The Canned Ingredient That Will Change Your Oatmeal Forever

It can feel bittersweet as the summer weather cools down and the fall season emerges. But, as we wave goodbye to the warm weather, long days, and those summer fruits, we get to welcome a bevy of fall beauties — cozy sweaters, hot coffee, crispy, colorful leaves, and of course, possibly the first telling sign that fall is upon us: pumpkins. The large orange squashes have made their debut into everything, from Starbucks lattes and frappuccinos to waffles and pies. 

However, there's one fall food that's been largely left out of the pumpkin spice takeover: oatmeal. If you haven't yet, this is a combination that you have to try. The puree will add a creamy consistency, warm fall flavor, and a boost of health benefits to your oats. Whether prepped overnight, baked, or cooked on the stovetop, you may never make oatmeal without canned pumpkin puree in your pantry again.

Pumpkin is full of benefits like vitamins, antioxidants, and folates (via Well Plated). So, by mixing pumpkin puree into your oatmeal, not only are you giving it a yummy fall flavor, but you're also adding even more benefits to the oats — an ingredient that the Harvard School of Public Health says is already bursting with fiber. Additionally, it's a great way to use any leftover pumpkin puree from your other fall baking experiments (via Dels Cooking Twist).

Most importantly, the pumpkin puree brings a creamy, warm, and subtly sweet flavor to any of your go-to overnight oats recipes, making your morning routine much cozier. By topping them with pecans, toasted pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, or nut butter, you can dress your oats up whichever way you like. It's the perfect cure for any end-of-summer sadness and a guaranteed way for you to embrace the transition into the fall season.