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Creamy Pumpkin Spice Protein Oats: Best Kid-Approved Breakfast

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A quick, creamy, and protein-packed oatmeal recipe made with pumpkin puree and warm spices. Perfect for busy school mornings and picky eaters, this budget-friendly breakfast tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or oat milk)
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping, optional)
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for topping, optional)
  • Extra cinnamon (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup milk and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat (small bubbles around edges, not a hard boil).
  2. Stir in 1 cup rolled oats and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  3. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats thicken and absorb liquid. Add a splash more milk or water if too thick.
  4. Stir in ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix until fully incorporated and oats turn golden-orange.
  5. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle 1 scoop vanilla protein powder over the top and stir vigorously (use a whisk if needed) to avoid clumps.
  6. Let the oats rest for 1-2 minutes off the heat to thicken to a creamy consistency.
  7. Spoon into bowls and add desired toppings: chopped pecans, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and extra cinnamon.

Notes

For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and protein powder. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk. Do not freeze as texture may become watery.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice, protein oats, healthy breakfast, kid-friendly, quick oatmeal, fall breakfast, high protein

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/creamy-pumpkin-spice-protein-oats-best-kid-approved-breakfast/