Name: Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups rolled oats: The heart of our baked oatmeal cups, rolled oats provide a wonderful chewy texture and are packed with fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for their texture and ability to absorb moisture without becoming mushy. Quick-cooking oats can be used in a pinch, but the texture might be slightly softer.; 1/2 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the earthy pumpkin and warming spices. Granulated sugar is used in this recipe for its clean sweetness and how well it dissolves into the batter. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, or explore alternatives like brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor, or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness (though liquid sweeteners might slightly alter the texture and require minor adjustments to the liquid ratio).; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, plus more for topping (optional): Dried cranberries bring a delightful tartness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and spice. They also add a pop of color and visual appeal. Feel free to substitute with other dried fruits like raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even dried cherries, depending on your preference. Keeping some extra cranberries aside for topping adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.; 1/2 cup pepitas, plus more for topping (optional): Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, offer a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that complements the pumpkin and spices perfectly. They also add healthy fats and a bit of protein. Roasted pepitas are even more flavorful. You can substitute with other nuts or seeds like chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you don’t have pepitas on hand or prefer a different flavor profile. Reserving extra pepitas for topping enhances the nutty flavor and adds a lovely textural contrast.; 3 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped: Crystallized ginger provides a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet kick that elevates the flavor profile of these oatmeal cups. The chewy texture and intense ginger flavor are a wonderful addition. Make sure to chop it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the batter. If you’re not a fan of crystallized ginger, you can omit it, or substitute with a teaspoon of ground ginger for a milder ginger flavor.; 2 tbsp ground flax seed: Ground flax seed is a nutritional powerhouse, adding omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a slight binding quality to the recipe. It helps to hold the oatmeal cups together and adds a subtle nutty flavor. You can use flaxseed meal or grind whole flax seeds yourself. If you don’t have flaxseed, you can omit it, or substitute with chia seeds for similar nutritional benefits and binding properties.; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps these oatmeal cups rise slightly and become light and fluffy in texture. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.; 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show! Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. It provides that quintessential fall flavor we all crave. You can buy pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend, or make your own blend at home to customize the spice ratios to your liking.; 3/4 tsp cinnamon: Adding extra cinnamon enhances the warm and comforting spice profile and complements the pumpkin pie spice beautifully. Ground cinnamon is readily available and adds a classic spice note.; 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Salt is crucial in baking to balance sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. Kosher salt is preferred by many bakers for its consistent grain size. If using table salt, you may need to use slightly less as it’s more concentrated.; 3/4 cup pureed pumpkin: Pureed pumpkin is the key ingredient that brings moisture, sweetness, and that signature pumpkin flavor to these oatmeal cups. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and readily available, or you can make your own pumpkin puree from scratch if you prefer.; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs act as a binder and add richness and structure to the oatmeal cups. They also contribute to the moist texture. Lightly beating the eggs before adding them to the wet ingredients ensures they incorporate smoothly.; 1 2/3 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the batter, creating a tender and flavorful final product. You can substitute with other types of milk like 2% milk, skim milk, or plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Using a richer milk like whole milk or oat milk will result in a slightly creamier texture.; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and sweetness and complementing the spices and pumpkin. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla extract can also be used. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor and visual appeal with the specks of vanilla bean.

Ingredients

Scale

1 2/3 cups rolled oats: The heart of our baked oatmeal cups, rolled oats provide a wonderful chewy texture and are packed with fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for their texture and ability to absorb moisture without becoming mushy. Quick-cooking oats can be used in a pinch, but the texture might be slightly softer.

1/2 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the earthy pumpkin and warming spices. Granulated sugar is used in this recipe for its clean sweetness and how well it dissolves into the batter. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, or explore alternatives like brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor, or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness (though liquid sweeteners might slightly alter the texture and require minor adjustments to the liquid ratio).

1/2 cup dried cranberries, plus more for topping (optional): Dried cranberries bring a delightful tartness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and spice. They also add a pop of color and visual appeal. Feel free to substitute with other dried fruits like raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even dried cherries, depending on your preference. Keeping some extra cranberries aside for topping adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

1/2 cup pepitas, plus more for topping (optional): Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, offer a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that complements the pumpkin and spices perfectly. They also add healthy fats and a bit of protein. Roasted pepitas are even more flavorful. You can substitute with other nuts or seeds like chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you don’t have pepitas on hand or prefer a different flavor profile. Reserving extra pepitas for topping enhances the nutty flavor and adds a lovely textural contrast.

