I don’t know what it is about the fall, but I start to go crazy for pumpkin.

Not the sugary pumpkin pie type of obsession. Just anywhere else where I can add in pumpkin – muffins, overnight oats, smoothies, and now, introducing my Maple Oatmeal Pumpkin Bake.

You might know that I adore eating oatmeal for breakfast, and rarely do I skip a day. Oatmeal is easy, convenient, a filling whole grain and an opportunity to add in nuts, seeds, fruit, or swirl in pumpkin.

I especially love the idea of baking oatmeal because you can make a large quantity and eat it over a few days or even share it with your family if you’re feeling generous.

Pumpkin is one of those wonder foods that really packs a punch in so many ways. It is jam-packed with filling fiber, protective antioxidants and phytonutrients and when combined with powerhouse spices like cinnamon and cloves, makes your house smell so good.

I’ll admit, pumpkin on its own does not taste very good and has a bit of a bitter quality to it. This is why you usually see pumpkin paired up with a good amount of sugar when it’s baked in a pie.

My Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal Bake recipe uses maple syrup, but since it is so rich, you only need a small amount so the dish remains healthy too.

This pumpkin oatmeal bake warm out of the oven is so flavorful and perfect. If you want to reheat it later you can add a bit more almond milk or even add that after you warm it up.

If you’re looking for something delicious, filling and nutritious, this recipe will get you excited about breakfast.

I also offer group cooking classes and private cooking lessons where you can have hands-on experience creating recipes like this, and so many other delicious, healthy dishes.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal Bake

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup real maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to to 350°F. Lightly oil an 8×8 baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl combine the dry ingredients: oatmeal, raisins, pecans, baking powder and pumpkin pie spice. In another medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: maple syrup, almond milk, pumpkin, egg and vanilla.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. Add to the baking dish.

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm, with a splash of almond milk if desired.

Did you enjoy making this easy, healthy pumpkin oatmeal recipe? I’d love to hear about it. Tell me in the comments below!