Featured Recipe

Pumpkin Protein Oats Remix

Name: Pumpkin Protein Oats Remix
Prep time: 12 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup canned sweet potato puree; 1/3 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 tablespoon chia seeds; 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon maple syrup

By Kate

Created on 26 January 2026

Boosted overnight oats using pumpkin puree swapped for sweet potato; Greek yogurt replaced with cottage cheese for texture twist. Rolled oats with chia seeds, protein powder rest chill minimum 5 hours. Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla hold flavor backbone, maple syrup moves sweetness. Microwave optional, moisture adjusted by milk. Two jars portioned. Tactile cues guide completion. Substitute ingredients keep bowl reliable; warm or cold works. Keeps kitchen quick, protein-packed, autumn-inspired.

Prep: 12 min

Cook: 0 min

Total: 12 min

Serves: 2 servings

overnight oats pumpkin healthy breakfast protein-rich

Introduction

Pumpkin pie flavors reworked with some kitchen hacks. Sweet potato takes pumpkin’s place—same fall vibes, cheaper, smoother. Cottage cheese swaps for yogurt, ups protein, adds tang and chunk unless blended well. Rolled oats soak overnight with chia and protein powder, creating body and fuel for morning hustle. Cinnamon sticks fresh warmth; nutmeg and ginger kick subtle pungency. Maple syrup pulls sweetness but control amount—sweeten to taste. Hands-on stirring guarantees even texture; don’t skip this or get lumpy drifts. Once chilled, thick gel consistency. Technique avoids soggy oats or dry pockets. Tweak milk for texture, microwave or cold eat depending on senses. Quick to prep.

Ingredients

1/2 cup canned sweet potato puree

1/3 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon maple syrup

About the ingredients

Sweet potato puree interchangeable with pumpkin puree but cooks down sweeter and thicker—adjust milk accordingly. Cottage cheese erratic in moisture content, can blend with blender if chunks bother; Greek yogurt works here but yields silkier oats. Almond milk preferred unsweetened, neutral flavor; swap for oat milk or dairy milk for creamier or richer mouthfeel. Protein powder—vanilla or plain works, alters flavor base. Chia seeds provide gelatinous texture when soaked, key for overnight oats to thicken. Adjust spices to preference. Maple syrup easy switch with honey or agave syrup. Jars or containers should seal to prevent fridge odors seeping in which ages fresh mix prematurely. If lacking chia, use flaxseed but soak extra. Rolled oats classic; quick oats too mushy absorbed faster, steel-cut require longer soak. Time depends on fridge chill and oat type.

Method

Whisk sweet potato, cottage cheese, and almond milk vigorously in medium bowl. Look for smooth blend without lumps; cottage cheese texture varies so mix till consistent but don't overbeat.

Add oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir thoroughly to hydrate oats evenly. Get all dry ingredients coated; pockets of powder resist absorbing overnight if not stirred well.

Divide mixture evenly between two pint jars or containers with lids. Seal tight. Refrigerate at least 5 hours; ideally 7–8. Oats should swell, gel mixture thickens. Check texture by pressing surface lightly—springy but not watery. If too dense, add splash milk.

In the morning, add sliced toasted pecans, shredded coconut, or fresh berries. If oats feel too stiff, stir in a splash of additional almond milk or heat 30 seconds in microwave—it’s about clocking aroma and warmth. Microwave produces a faint steam scent signaling readiness, also softens oats quickly.

Eat directly from jars or transfer to bowl if preferred. Texture should balance chew and creaminess; notes of sweet spice vibrant.

Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated. Stir before consuming for best mouthfeel.

Technique Tips

Whisking liquid base before adding dry is critical—avoids lumps of protein powder or clumps of cottage cheese which won’t hydrate properly. Fold in dry slowly; this technique ensures oat flakes surrounded, prevents dry strata forming. Portioning into jars before chilling keeps mixture stable, reduces stirring post-chill and mess. Overnight soak minimum 5 hours; less means oats remain raw and chewy—longer develops creamier gel from starch breakdown. Texture is main gauge rather than clock—press surface lightly, jiggle jars to check firmness. Add liquid if too thick but beware over diluting which breaks gel network causing squishiness. In morning, adding toasted nuts or seeds adds crunch contrast to creamy oats—as well as fresh fruits for fresh bite or acidity. Microwave if craving warmth—time varies by appliance but 30-45 seconds usually enough to release aromas, soften oats without overheating which can cause bitterness from protein powder. Store leftovers sealed tightly to preserve moisture and prevent fridge absorption of other food odors. Stir leftovers thoroughly before eating as oats settle and thicken after sitting.

Chef's Notes

💡 For a creamier texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing it in. Get rid of chunks. Use Greek yogurt instead if preferred. Keeps protein high.
💡 If using sweet potato puree, adjust milk to prevent thickness. Check texture before chilling; should be thick but spreadable. You want no dry clumps.
💡 Chia seeds are key for thickening overnight oats. They soak and swell up—don’t skimp on them. Flaxseeds work too but need different soaking time.
💡 Maple syrup optional—control sweetness here. Add it after mixing for tasting balance. Alternative sweeteners like honey can replace it for similar results.
💡 Microwave is an option for warmth. Heat in 30-second bursts; watch for steam, aroma. Softness means readiness; avoid overheating which can spoil taste.