As the temperatures drop and the mornings get chillier, there's something deeply unsatisfying about wrapping your hands around a frosty smoothie. Don't get me wrong—smoothies are fantastic! But when the weather shifts and your body starts craving warmth and comfort, it's time to give your blender a break for a few days.
Enter: the warm, nourishing breakfast bowl.
This isn't just about following the seasons for aesthetic reasons (though autumn bowls are undeniably gorgeous). When the weather cools down, our bodies naturally crave warming, grounding foods that provide sustained energy and keep us satisfied longer. Cold smoothies can actually cool your core temperature, leaving you feeling chilled on an already cold morning. A room-temperature or gently warmed bowl, on the other hand, feels like a cozy hug from the inside out.
Today, I'm sharing our October Seasonal Vegan Granola Bowl—a protein-packed, spice-kissed breakfast that has everything you love and delivers serious nutrition.
October Seasonal Vegan Granola Bowl
Why this recipe works for fall:
- Temperature flexibility: Unlike smoothies, this bowl can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed
- Satisfying texture: The combination of creamy pumpkin, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit provides textural variety that keeps you engaged with every bite
- Warming spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves aren't just delicious—they're naturally warming and help support digestion and blood sugar balance
- Sustained energy: With 30g of protein and healthy fats from nuts and granola, this bowl keeps you full and energized for hours
Ingredients
For the bowl:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice
- 1 scoop XO Jacqui protein powder
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves or allspice
- 1 small apple, chopped
- ½ banana, sliced (optional for extra sweetness)
- ½ cup granola
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins
Optional toppings:
- Coconut yogurt or vegan Greek-style yogurt
- A drizzle of almond butter or tahini
- More cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top
Instructions
- Mix up the base ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the plant milk, XO Jacqui Protein Powder, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and spices until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bowl: In your serving bowl, add your chopped apple and banana slices (if using).
- Add the crunch: Top with granola, walnuts, and dried fruit.
- Finish it off: Pour the pumpkin protein mixture over top. Add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired.
Pro Tips
- Make it overnight: Combine the pumpkin, XO Jacqui Protein powder, milk, spices, and chia seeds the night before for an overnight oats-style bowl. In the morning, just add your fresh toppings!
- Switch it up: Try pears or persimmons instead of apples for different flavor profiles throughout the season.
- Add extra protein: If you need more protein post-workout, stir in an extra scoop of XO Jacqui Protein Powder.
- Warm it gently: On particularly cold mornings, you can gently warm the pumpkin-protein mixture in a small saucepan before assembling. Just don't boil it!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Macros:
- Calories: 588
- Protein: 30g (20%)
- Fat: 18g (28%)
- Carbohydrates: 86g (58%)
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. Optional toppings are not included.
The Bottom Line
As we move deeper into fall, consider this your permission slip to put the blender away and embrace breakfast bowls that actually make you feel warm and cozy. This October Seasonal Vegan Granola Bowl delivers everything your body needs on a chilly morning: sustained energy from complex carbs, muscle-supporting protein, healthy fats for satiety, and warming spices that comfort from the inside out.
Happy fall eating!