Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal: A Cozy and Healthy Fall Breakfast

Fall is the season of cozy breakfasts, warm spices, and comforting baked goods — and nothing brings those elements together quite like Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal. This hearty dish combines wholesome oats, pure pumpkin, sweet apples, and warm spices into a nourishing, make-ahead breakfast that’s satisfying and naturally sweetened.

Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or simply want a seasonal breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl, this baked oatmeal is the answer. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely packed with fall flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal

🍎 Packed with real fruit and fiber
🎃 A perfect blend of pumpkin spice and natural sweetness
💪 Full of nutritious ingredients that fuel your morning
🥣 Ideal for meal prep — reheat and enjoy all week
🥄 Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to make vegan
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and great for holiday breakfasts or brunch

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
• 1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or coconut)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• 1–1½ cups chopped apple (peeled or unpeeled — use sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• Optional: ⅓ cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates

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Optional Toppings

• Extra sliced apples
• A drizzle of maple syrup
• Dollop of Greek yogurt or nut butter
• Toasted pecans or granola for crunch

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How to Make Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal

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Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Rolled oats
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Optional nuts

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Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Milk
• Maple syrup
• Melted coconut oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix until fully combined.

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Step 4: Combine and Fold

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until well blended.
• Fold in the chopped apples and optional dried fruit.

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Step 5: Bake

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Spread evenly and top with a few extra apple slices if desired.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

🍽️ Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin apple baked oatmeal is incredibly versatile:

• Serve warm with milk or non-dairy milk for a cozy bowl
• Enjoy chilled as a grab-and-go breakfast bar
• Top with Greek yogurt, nut butter, or granola for extra protein and crunch
• Pair with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or apple cider

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

🧊 Make Ahead:

• Assemble the mixture the night before and store in the fridge
• Bake fresh in the morning OR bake ahead and reheat throughout the week

❄️ Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days

🔥 Reheat:

• Microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven

🥶 Freezing:

• Freeze baked oatmeal (whole or individual slices) for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving

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Recipe Variations

🍌 Banana Pumpkin Oatmeal – Add mashed ripe banana for extra sweetness
🥜 Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl in peanut or almond butter before baking
🥥 Coconut Pumpkin – Use coconut milk and top with shredded coconut
🌰 Nut-Free – Leave out nuts and use sunflower seed butter if desired
🧁 Sweet Tooth? – Add dark chocolate chips for a dessert-style breakfast

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Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 9 squares)

• Calories: 180–220
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 25g
• Sugar: 7–10g (mostly natural)
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 4g

Nutrition will vary based on milk, sweetener, and toppings used.

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FAQs About Baked Oatmeal

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use non-dairy milk and maple syrup.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Not recommended. Steel-cut oats require longer cooking and a different liquid ratio. Stick with old-fashioned oats for best texture.

Can I use quick oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer and more cake-like. Old-fashioned oats are preferred for a chewier bite.

What type of apple works best?

Use firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Tart apples like Granny Smith are fine but will yield a slightly tangier result.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Wholesome and hearty — keeps you full for hours
✅ Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and fruit
✅ A perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings
✅ Bursting with fall flavor from pumpkin, apple, and spice
✅ Ideal for kids, adults, and anyone looking for a better breakfast

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Final Thoughts: Fall Breakfast Done Right

When you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a cozy fall hug, Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal is the answer. It’s warm, nourishing, and full of the best seasonal flavors. Plus, it’s so simple to make that it practically guarantees a great start to your day — even on busy mornings.

From weekday breakfast to weekend brunch or a healthy holiday bake, this oatmeal recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. So grab a mug of coffee, cut a warm slice, and welcome the season in the most delicious way possible.

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