Creamy pumpkin spice oatmeal makes a satisfying plant-based breakfast. Using steel cut oats, this healthy vegan recipe is perfect for fall.
Creamy, Vegan Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a classic, plant-based breakfast. There’s something so comforting about starting the day with a warm, creamy bowl of oats. That whole grain goodness is a healthy source of complex carbs to keep you fueled.
Plus, when the fall weather starts, vegan pumpkin spice oatmeal is calling your name. This hearty recipe combines steel cut oats with pumpkin puree and the classic seasonal spice blend. Just the smell of it simmering will warm you to the core!
Are steel cut oats a healthy, plant-based breakfast?
Steel cut oats make a nutritious, satisfying breakfast. Loaded with soluble fiber, they’ve been linked to lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. It’s no wonder they have a reputation for being so heart-healthy! Plus, that fiber helps keep you full longer. Nutrition density: that’s the beauty of plant-based eating!
What is the difference between steel cut oats and old fashioned rolled oats?
Both steel cut oats and old fashioned rolled oats are packed with nutrition. Both are considered whole grains, originating from oat groats that include the a germ, bran, and endosperm. However, the two have different shapes and require different cooking times.
Steel Cut Oats are made by cutting oat groats into 2 or 3 pieces, using a steel blade. Also sometimes called Irish Oats, they retain a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture. In turn, they require a longer cooking and soaking time.
On the other hand, Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are made by flatting and steaming the oat groats. These oats were literally “rolled” out to flatten them, hence the name. Rolled oats have a creamier texture after simmering. Plus, their thinner shape means they take less time to cook. Instant oats, which are even smaller, take even less time to cook.
In addition, rolled oats are the oats most often used for baking. You can soak them to make oat milk. Or, grind them into flour for recipes calling for oat flour. Steel cut oats wouldn’t work for these purposes.
Can I use old fashioned rolled oats in place of steel cut oats in a plant-based recipe?
Yes! You can easily swap out the steel cut oats in this recipe for old fashioned rolled oats. Use the same measurements. However, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time. Rolled oats usually take just 10-12 minutes to cook. However, consult the cooking directions on the bag for specific guidance.
Are Steel Cut Oats Budget-Friendly?
Whole grain steel cut oats are one of the most budget-friendly grains. Even organic oats are often cheaper than other grains like quinoa and farro. Plus, you can buy them in the bulk section of most groceries. You can use them in recipes like this creamy vegan pumpkin spice oatmeal. Or, try them in Peach Pecan Oatmeal, make a delicious Berrylicious Overnight Oat Bowl, or bake a Steel Cut Oatmeal dish.
Are oats gluten-free?
Oats are also naturally gluten-free. Therefor, they work for most people eating a gluten-free diet. However, oats are processed in facilities alongside other grains that contain wheat. Therefor, someone with Celiac Disease needs avoid cross-contamination and check for Gluten-Free Certified oats.
What is in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin Pie Spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground clove. You can make your own mix. Or, invest in a good-quality organic blend. Using it in recipes is a healthy way to add flavor. Lots of sweet dishes uses sugar to make them delicious. However, using spices instead is a whole foods, plant-based way to create delicious flavors.
Use a good quality organic spice blend for the best flavor 
Pumpkin Pie Spice includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove
Chef Katie’s Whole Foods, Plant-Based Cooking Tips:
No Refined Sugar or Syrup? I’m on a mission to get rid of empty calories. This oatmeal don’t use any refined sugar, maple syrup, or other refined sweetener. The dried provide plenty of sweetness, along with healthy fiber and essential nutrients.
Weigh Your Ingredients: For precise measuring and consistent results, always weigh your ingredients. A small kitchen scale makes this easy to do. This will save you time and give you more delicious muffins and breads.
Gluten-Free Celiac: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in a facility near wheat. If this is a concern for you, check for “Certified Gluten-Free” Oats and Oat Flour.
Toppings and Mix-Ins: The toasted pecans in this recipe add a nice crunchy topping. However, you can substitute with other nuts (like cashews, walnuts, or almond), swap with seeds (like pumpkin or hemp), or omit completely. I also love adding fresh and dried fruits to my oatmeal for texture. Diced apple and pears add crunch. Raisinsand dried currants add pops of sweetness.
Instapot Steel Cut Oats: You can easily make these steel cut oats in the Instapot. First, combine all of the ingredients in the Instapot (except toppings). Cover and seal the pot. Cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. The pressure will build for about 10 minutes, then the timer will begin. Once the timer elapses, let the pressure release. Carefully, open the lid. They oats may look a bit runny at first, but will thicken as they cool.
Steel-cut oats are packed with healthy, whole grain nutrition. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegan. 
Chopped dates replace sugar for whole foods, plant-based sweetness 
Be sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling will often have added sugar. 
Add pumpkin pie spice and plant-based milk to oatmeal for a creamy, satisfying breakfast
This is the Best Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oatmeal Recipe! It is:
- Packed with Fall Pumpkin Spice Flavor!
- Easy to make
- Creamy and Satisfying
- Loaded with Healthy Fiber and other Nutrition
- Kid-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Easy
- Servings: 2
- Ready In: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 bowls
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 dates pitted and chopped
- 1 1/2 cup unsweetened, plain, plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
- dash salt
- 4 tablespoons chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
- To make the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oatmeal: In a small pot, combine the oats, pumpkin puree, chopped dates, plant-based milk, Pumpkin Pie Spice, and salt. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until oats are tender, about 25 minutes.
- Top with chopped pecans to serve.
Notes
Servings: 2
Ready In: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings 2.0 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| calories 310 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 12 g | 18 % |
| Saturated Fat 1 g | 3 % |
| Monounsaturated Fat 3 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium 195 mg | 8 % |
| Potassium 88 mg | 3 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 44 g | 14 % |
| Dietary Fiber 6 g | 23 % |
| Sugars 12 g | |
| Protein 7 g | 14 % |
| Vitamin A | 148 % |
| Vitamin C | 4 % |
| Calcium | 7 % |
| Iron | 12 % |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. |
Shopping List
- Bob’s Red Mill Oats Steel Cut Oats
- Made in Nature Organic Sun-Dried Deglet Noor Dates (32 Oz)
- 365 Everyday Value, 365 Pecans – Pieces, 8 oz
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Cooking instructions?
Have been added — sorry these weren’t here before. Thanks for catching!
How long do you cook it in the instant pot?
You can cook on “Hi” for 4 minutes. I added a note under Chef Katie’s Tips. Thanks for the great question!