These soft & chewy pumpkin baked oatmeal cups are one of my favorite treats to make during the fall season. Not only are they wonderfully flavorful and spiced, they’re a relatively healthy option and SUPER easy to make. Try my apple cinnamon baked oatmeal cups, too!
Have you ever tried baked oatmeal before? It’s soft and creamy, yet sturdy enough to eat with a fork. Last year I took my baked oatmeal recipe 1 step further and transformed it into baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups. And recently I made these chocolate chip baked oatmeal cups. (Aka oatmeal in the form of a muffin.) Oatmeal cups are a little more solid and sturdy than baked oatmeal, so they’re perfect as a portable breakfast or snack.
We love them.
And let’s be honest, this is what counts most: oatmeal cups are adult approved because they’re quick and healthy + toddler approved because they’re delicious.
Apple cinnamon is my go-to flavor, but I often swap apple for fall’s other favorite flavor: pumpkin. You knew this was coming, right?!
These Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Cups Are:
- Perfectly pumpkin spiced (you can use homemade pumpkin pie spice here)
- Made in 1 bowl
- Soft-baked & chewy
- Refined sugar free (no added refined sugar)
- Easy, quick, & healthy
- Garnished with crunchy coarse sugar
- Dairy free if using dairy free milk & chocolate chips
- Gluten free if using certified GF oats
One reader, Nikki, commented: “Loved the simplicity of the assembly… mix everything in one bowl, fill muffin cups, and bake! The texture is awesome and the flavor is outstanding! And shockingly contains no flour or butter (I had actually pulled those ingredients out and had to put them away… until I find another Sally recipe, of course, lol). Thank you for what is sure to become part of my regular baking rotation 🙂 ★★★★★”
Are They Oatmeal? Are They Muffins?
Both! More solid than oatmeal, but not as cakey as pumpkin muffins & pumpkin crumb cake muffins.
How to Make Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Cups
Stir ingredients together, add to a greased muffin pan, and bake. It’s that easy. There’s no mixer or other specialty tools required. You can make these with kids and even with some chaos and mess, it should take you 30 minutes start to finish.
You need 11 simple ingredients including milk (dairy or nondairy), eggs for a little structure, maple syrup to sweeten, pumpkin puree, oats, baking powder, spices, vanilla, salt, and 1 cup of your favorite add-ins. I usually use 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Feel free to use all chocolate chips, all nuts, or even toss in dried cranberries, chopped apples, or leave them totally plain.
- If you have extra pumpkin to use up, here is a list of recipes to make with leftover pumpkin puree. These mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins and homemade pumpkin coffee creamer are favorite choices.
Looking for a healthy egg-free pumpkin option? A lot of readers have been searching for egg-free recipes and I have several egg free baking recipes that—naturally—do not require eggs. See my recipe notes below for an egg-free variation of today’s recipe. And I think you’ll love my equally awesome pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars too! No egg needed.
Baker’s Tip: As you can see above, the pumpkin batter is liquidy. When you’re dividing the batter between the muffin cups, make sure you have both liquid AND oats in each. Spoon batter all the way to the top of each. The recipe yields 12 pumpkin baked oatmeal cups.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Options
If, for some reason, your pumpkin oatmeal cups last longer than 1 day, you can refrigerate leftovers for the rest of the week. I usually microwave them for a few seconds to take off the chill before eating. They also freeze wonderfully—when I tested this recipe, I froze 2 extra batches. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator at night and they’ll be ready for breakfast the next morning.
If you’re looking for a (1) healthy fall treat, (2) something quick and easy to bake by yourself or with kids, or (3) place to use up leftover canned pumpkin, let me present you with this:
Some Other Healthy Fall Recipes
- Pumpkin Granola
- Healthy Apple Muffins & Applesauce Muffins
- Baked Apples
- Morning Glory Muffins
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Cups (Muffins)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These healthy pumpkin baked oatmeal cups come together in 30 minutes, plus a few minutes for cooling. You can make them ahead and enjoy all week long, too!
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) milk (dairy or nondairy)
- 2 large eggs*
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup*
- 2/3 cup (150g) fresh or canned pumpkin puree
- 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup optional add-ins: chocolate chips (180g), chopped pecans or walnuts (100g), or dried cranberries (120g)*
- optional topping: coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray. If using muffin liners, spray them with nonstick spray. The oatmeal cups stick to the liners a bit regardless, so I recommend skipping them.
- In a large bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together, except for the optional add-ins and coarse sugar. Using a spoon or silicone spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Batter will be a little liquidy. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, making sure both the oats/add-ins and liquid are in each. Fill all the way to the top. See photo above. If desired for extra crunch, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 28–30 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and tops appear set. If the tops are browning very quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the muffin pan.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Cover leftover oatmeal cups tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Bake the oatmeal cups, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator all week for easy breakfasts. Reheat in the microwave or bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-6 minutes. To freeze, bake and cool oatmeal cups. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Warm to your liking.
