I absolutely love how the Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe turns out every single time—each bite brings this cozy, comforting fall flavor wrapped up in a wholesome little package. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy breakfast to impress weekend guests, these oatmeal cups rise to the occasion beautifully. I found they’re perfect for busy mornings when you want something warm, hearty, and just a little indulgent without too much fuss.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how you get the best of both worlds: the rustic oat texture paired with that creamy, dreamy cheesecake center or a sweet surprise of melty chocolate chips. You’ll find the Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to your mood or what’s in your pantry. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to autumn breakfast or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Fall Flavors: Pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree combine for that perfect seasonal taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These oatmeal cups are ideal for prepping your breakfasts in advance to save time.
- Versatile Add-Ins: Choose cheesecake filling or chocolate chips to switch things up effortlessly.
- Easy to Bake: Simple whisk-and-stir steps mean you get impressive results without a mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together harmoniously—the oats act as a hearty base, while pumpkin and spices add all that cozy warmth. I always recommend using good-quality maple syrup for natural sweetness and full flavor.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: I prefer rolled oats over instant—they hold texture and give a great chew.
- Pumpkin pie spice: If you don’t have a blend handy, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself for best results.
- Baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy texture in your oatmeal cups.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch awakens all the flavors beautifully.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything together and add richness.
- Milk (any variety): Use what you like—from dairy to almond or oat milk, the recipe is forgiving.
- Pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling with added sugar and spices.
- Maple syrup: This gives a lovely natural sweetness and depth—you’ll notice the difference compared to plain sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch intensifies the flavor profile and complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Mascarpone filling (optional): This creates that luscious cheesecake center, making each bite special.
- Chocolate chips (optional): For a fun alternative that adds melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
Variations
I love how flexible this Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is. You can easily swap in your favorite add-ins or adjust flavors depending on your mood—making it uniquely yours every time.
- Adding Nuts: I’ve tossed in chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap mascarpone for a coconut cream or vegan cream cheese alternative, and use plant-based milk. It’s just as tasty!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Whenever I skip the cheesecake filling, I add extra chocolate chips for a melty surprise my kids adore.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to boost cinnamon or add a bit of ground cardamom for personal flair—I’ve found a pinch of cardamom gives interesting depth.
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your muffin tin a spray with nonstick baking spray. I learned the hard way that these oatmeal cups can stick if you skip the spray, so don’t forget this step—it makes cleanup so much easier!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until evenly combined. This ensures the spices distribute evenly and each bite bursts with that classic pumpkin flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract last. If you’re adding chocolate chips, go ahead and mix them in now to get them evenly spread throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dry oat mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want everything incorporated but still loose enough for nice texture.
Step 5: Scoop and Add the Cheesecake Filling
Divide the batter evenly between 16 to 20 muffin tins—using a scoop helps keep sizes uniform. If you’re doing the cheesecake version, dollop a small spoonful of mascarpone filling mixed with a tablespoon of maple syrup right in the center of each cup. It melts into a little surprise inside that’s absolutely dreamy.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake for about 25 minutes or until the oatmeal cups are set and the tops turn a lovely golden color. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool a little before popping out—this helps them hold their shape better.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Spray: I always grease my muffin tin well to ensure easy release—these cups are rustic and can stick without it.
- Use Rolled Oats: Instant oats tend to get mushy, but rolled oats hold their texture nicely for the perfect morning bite.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: I learned that using room temp eggs and milk helps the mixture blend smoother and bake evenly.
- Cheesecake Dollop Placement: Placing mascarpone right in the middle keeps it from sinking and allows a creamy surprise inside without leaking.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite way to serve these is with a dollop of extra maple mascarpone on top or a drizzle of maple syrup. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for contrast in texture and a nice nutty flavor. You could even add a smear of your favorite jam for a fruity twist.
Side Dishes
These oatmeal cups pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. On brunch days, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve dressed these up by stacking them on a dessert platter with little ramekins of mascarpone dip and fresh berries. They also look adorable in mason jars layered with yogurt and granola for a grab-and-go festive breakfast jar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days, which is great if you’re planning a busy week. When ready to eat, they’re delicious cold or reheated.
Freezing
These oatmeal cups freeze really well! I freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out exactly how many you want without thawing the whole batch. They last about 2 months frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on your appliance. If you like a crispy top, you can warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Either way, they come out warm, soft, and just as tasty as fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe?
While you can substitute quick oats, I recommend using old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats tend to make the cups too soft and sometimes mushy, whereas rolled oats keep a pleasant chew and structure.
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Is there a vegan option for the Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe?
Definitely! Swap eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon of ground seeds plus 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk. For the cheesecake filling, try coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative to keep that creamy surprise.
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How long do Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these oatmeal cups last up to 4-5 days without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
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Can I make these oatmeal cups without the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! The chocolate chip version or plain pumpkin version without any filling is just as tasty and a little simpler to prep. The cheesecake filling just adds a luxurious touch if you want to get fancy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe enough—you really get cozy fall flavors with the convenience of a handheld breakfast or snack. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually quite simple, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. Give it a try, customize it to your liking, and I promise these cups will quickly become a staple in your kitchen too!
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
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful twist on traditional baked oatmeal, featuring warm pumpkin pie spices and a creamy mascarpone filling option. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack, they combine wholesome oats with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and sweet maple syrup, baked to golden perfection in convenient muffin tins.
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 muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick baking spray to ensure the oatmeal cups don’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Whisk together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully blended. If you’re making the chocolate chip version, stir the chocolate chips into this wet mixture now.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gently stir the dry oat mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill muffin tins: Divide the batter evenly among 16 to 20 muffin cups. For the cheesecake version, spoon a dollop of the mascarpone filling mixed with maple syrup into the center of each cup before baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are set and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra maple mascarpone, nuts, seeds, or your favorite jam for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use any milk variety, including dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk, depending on dietary preferences.
- The recipe yields between 16 to 20 oatmeal cups depending on muffin tin size.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the mascarpone filling and use dairy-free chocolate chips or skip chocolate altogether.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- These oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prepping breakfast or snacks ahead of the week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg