Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Ok, so this time of year is usually more about lighter foods and the promise of spring, but sometimes I like to pretend it’s still pumpkin season, you know?

Maybe it’s because we didn’t actually indulge in a bunch of fall flavor goodies this year. We’d taken an extended Fall Camping Trip, and had been more focused on exploring, than on making a bunch of pumpkin recipes.

It’s too bad - pumpkin flavor ANYTHING would have been welcome on those chilly mornings up north!

Anyway, I digress. I’ve been on a big protein overnight oats kick lately, so obviously I was going to have to design a pumpkin pie overnight oats recipe!

A bit of an upgrade from classic overnight oats, these pumpkin oats not only taste like pumpkin pie - in breakfast form - they’re also high protein!

As I’ve mentioned before, overnight oats are the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays.

I like to meal prep several day’s worth, assembly line style. A few minutes to measure everything into Mason jars, then give each a quick stir, and just leave em in the fridge overnight - super quick and easy.

The next morning, another quick stir and I’m good to go. I eat it right out of the Mason jar, which is super handy.

This pumpkin overnight oats makes an incredibly hearty, healthy breakfast. It also comes it at grams of protein, so it’s a great way to get my protein intake up.

The creamy texture, the warm spices, the perfect amount of sweetness - it really doesn’t feel like you’re eating healthy.

I love it when something straight up feels like a cheat, but isn’t!

Anyway, let’s look at that pumpkin pie overnight oats recipe...

Ingredients

This is an easy recipe, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these high protein pumpkin pie overnight oats. You won’t have any trouble finding what you need in local stores.

As always, I have a few notes for you:

Rolled Oats

This recipe uses Rolled Oats, which can also be labeled as old fashioned rolled oats, or even just old-fashioned oats.

For best results, stick to rolled oats. It really is the best type of oats for this making this pumpkin overnight oatmeal!

Two things to note here:

1. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you are avoiding gluten for any reason.

Oats themselves are gluten free, but they’re also HIGHLY likely to be cross-contaminated with wheat, if it’s not certified that they’re NOT.

2. Steel-cut oats, and any form of quick oats - AKA instant oats - aren’t going to work the same way in this recipe, as they all behave differently.

Because they’re processed and cut differently, they’ll take up liquid differently, for the same measure of oats. Steel cut oats will have a more tough texture, and quick cooking oats will make a mushy overnight oats.

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Unsweetened Almond Milk has been my milk of choice for years now. It was a great dairy-free option when I could no longer handle cow’s milk, and it’s a great option when trying to keep low carb.

When it comes down to it, though... depending on your macros, you can use pretty much any kind of milk in this recipe.

As far as dairy-free milk goes, Oat milk, Cashew Milk, Flax Milk, Macadamia Milk and Coconut Milk are all good options.

Sometimes you can even find a soy milk with added protein!

Almond is the most neutral tasting option, though - so just know that the other plant milk varieties may change the overall flavour of your overnight oats a bit - it’ll really depend on the flavour of protein powder you’re using.

Anyway, beyond the non-dairy milk options, regular milk works, too - just a bit higher carb.

You can use whatever you like, but I’d recommend at least 2% fat, for texture reasons. Whole milk is great... I find 1% / skim milk to be too watery, IMHO.

Pumpkin Purée

You can use store bought or homemade pumpkin puree, just be sure to use real pumpkin puree, without anything added.

“Pumpkin pie filling” isn’t the same thing - it has sweeteners, fillers, etc... and won’t work the same way in this recipe.

Vanilla Flavored Protein Powder

This recipe uses Vanilla Flavored Whey Protein Powder.

Personally, I keep a big canister of Revolution Nutrition's High Whey in Vanilla Cake on hand at all times, and use it in a TON of my recipe - baked goods, beverages, etc.

Use whatever vanilla protein powder that you like to drink, and fits your macros.

If you use a plant-based protein powder / vegan protein powder, this can be a vegetarian or vegan overnight oats recipe - you’ll just want to be sure you’re using a plant-based collagen powder. (Or you can skip it entirely.)

Chia Seeds

Each serving of this high protein overnight oats uses a tablespoon of chia seeds, which serves a few purposes.

First of all, it absorbs some of the milk and gives the overnight oats a nicer texture, IMHO. Kind of a creamier texture than if you don’t use them.

They also add a little more protein, some heart-healthy fatty acids, and fiber, well as some minerals and antioxidants. A great ingredient, overall!

Collagen Peptides

This one is optional, but I like to add a scoop of Unflavored Collagen Peptides Powder , as an easy way to give my overnight oats a boost of extra protein.

If you’re not particularly concerned about adding additional protein and don’t have any collagen on hand, you can feel free to skip it.

Optional Toppings

These high protein pumpkin overnight oats make delicious breakfasts on their own, but hey - toppings are the fun part!

You can use whipped cream - as we did in the photos here (it melted!) - or top with some vanilla yogurt for a healthier topping. Greek yogurt is a great option for some additional protein, but you could use pretty much any type of yogurt - even coconut yogurt!

If you want to add some crunch, try some chopped nuts - I like chopped pecans and chopped walnuts - or pumpkin seeds, pepitas, and/or sunflower seeds.

Finish off with a sprinkle of nutmeg or pumpkin spice!

Everything Else

Rounding out this recipe, you will need:

Maple Syrup
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Salt

... I just don’t have anything to add, as far as these last few ingredients go. Pretty basic ones!

How to Make High Protein Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

The full recipe - with complete ingredient list - is in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here is a pictorial walk through with step-by-step instructions:

For each mason jar (or other airtight container!):

Measure pumpkin, protein powder, chia seeds, collagen, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and salt into the jar. Stir with a fork until well mixed.

Add almond milk, cover, and shake well to combine.

Garnish with your favorite toppings as desired, and serve.

A dollop of yogurt or whipped cream with a drizzle of maple syrup, and/or sprinkle of pumpkin spice is always lovely!

More Protein Powder Breakfast Recipes!

Looking for more protein packed breakfast recipes? I’ve got you covered! (And hey, many are low carb, also!)

Apple Cinnamon High Protein Overnight Oats
Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes
Camping Pancake Mix
Cranberry Orange High Protein Overnight Oats
Blueberry Protein Pancakes
High Protein Overnight Oats
Peanut Butter and Banana High Protein Overnight Oats
Protein Banana Nut Bread
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Raspberry Protein Pancakes
Strawberry Protein Pancakes