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This pumpkin pie yogurt bowl turns the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie into a nourishing and quick treat you can enjoy any time of day. It balances creamy yogurt with spiced pumpkin and a satisfyingly crunchy oat and nut crumble, all without any baking or added guilt.
I first made this when craving something seasonal but not too heavy. Now it’s a goto comfort food for chilly mornings when I want something filling but fresh.
Ingredients
- Lowfat plain Greek yogurt: offers protein and creaminess choose fresh for best texture
- Pumpkin purée: brings autumn flavor and fiber look for pure pumpkin not pie filling
- Maple syrup: natural sweetener that enhances the cozy spice notes
- Pumpkin pie spice: the heart of the recipe use a wellbalanced mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- Pure vanilla extract: adds depth and warmth to the yogurt base
- Fine sea salt: a pinch lifts all the flavors
- Rolled oats: integral for the crumble choose oldfashioned oats for a better toasted crunch
- Raw pecans or walnuts: adds buttery texture and healthy fats roughly chop for easy toeat pieces
- Brown sugar or maple syrup for crumble: sweetens and helps caramelize the oats and nuts
- Melted coconut oil or unsalted butter: aids toasting and provides a rich mouthfeel
- Ground cinnamon: intensifies the spiced notes in the crumble
Instructions
- Spoon and Whisk the Yogurt Base:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with pumpkin purée. Add maple syrup according to your taste, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and evenly colored. Taste it and add more sweetness or spice if desired. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allowing all ingredients to blend.
- Toast the Crumble Ingredients:
- Place rolled oats and chopped nuts into a small dry skillet. Drizzle with maple syrup or brown sugar and add melted coconut oil or butter. Sprinkle cinnamon and a tiny pinch of sea salt on top. Over mediumlow heat, stir the mixture continuously for 5 to 8 minutes until the oats and nuts turn golden and release a toasty, fragrant aroma. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the crumble onto a plate or baking sheet to cool fully. This step is crucial for maintaining crispness.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Take a good scoop of your chilled pumpkin yogurt and place it into your serving bowl. Generously sprinkle with the pumpkin pie crumble until you have a nice crunchy layer. If you want more texture, repeat layering yogurt and crumble. Optionally, finish with a little extra pumpkin pie spice, a drizzle of maple syrup, toasted pepitas, dried cranberries or dates, or fresh seasonal fruit like thinly sliced apples. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the contrast between creamy and crunchy.
I remember making this bowl for a fall brunch with friends, and the comforting spice combination had everyone reaching for seconds. It reminds me of how simple ingredients can combine into something really special.
Storage Tips
Keep the yogurt base and crumble separate in airtight containers if prepping ahead. The crumble loses its crispness if it sits in contact with moisture. The yogurt mix stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Toast extra crumble and store it in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a week.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the Greek yogurt for a plantbased unsweetened variety if you prefer dairyfree. Use almond or oat yogurt but expect a slightly different creaminess. Walnuts can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts for a varying crunch and flavor. Coconut oil can be substituted with olive oil though it may mellow the spiced notes.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl makes a fantastic breakfast paired with a cup of chai tea or strong black coffee. Add fresh berries on top for tartness or swap pumpkin purée for sweet potato purée for a twist. It also works beautifully as a midafternoon treat or postworkout snack.
Enjoy this spiced, crunchy pumpkin pie yogurt bowl for a cozy breakfast or light dessert. It comes together quickly and stores well for makeahead mornings.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of yogurt works best in this bowl?
Low-fat plain Greek yogurt provides a thick, creamy texture that balances well with the pumpkin and spices.
- → How can I make the oat-nut crumble crispier?
Cooking the oats and nuts slowly over medium-low heat while stirring continuously helps achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the topping?
Yes, raw pecans or walnuts are ideal, but you can use other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
- → Is it necessary to chill the pumpkin yogurt mixture?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the spices to meld and enhances the overall flavor and texture.
- → What optional garnishes complement this bowl?
Try toasted pepitas, dried cranberries or dates, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh sliced apples for added flavor and texture.