- Don’t: Do not make oatmeal batter ahead of time. The oats will soak up all the liquid! Whisk it all together, then bake right away. See make ahead instructions above for alternative.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 12-count Muffin Pan | Glass Mixing Bowl | Silicone Spatula
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add wonderful flavor. If needed, you can replace the eggs with an extra 1/3 cup pumpkin puree, or even unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. I prefer the texture with 2 eggs vs extra pumpkin puree. They’re sturdier and taste chewier.
- Sugar: I recommend pure maple syrup because the flavor is outstanding and the baked oatmeal cups are extra moist. If you need a substitute, you can use packed brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey.
- Oats: Whole oats give you the best texture. You can use quick oats instead, but they soak up more moisture so the centers won’t be as moist. If using steel-cut oats, soak the oats in the milk for 30 minutes, then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time. The oatmeal cups are best with whole oats.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can find pumpkin pie spice in the baking aisle of most grocery stores or make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t have either and want to use individual spices, use 1/4 teaspoon each: ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice. This is in addition to the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon—you will still add that.
- Add-ins: Use 1 cup of your favorite add-in or leave the pumpkin oatmeal cups plain. I used 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
- Nutrition Information Per Oatmeal Cup (with unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup pecans using Spark Recipe Calculator): Calories 200, Total Fat 8g, Carbohydrate 30g, Dietary Fiber 3.8g, Sugars 16g, Protein 5g.
Reader Comments and Reviews
These are so good! Moist and full of flavour. And super easy to make!
Hi! Could I use unsweetened apple sauce in place of the maple syrup?
Hi Justine! We don’t recommend using no sweeteners. Maple syrup really adds to the flavor and texture of these, but you could try slightly reducing it.
I just love this recipe. Just delicious. So easy. Took them to work everyday for brunch with yoghurt and stewed rhubarb. I’ve just made my second batch for this weeks brekky. I added pepitas, white choc chips and banana first week. No banana this week.
This recipe was great. I loved that they tasted like baked oatmeal in a smaller version. I used just a little maple syrup and a little coconut sugar and added walnuts. Thanks so much.
While these taste great, they do not stay together. They just crumble apart when I handle them. They were still moist but crumbly. Very weird
I’ve been making these for a couple years. Always a double batch in the freezer. Just cinnamon, no pumpkin pie spice. Add a cup of chopped walnuts and a cup of raisins. Pop a frozen one in the microwave for a minute with a dab of butter. Use silicon muffin. Pans. Texture is awesome. Flavor is out of this world. Family and friends love them.
Best I’ve ever made! Used 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecan pieces. Came out perfect!
I’m very excited to make these as fall as fall seems to be in full swing in eastern PA! Can I make these into mini muffins instead? How long should I bake?
Hi Felicia, for mini baked oatmeal cups, we recommend around 15 minutes. Same oven temperature. Start checking at about 12 minutes.
Love the pumpkin flavor in the Oatmeal cups.
Do you think you could use zucchini and make these.? These
are our go to for a healthy breakfast, either with apples or pumpkin. If
zucchini would work we would have 3 different ones to choose from.
Thanks, love all your recipes and tips.
Annemarie
Hi Annemarie, we haven’t tested a zucchini version of these baked oatmeal cups but let us know if you give it a try!
Tasty, healthy grab-and-go snack on the way to our morning exercise class. I use baby food pumpkin purée so I don’t waste half a 15 oz can. It’s often in the “manager’s special” bin at a reduced price – pumpkin doesn’t seem to be a favorite food of too many babies ha!
Hi Diane, we’re so glad you enjoyed the pumpkin oatmeal cups! If it’s helpful, here are some ways to use leftover pumpkin puree.
In followed the recipe exactly. My batter was very liquidity and the finished pumpkin cups are moist. I added chocolate chips as a mix in for kids, but they weren’t wild about the texture of this cup. Flavor is good. Wasn’t a hit in our house but my husband and I will finish them. I suppose I thought these were going to be like the oat cups you can find in the grocery store.
Hi! Can I do these as minis? What would baking time be?
This recipe is the easiest and most delicious muffins I have made !
Everyone loved them. Did not make any changes to the recipe.
I used skim milk, quick oats (all I had) and mini chocolate chips.
I have already shared this recipe with my gang.
I just took these out of the oven…couldn’t wait to dive in and they did not disappoint! They are delicious. I added white chocolate chips and used quick oats. A quick question and I’m not sure if it has been asked but could I replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar and would the amount be the same? Thanks again to Sally and her team for another easy, yummy recipe!
Question- in place of eggs how many bananas?