3 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped: Crystallized ginger provides a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet kick that elevates the flavor profile of these oatmeal cups. The chewy texture and intense ginger flavor are a wonderful addition. Make sure to chop it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the batter. If you’re not a fan of crystallized ginger, you can omit it, or substitute with a teaspoon of ground ginger for a milder ginger flavor.

2 tbsp ground flax seed: Ground flax seed is a nutritional powerhouse, adding omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a slight binding quality to the recipe. It helps to hold the oatmeal cups together and adds a subtle nutty flavor. You can use flaxseed meal or grind whole flax seeds yourself. If you don’t have flaxseed, you can omit it, or substitute with chia seeds for similar nutritional benefits and binding properties.

1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps these oatmeal cups rise slightly and become light and fluffy in texture. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.

3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show! Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. It provides that quintessential fall flavor we all crave. You can buy pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend, or make your own blend at home to customize the spice ratios to your liking.

3/4 tsp cinnamon: Adding extra cinnamon enhances the warm and comforting spice profile and complements the pumpkin pie spice beautifully. Ground cinnamon is readily available and adds a classic spice note.

1/2 tsp kosher salt: Salt is crucial in baking to balance sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. Kosher salt is preferred by many bakers for its consistent grain size. If using table salt, you may need to use slightly less as it’s more concentrated.

3/4 cup pureed pumpkin: Pureed pumpkin is the key ingredient that brings moisture, sweetness, and that signature pumpkin flavor to these oatmeal cups. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and readily available, or you can make your own pumpkin puree from scratch if you prefer.

2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs act as a binder and add richness and structure to the oatmeal cups. They also contribute to the moist texture. Lightly beating the eggs before adding them to the wet ingredients ensures they incorporate smoothly.

1 2/3 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the batter, creating a tender and flavorful final product. You can substitute with other types of milk like 2% milk, skim milk, or plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Using a richer milk like whole milk or oat milk will result in a slightly creamier texture.

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and sweetness and complementing the spices and pumpkin. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla extract can also be used. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor and visual appeal with the specks of vanilla bean.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients and preheat the oven: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring they are measured out accurately. This will make the process smoother and more efficient. If your crystallized ginger is in larger pieces, chop it finely using a sharp knife. Similarly, if your dried cranberries are large, give them a rough chop so they are roughly the same size as the pepitas and ginger. This ensures even distribution throughout the oatmeal cups. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is the ideal temperature for baking these oatmeal cups to ensure they cook through without burning on the outside. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it well with cooking spray, butter, or lining it with paper or silicone muffin liners. Greasing or lining prevents the oatmeal cups from sticking and makes for easy removal.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. This includes the rolled oats, sugar, dried cranberries, pepitas, finely chopped crystallized ginger, ground flax seed, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, which is crucial for consistent flavor and leavening. The large bowl provides ample space for mixing and will also be used to combine the wet ingredients later.

Mix the wet ingredients separately: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Start with the lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are well combined. Then, add the pureed pumpkin to the wet ingredients and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and thick. It’s important to ensure the pumpkin is fully incorporated and the mixture is homogenous for a consistent texture and flavor throughout the baked oatmeal cups. Mixing the wet ingredients separately helps to emulsify them and ensures they are evenly distributed when combined with the dry ingredients.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently stir to combine. Mix until just combined and no large pockets of dry ingredients remain. The mixture will be quite wet, almost like a thick soup – this is perfectly normal and essential for moist and tender baked oatmeal cups. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the oats, potentially leading to tougher oatmeal cups.

Fill the muffin tin and add toppings: Carefully spoon the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup almost to the top. These oatmeal cups don’t rise dramatically, so filling them close to the top will give you nicely sized muffins. If desired, sprinkle additional dried cranberries and pepitas on top of each muffin cup. This adds extra flavor, visual appeal, and a delightful textural crunch to the finished oatmeal cups. The toppings will also toast slightly during baking, enhancing their flavor.

Bake until golden brown: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops of the oatmeal cups begin to turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always best to check for doneness using a toothpick. The tops should look set and the edges slightly browned. The muffins should rise slightly and appear fully baked, but still moist.

Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool in the tin for a few minutes. This allows the oatmeal cups to set slightly and makes them easier to remove. After a few minutes of cooling in the tin, carefully remove the Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal Cups from the muffin tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm. Allowing them to cool slightly before serving enhances their texture and prevents them from being too soft. These are delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 220-250
Sugar: 15-20 grams
Sodium: 150-200 mg
Fat: 7-9 grams
Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
Fiber: 4-5 grams
Protein: 6-8 grams
Cholesterol: 30-40 mg