You know those mornings when you want something cozy but can’t be bothered to cook? That’s where these Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Almond Butter Swirl come in.
They’re creamy, a little spiced, naturally sweet, and that almond butter swirl? Game-changer.
I’ve been making this every fall (and honestly most seasons) for years—it’s like pumpkin pie for breakfast but way healthier.
Let’s make it easy, yummy, and beautiful.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of those little comforts that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you don’t.
- Tastes like dessert but it’s secretly healthy
- Meal-prep friendly for busy mornings
- No cooking required—just mix and chill!
- Loaded with fall flavor (but good year-round)
- Almond butter swirl makes it feel extra fancy
I’ve made this in hotels, in tiny apartments, and for guests who ended up asking for the recipe every time.
📦 What You’ll Need
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1½ tablespoons almond butter (to swirl on top)
- Optional toppings: pumpkin seeds, more cinnamon, chopped pecans
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use rolled oats (not quick oats!) for the best creamy but chewy texture.
- Stir in layers—don’t dump it all in at once. It blends better.
- Almond butter swirl goes on top after chilling for a pretty presentation.
- Make it in individual mason jars so they’re grab-and-go.
- Double the recipe to last you several days.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Mason jar or any lidded container
- Ramekin or small bowl for almond butter
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- No almond milk? Use oat milk or regular milk.
- No almond butter? Try peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup or a mashed ripe banana.
- No chia seeds? Sub ground flaxseed or skip (oats will be slightly looser).
- More texture? Add chopped pecans or walnuts before chilling.
⏲️ Make Ahead Tips
These oats are made for making ahead. They need at least 4 hours to chill, but overnight is best. Make up to 4 jars at once and they’ll last all week in the fridge.
📝 Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, add:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Stir to combine.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add to the bowl:
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir well until fully combined.
3. Transfer to Jar and Chill
Spoon the oat mixture into a mason jar or lidded container. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Add Almond Butter Swirl Before Serving
After chilling, swirl in:
- 1½ tablespoons almond butter on top
Optionally, sprinkle with:
- More cinnamon
- Pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days
- Keep in sealed jars or containers
- Don’t freeze (texture gets weird)
- Swirl in almond butter just before eating for best texture
🍴 What to Serve With
- A hot cup of chai or coffee
- Sliced apples or pears
- Toast with a little honey
- Boiled eggs for protein boost
💪 Macros (Approx. per serving)
Servings: 1
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 8g (mostly from maple syrup and pumpkin)
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the oats overnight.
- Pumpkin puree adds fiber and creaminess without fat.
- Oats slowly absorb the liquid, making the texture soft but not mushy.
- Spices + vanilla mimic the flavor of pumpkin pie without needing sugar bombs.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using quick oats – They turn to mush.
- Not mixing well – You’ll get chia seed clumps.
- Adding almond butter too early – It blends in and loses the swirl effect.
- Skipping the salt – Just a pinch makes the flavor pop.
❓ FAQ
Can I eat this warm?
Yes! Just microwave for 30–45 seconds. Stir before eating.
Is this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and you’re good.
Can I prep more than one?
Definitely—double or triple the batch and portion into jars.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yep—add 2 tablespoons to the mix for creaminess and extra protein.
🍁 Final Step: Dig In!
You’ve got a creamy, cozy, spiced breakfast waiting for you. This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re doing something kind for yourself before the day even begins. Try it out, share it with someone you love, and let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Let me know if you want the printable version or to make this into a batch meal prep!