I absolutely love how these Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe turn out—moist, tender, and bursting with cozy fall flavors. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you want something wholesome but also a little indulgent. The pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and richness, while the baked oatmeal texture feels so comforting, like a warm hug in food form.
What I found especially fun about this Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is how versatile it is—you can go classic with pumpkin spice, swirl in a luscious mascarpone filling, or toss in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. These cups work brilliantly for meal prep too, so you can enjoy a quick, satisfying breakfast all week long without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Nutritious: Combines wholesome oats with pumpkin’s natural goodness for a nourishing start.
- Versatile Flavors: Easily customized with cheesecake filling or chocolate chips to suit your cravings.
- Perfect Meal Prep: Bakes up in mini portions that you can grab on busy mornings or pack for on-the-go.
- Simple to Make: Straightforward steps with minimal ingredients, even if you’re new to baking oatmeal cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe blend flavors and textures beautifully, making every bite just right—not too dry, not too dense. Using rolled oats really helps the cups hold shape while staying soft inside.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: I always choose rolled oats for their chewiness and ability to soak up flavors without getting mushy.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This is the key to that classic warm pumpkin flavor – you can adjust to taste depending on how spicy you like it.
- Baking powder: Helps the cups rise a bit and stay fluffy, so don’t skip this one.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and boost all those cozy flavors.
- Large eggs: They act like glue to bind everything together perfectly.
- Milk (any variety): I often use almond milk to keep it dairy-free, but whole milk or oat milk work beautifully too.
- Pumpkin puree: Make sure you use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling for the best control over sweetness and spice.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to deepen the flavor and tie it all together.
- Mascarpone filling (optional): This creamy addition makes it feel like you’re sneaking in cheesecake—trust me, it’s incredible!
- Chocolate chips (optional): A secret weapon for those days you want a little chocolatey indulgence.
Variations
One of the things I really enjoy about this Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re craving something creamy, chocolaty, or totally classic, these little cups can handle it.
- Cheesecake Version: I discovered this trick when I added a dollop of mascarpone mixed with maple syrup right in the center of each cup before baking—it creates a dreamy, melty surprise.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Sometimes I swap out the cheesecake for chocolate chips stirred into the batter—my family goes crazy for this version, especially the kids.
- Dairy-Free: I’ve replaced milk with coconut or almond milk and skipped mascarpone to keep it vegan-friendly, and it still tastes fantastic.
- Spice Tweaks: Feel free to boost or reduce the pumpkin pie spice based on your preference; sometimes I add a bit more cinnamon for that extra warmth.
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 16 to 20-cup muffin tin generously with nonstick baking spray or line with silicone liners—this helps your oatmeal cups pop right out without sticking. This small step saves you a lot of hassle afterward!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together
In a small bowl, whisk together the oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes those spices and leavening agents so your cups taste balanced and bake up perfectly risen.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. If you’re adding chocolate chips instead of cheesecake filling, fold them in now. The batter will look a bit loose but don’t worry—that’s just right for baking soft and moist cups.
Step 4: Combine and Portion Out
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can make the texture tough, so it’s okay if a few oats aren’t fully incorporated. Then, divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups—you want each roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheesecake Filling (if Using)
If you’re making the cheesecake version, dollop about a teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture right into the center of each cup before baking. This creates a beautiful creamy pocket that takes these oatmeal cups to the next level.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25 minutes until the tops are golden and the cups feel set when gently pressed. Let them cool slightly in the pan before removing—warm oatmeal cups are wonderful, but they firm up even more once cooled. It’s hands-down one of my favorite parts of baking these.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the texture tender instead of gummy or dense.
- Use Silicone Muffin Liners: These save you from sticking nightmares and make cleanup a breeze—trust me on this one!
- Maple Mascarpone Combo: Mixing mascarpone with maple syrup before adding into the cups is a game changer—adds sweet creaminess without overpowering pumpkin flavor.
- Let Them Cool Fully: Removing them too soon can cause breaking—give the cups time to set inside the tin for nice, neat edges.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these oatmeal cups with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess. Sometimes I sprinkle crunchy toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds on top for an added texture contrast—that crunch adds so much!
Side Dishes
Pair these with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for the ultimate autumn breakfast vibe. On weekends, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or a berry compote for a refreshing sweetness balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special brunches, I arrange the Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe on a wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream, nuts, and jam on the side. Guests love assembling their own little flavor combos—it feels interactive and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, I store these oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. They keep their moisture well, so no worries about drying out. It’s such a time saver for weekday breakfasts!
Freezing
I like freezing leftover cups individually in zip-top bags. When I want one, I just pull it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for about 30 seconds. They thaw and reheat beautifully without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
I usually reheat my oatmeal cups in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if I want a crispier edge. Either way, they come out warm, soft, and delicious again—just like fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats in the Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe?
Quick oats tend to absorb liquid differently and produce a mushier texture, so for best results stick with old fashioned rolled oats. They provide the perfect chew and structure for baked oatmeal cups.
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Is it necessary to use pumpkin pie spice or can I make my own?
You can definitely mix your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand. It’s a great way to customize the spice level exactly to your taste.
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How do I store leftover Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze individually for longer storage. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to maintain freshness.
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Can I make these oatmeal cups vegan?
Absolutely! Use flax eggs or a chia seed egg replacement instead of eggs, and plant-based milk. Skip the mascarpone or substitute with a vegan cream cheese alternative for the cheesecake version.
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Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries are fantastic additions to this recipe. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever pumpkin season hits. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels just a little bit special thanks to the cheesecake swirl or the surprise of chocolate chips. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll enjoy making it ahead and having a homemade breakfast ready whenever you need a cozy, tasty pick-me-up.
PrintPumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 to 20 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. These baked oatmeal cups combine rolled oats with pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spice, and a touch of maple syrup, finished with a creamy mascarpone cheesecake center or tasty chocolate chips. They are easy to make, grab-and-go, and customizable to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups milk, any variety works
- 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cheesecake Version
- 8 ounces mascarpone filling
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Chocolate Chip Version
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. If making the chocolate chip version, stir in the chocolate chips now.
- Combine Mixtures: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently until just combined, ensuring no lumps remain but the mixture is not overmixed.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly between 16 to 20 prepared muffin cups. For the cheesecake version, dollop the mascarpone filling (mixed with maple syrup) in the center of each cup.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the oatmeal cups are set and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with additional maple mascarpone, nuts, seeds, or your favorite jam if desired.
Notes
- Use old fashioned rolled oats for best texture; quick oats may result in a mushier cup.
- Milk choice can be dairy or plant-based as per preference.
- Cheesecake filling can be prepared by mixing mascarpone cheese with maple syrup for a sweet creamy center.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and maple syrup.
- Store leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg