Even on the coldest morning, you’ll be rising and shining when you know this Pumpkin Protein Oatmeal Recipe is waiting for you!
Though I consider myself a morning person, getting out of bed can be a challenge when it’s cold, gray, and rainy outside. In the summer, when daylight serves as my alarm clock, I literally rise and shine with the ease of a kid on Christmas morning. Not the case, however, when it’s nearly 9 a.m. and still dark. The only thing that will lure me out of bed on those days is a good, strong espresso and the promise of a hearty breakfast.
And when it comes to the perfect breakfast during the colder months, nothing beats a wholesome and satisfying bowl of oatmeal. Oats are incredibly healthy and can be prepared in myriad ways, which is a big plus when you easily get tired of eating the same thing every day. Some of my most delicious oatmeal recipes have come about by simply putting any odds and ends that I have in the fridge to good use. Just recently, I made a savory oatmeal with mushrooms, kale, and hot sauce. I know, it sounds weird, but topped with a fried egg, it was the breakfast of champions.
This recipe for pumpkin protein oatmeal came about when I remembered that I needed to use up some pumpkin purée left over from baking a batch of muffins. I love all things pumpkin, so this recipe definitely hit the spot. Seasoned with a dash of fragrant pumpkin pie spice and sweetened with maple syrup, every bite is pure autumnal bliss. I’ve added a little protein powder to make it just a bit more nutritious. A scattering of pecans provides a lovely textural touch.
With a breakfast like this, you can bet getting out of bed will be a breeze!
Dress up your oats
This recipe calls for a simple topping of pecans, but you can use any other type of nut you’re partial to. Great choices would be walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios. Toasting the nuts briefly releases their beautiful aroma, so if you have time, toss them around in a hot pan before topping your oats, and you’ll be in for a treat. Fruit, whether dried or fresh, is another tasty way to top our oats. With this recipe, I love dried cranberries or fresh blueberries, but sliced pears sautéed in butter make this breakfast even more irresistible. If I’m really in the mood to treat myself, I’ll shave some dark chocolate (from a good-quality bar) over my bowl right before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Though I prefer my oatmeal freshly made, you can easily store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The oatmeal can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Oatmeal tends to thicken when chilled, so you might need to add a splash of almond milk when reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving suggestions
These delicate, paper-thin slices of Dried Apples are lovely atop your bowl of oats. For a decadent touch, you could even consider drizzling some Salted Caramel Sauce over your bowl.
If you’re looking for more fall-inspired recipes to help get you out of bed in the morning on those dreary days, try this comforting Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal or wake up to a delectable bowl of Carrot Cake Oatmeal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 6 tablespoons vanilla protein powder of choice
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons natural butter extract
- Pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the almond milk, oats, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium pan on high heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick, creamy, and the oats soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in all the other ingredients, except the pecans.
- Top with pecans and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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