Hi Heather, banana size varies, but you’ll need 1/3 cup mashed banana to replace the eggs.
How would I adjust the baking time if I double the recipe and make it in a 9×13″ pan? Thank you!
Hi Rebekah, you can follow the baking times for this baked oatmeal. Enjoy!
Absolutely delicious! Since I was looking for a snack recipe, I made these into mini muffins. With this change, the recipe made 31 mini cups and baked for 14 minutes. Without refrigerating them, the cups become moist, so I definitely recommend keeping them in the fridge. If you prefer them room temperature or warm, like me, just microwave them for a few seconds!
My husband is looking for ways to get more protein into his diet. He loves the oatmeal cups. I’d like to try adding protein powder to this recipe. Do you have any tips for adding whey protein powder to baked goods recipes?
Hi Sarah! It will really depend on the recipe, but you could generally add the protein powder in with dry ingredients (note that it will change the final taste and texture, too). Since all the ingredients are mixed together at once in this recipe, simply add the protein powder with the others. Hope your husband enjoys them!
Thank you!
Do you think I could add unsweetened coconut and some shredded carrots to make this more into a carrot cake tasting recipe? I am not sure if maybe reduce the amount of liquid since the carrots are moist. I might play around with it but let me know your thoughts.
Hi Donna, we haven’t tested a carrot version of these oatmeal cups. Perhaps you could slightly reduce the pumpkin puree to make up for the moist carrot. Let us know what you try!
I made these this morning and used the flax seed faux eggs and brown sugar as the sweetener, yummy!!!
I made a double recipe my first time, and shared with my Dad, kids, & grandbaby- I added chocolate chips and pecans to entice my Dad, who has lost all appetite. Everyone loved them and wants the recipe!
My question now is, I just went to make more and realized I grabbed steel cut oats instead of rolled oats. Evidently these are not easily substitutable for regular oats – had anyone tried baking with them? Wondering if I should use some extra milk and soak them in it for a bit before throwing it all together and baking?
Hi Mia, We are so happy these were such a hit with your family! If using steel-cut oats, soak the oats in the milk for 30 minutes, then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time. See the recipe notes for details.
I made these muffins and found them to taste bland however, they were moist
I like these even more than the apple cinnamon variety! I warm these and top with frozen yogurt for the perfect healthy dessert.
I love all your recipes and this one is no exception! I needed to use up just a little pumpkin puree and this was perfect. Thank you for the recipe.
I love these! I love hearing them up a little and putting a big dollop of my homemade vanilla yogurt on top and it is amazing like pumpkin pie with whipped cream!
I made these yesterday and they are so good! My husband said he’d like them available at all times. I added 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of pecans for my add ins. I didn’t have a full 3 cups of old fashioned oats so I did half those and half quick cook (1min). I think I would do the same next time. I love that there isn’t any flour or sugar. Thank you!
Great with a cup of tea for a healthy, portable breakfast. I puréed persimmons in lieu of pumpkin. Worked out well.
I really enjoyed these alot. I added chopped pecans, Courtney ground pumpkin seeds and dried cherries. Yummm….I may try cutting the Maple Syrup in half as the cherries add sweetness. Thank you. Great recipe!
I want to make these for our Thanksgiving brunch.
Can I use flax eggs??
Can I use date paste in place, or for at least half of, the maple syrup??
I have replaced maple syrup with date paste no problem in muffin recipes so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work here (texture and flavour wise). I don’t have enough personal experience with flax eggs but if replacing eggs with applesauce sort of works (see notes bottom of the recipe) then I don’t see why flax eggs wouldn’t work in the same respect (in regards to texture difference) 🙂
Not really sure what I was expecting. These pumpkin oatmeal cups smelled delectable while baking, very pumpkin spicy and heavy on the cinnamon which I like. Since I added walnuts and cranberries, I thought they would be some what like a chewy granola bar, mainly because the author described them as “tasting chewy “. Perhaps I am not sure what “chewy” tastes like, more of a texture I believe. After mixing everything together, I felt I was in trouble. My batter was very liquid-y and I had to use a ladle to fill the muffin pans evenly. The flavor is okay as I was disappointed in not being able to detect the maple syrup (I used grade A pure maple syrup), nor could I taste the pumpkin (pure organic pumpkin from Trader Joe’s). As a previous commenter replied, hopefully they won’t be as soggy after completely cooled or frozen.
I reduced milk to 1 cup. I used brown sugar because I wasn’t willing to possibly waste my high grade maple syrup if this didn’t turn out. Was perfect.
I hope you used 2/3 cup and not the whole can of pumpkin.
LOVE these muffins! I cut the maple syrup down to 1/3 cup and found them to still be sweet enough. I sprinkle 1/2 tsp coarse sugar on top. Freeze well and heat up quickly in the microwave.