • Side view of chicken pot pie in a white bowl with a fork and a green background.
      Easy Chicken Pot Pie
    • Overhead view of ground turkey pasta broccoli dinner on a white dish
      Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Broccoli Dinner
    • Overhead shot of baked spinach mushroom quesadillas sliced into pieces on a white plate with herbs on the side.
      Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

    Fun Fall Recipes!

    • Side view of three cream cheese pumpkin rollups stacked on a blue plate on a wooden table.
      Cream Cheese Pumpkin Rollups
    • Round chocolate cookie topped with chocolate kiss pressed into orange frosting on a baking sheet.
      Witch Hat Cookies
    • Side close up shot two whoopie pies leaning on each other on a grey surface with sprinkles in front.
      Pumpkin Cheesecake Cake Mix Whoopie Pies
    • Close up shot of pumpkin cake pops on a black surface.
      Easy Pumpkin Cake Pops
    • Close up shot of monster mash in a black pan with mini marshmallows and halloween decorations in the background.
      Monster Mash
    • Pumpkin spice cakes with cream cheese frosting on a chopping board.
      Pumpkin Spice Cake
    See more Halloween →

    Footer

    as featured on


    About

    • Contributors
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Subscribe

    Follow

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2013-2022 Nesting Penguins LLC - All content including text and photos