As a devoted lover of all things beach and summer, I must admit, I'm completely taken by the pumpkin craze that sweeps in with the fall season. You can often spot me at Trader Joe's, gleefully loading up my cart with the latest pumpkin-themed treasures. And between you and me, I might just have a secret stash of pumpkin cans at home, ready for spontaneous year-round pumpkin baking adventures.

But here's the thing – pumpkin isn't just about satisfying my seasonal cravings. It's a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an array of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant goodness. Plus, it's undeniably delicious. So, really, why wouldn't you want to incorporate more pumpkin into your life?

Now, let's talk breakfast. While I adore whipping up pumpkin smoothies, pancakes, waffles, and scones, sometimes life gets a tad too hectic for elaborate morning cooking, especially on busy weekdays (mad dash with school, work, etc.). That's where my high-protein pumpkin pie overnight oats come into play. These oats are a lifesaver – quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep. Simply whip up a batch, store them in the fridge, and voilà, you've got a speedy, satisfying breakfast ready to roll.

To supercharge the protein content of these oats, I toss in a scoop of collagen powder and another of protein powder. Trust me, these oats will keep you feeling full and fueled for hours, all while enveloping you in the warm embrace of pumpkin spice and everything nice.

So, why not give this recipe a whirl this week? It might just have you falling head over heels for those cozy autumn vibes!

High-Protein Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Prep: 10 minutes Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats or gluten free oats

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)

• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla, for added protein. I like to use this non-dairy Greek yogurt)

• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade but make sure it’s unsweetened)

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 scoop (about 20-25 grams) of your favorite vanilla protein powder

• Optional: 1 scoop of your favorite collagen powder for even more protein

• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of almond butter, homemade magic shell coating, or extra Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.

2. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the protein powder and optional collagen powder until it's evenly mixed into the mixture.

4. Seal the container and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften.

5. In the morning, give the oats a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed. You can add a splash of almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.

6. Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of almond butter, or an extra dollop of Greek yogurt.

7. Enjoy your high-protein pumpkin pie overnight oats!

*If you want to do the magic shell, simply microwave some dark chocolate with a little coconut oil and spread on top of the oats. Refrigerate and crack into your amazing magic shell coating in the morning!