School has started. Meaning fall is coming up, and I can start making pumpkin-themed recipes again.

Right? 😉

If you’ve been following this blog a while now, you’ll probably know of my slightly-ridiculous obsession with everything pumpkin flavored. In the past couple years, I’ve made at least a dozen recipes featuring pumpkin, from Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal to Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Donut Holes. And trust me when I tell you, there will definitely be more to come!

Today’s recipe reminds me a bit of the Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal, yet simplified and much lower in calories. In short, this recipe is perfect for a morning on the go or a quick afternoon snack that will keep you feeling fuller longer. Just pack a few in a ziplock bag, and you’re golden!

These muffins are seriously the epitome of pumpkin spice. Packed with real pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon, they’re more than reminiscent of pumpkin pie or a pumpkin spice latte. Yet, at only 71 calories each, they’re nothing to be ashamed or guilty of. In fact, I would recommend taking two or three with you on the go to hold yourself over a bit longer!

With a directions unbelievably easy to follow, completely natural sweeteners, and almost no fat, this pumpkin recipe is definitely the one for me!

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Muffins

• 2 c old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 c pumpkin puree
• 1 1/4 c water
• 1/4 c egg whites
• 1/4 c maple syrup
• additional granulated sweetener to taste
• chocolate chips (if desired)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients (except optional chocolate chips) in a large bowl. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and grease lightly. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into liners, filling about 3/4 the way full. Top with chocolate chips, if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 71

Fat: 1g

Carbs: 14g

Protein: 2g

(Yields 13 muffins)

Nutrition information calculated not including chocolate chips, as the amount you choose to add will vary the nutrition information.