Quick & Healthy Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats (2024)

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  • Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
  • August 16, 2023
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Pumpkin lovers, it’s pumpkin season! These quick and easy pumpkin spice overnight oats are the perfect healthy breakfast option to kick off the cool autumn weather rolling in.

This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients like whole grain oats, chia seeds, pumpkin and Greek yogurt for a high protein, high fiber, cozy fall breakfast.

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Why you’ll love these pumpkin protein overnight oats

As soon as the fall season starts creeping in, I’m making the switch to pumpkin everything. Personally I cannot have enough pumpkin recipes!

These pumpkin protein overnight oats are quick, delicious, and nutrient-packed. One serving has 23 grams of protein! And they have pumpkin pie flavor vibes- yum.

Overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfasts as a Registered Dietitian.

There’s just nothing like an easy breakfast. These a make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings and busy weekdays when you don’t have a lot of time and they’re super versatile.

These pumpkin overnight oats in particular are high protein from Greek yogurt and milk, and high fiber from ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds and pumpkin.

Prioritizing a high protein, high fiber breakfast means you’re going to stay full and satisfied all morning (and less likely to be reaching for snacks all day!).

Let’s get into make these delish and creamy pumpkin spice overnight oats.

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Ingredients

Rolled oats: You always want to use regular rolled oats for any overnight oats recipe, like these.

Chia seeds: Chia seeds are full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Even just 1 tablespoon is a quick and easy way to add nutrition to oats, baked goods, and yogurt.

Real pumpkin puree: There’s more to it than just pumpkin spice for pumpkin flavor, there’s pumpkin of course! Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Greek yogurt: You can use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for this one. If you have any pumpkin-flavored yogurt on hand, that would work too! You can use dairy-free, but it will be lower protein.

Milk of choice: Any milk will work for this overnight oats recipe. You can use regular milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk.

Pure maple syrup: I love using maple syrup for pumpkin-flavored recipes, but you can use honey or any other sweetener too.

Vanilla extract: If you use vanilla yogurt, you can skip this one!

Pumpkin pie spice + cinnamon: I love pumpkin spice for fall flavor, but it can be a little overwhelming on it’s own. I like to add a little bit of extra cinnamon!

How to make pumpkin pie protein overnight oats

  1. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, and spices to a 16 oz mason jar, bowl or glass container.
  2. Next, add pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup and vanilla.
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  1. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add any additional sweetener or spices to taste.
  2. Set for at least 4 hours in the fridge or overnight.
  3. Top with granola, more Greek yogurt, or nuts and enjoy!
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Any airtight container will work for storage, but my favorite containers for overnight oats are 16-oz wide mouth mason jars with washable lids.

You can also grab some cute containers that are specifically made for overnight oats, like these.

Note: You can also make a big batch in a large mixing bowl and then dividing into single-serve containers.

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Recipe FAQ

Do you eat overnight oats cold?

Yep, most people do! That’s what makes them such a quick and easy recipe. If you try them and you’re not into the cold oatmeal, you can warm them up in the microwave in 30-second increments.

Can you use instant or quick oats?

You can, but the oatmeal will have a much different texture. I’ve made them both ways, and I prefer rolled oats hands down.

Can you use steel-cut oats?

Yes, you can! Steel cut oats will result in a chewier, less creamy oatmeal than rolled oats. I recommend increasing the amount of milk to 2/3-1 cup.

How long can you store them?

You can make overnight oats ahead of time and store for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt?

I love using Greek yogurt as the protein source, but you can also use vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides.

Add your favorite toppings

  • Add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to compliment the pumpkin spice flavors.
  • Top with pumpkin seeds.
  • Top with granola and sliced bananas to add even more flavor and texture.
  • Drizzle with peanut butter or almond butter.
  • Add a drizzle of maple syrup the next morning before enjoying!

More overnight oatmeal breakfast recipes:

Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Oreo Overnight Oats (High Protein, High Fiber)

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Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats

A creamy blend of pumpkin, oats and spices with Greek yogurt and chia seeds for a nutritious fall-inspired breakfast.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 4 hours hours

Servings: 1

Calories: 391kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  • Add rolled oats, chia seeds, and spices to a 16 oz mason jar, bowl or glass container.

  • Next, add pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup and vanilla.

  • Stir until thoroughly combined. Add any additional sweetener or spices to taste.

  • Set for at least 4 hours in the fridge or overnight.

  • Top with granola, more Greek yogurt, or nuts and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe will create thick and creamy overnight oats. If you prefer a less thick texture, add 2/3 cup of milk instead of 1/2 cup.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 753mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 12974IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 418mg | Iron: 4mg

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It's me, Jamie!

I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to helping you break free of the all-or-nothing dieting with balanced and realistic healthy eating.

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Meet Jamie

I’m a Registered Dietitian and I’ve been exactly where you are, right now. The all or nothing dieting, the constant food guilt, the scale obsession, absolutely no balance with food…. Sound familiar?

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Quick & Healthy Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats (2024)

FAQs

Are overnight protein oats good for you? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Can I use quick minute oats for overnight oats? ›

Here's what you'll need to make overnight oats:

The muesli offers more texture and flavor. If you want to go the easier, more traditional route, simply use old-fashioned oats and add a dash of cinnamon. Don't use instant or quick-cooking oats, because those will turn to complete mush.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

What are the healthiest oats to use for overnight oats? ›

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time. Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy.

Is it OK to eat overnight oats every day? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Why are quick oats not ideal for overnight oats? ›

Because quick oats absorb more liquid than rolled oats, they are more likely to become soggy in overnight oats where the oats are sitting in liquid like milk and yogurt overnight. I have made overnight oats using quick oats before. The taste is usually good, but they do tend to be more on the soggy side.

Do you have to put yogurt in overnight oats? ›

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

Do you eat overnight oats cold? ›

Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, however, if you prefer warm oats you always have the option to heat them up. Because you soak the oats overnight, they become soft and easy to digest making them delicious eaten cold!

What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Why do overnight oats go bad? ›

Overnight oats will begin to deteriorate after the 2nd or 3rd day in the fridge, mostly due to the other ingredients added to the batch; and, they usually lose their texture and go bad after the fourth day. Make sure that you're storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Why do oats overnight say not to use water? ›

Can I use water? No. Adding enough water to make your oats drinkable will greatly damage the taste. Think of it like eating cereal with water, don't do it!

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats are great with all kinds of milk, dairy (pasteurized) or non-dairy. Feel free to use your favorite! We do not recommend making Overnight Oats with water because it will result in an overly liquid texture. Did this answer your question?

Are overnight oats healthy for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

Are oats overnight actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Are overnight oats too high in carbs? ›

Are Overnight Oats Keto-Friendly? No, the classic overnight oats recipe is made of oats, a wholesome natural grain but very high in carbs. In fact, oats contain about 56 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. As a result, they spike blood sugar levels and are not approved on a keto diet.

Why do bodybuilders eat overnight oats? ›

Because oats are a great source of healthy carbohydrates, protein and fiber, they can be an excellent addition to your bodybuilding diet to help repair muscles and spur growth. A bodybuilding diet often has to be high in carbohydrates and protein and low in fat to maintain lean muscle mass.

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