If there’s ever a time to embrace cozy flavors and healthy indulgence all at once, it’s with these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars. They blend the sweet earthiness of pumpkin with the hearty chewiness of oats, and their irresistible aroma fills the whole kitchen with autumn vibes—even if you’re not baking them in fall! Whether you’re looking for an energizing breakfast or a wholesome snack, you’ll want to keep these bars stocked at all times.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars couldn’t be easier, and every ingredient plays a part in their wonderful texture and flavor. Each one adds its own note—rich pumpkin, pure sweetness, hearty oats—so don’t skip a thing for the best results!
- Pumpkin purée: The star of the show! It gives these bars their moist texture and that signature deep golden-orange color.
- Maple syrup or honey: Adds natural sweetness while keeping things healthier than processed sugar.
- Coconut oil (melted): Brings a touch of richness and keeps the bars tender.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for bars that hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla warms up all the fall flavors beautifully.
- Rolled oats: The hearty base—these give satisfying chew and fiber.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds structure and a subtle nuttiness (plus, it’s nutritious!).
- Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that works together for just the right lift and texture.
- Ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: These are what make your kitchen smell like a dream while the bars bake.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors.
- Chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional): Totally customizable—go for crunch with nuts or pockets of melty chocolate!
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by setting the cozy scene: preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later, or just give it a light greasing. This step ensures your Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars will pop out perfectly, without any sticky struggles.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until you have a completely smooth, glowing orange mixture. This is your flavorful foundation—make sure it’s silky before moving on.
Step 3: Stir Together the Dry Ingredients
Take a separate bowl and combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Give it all a good stir; this ensures even distribution, so you’re not biting into a clump of baking powder or spice later!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the bowl of dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or large spoon until everything comes together. Don’t overdo it; just stir enough so there aren’t any dry streaks of flour. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in right here for a delightful surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like pure pumpkin spice heaven!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Patience pays off here: let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set up, so you get neat, perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars every time. All that’s left is to decide: do you share, or keep them all to yourself?
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Garnishes
A drizzle of maple glaze, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a small handful of chopped pecans on top will make your bars look like a little bakery treat. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a dusting of powdered sugar or whip up a dollop of spiced yogurt for serving.
Side Dishes
While Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars make a satisfying snack all on their own, they’re right at home with a bowl of Greek yogurt, a piece of fresh fruit, or a hot latte. If you’re serving these for brunch, consider pairing with a savory quiche for a balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a quick breakfast on-the-go, wrap individual bars in parchment for a grab-and-run treat. Hosting friends? Stack them high on a rustic cake stand for a cozy coffee date. For kids’ lunchboxes, tuck a square alongside apple slices—it’s a lunchbox surprise they’ll love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, keep Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld and get even better as they sit, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack for busy weeks.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Place cut bars on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just grab one for a breakfast that thaws while you get ready, or warm gently when the craving hits.
Reheating
If you like your Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars a little warm (who doesn’t?), just pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crispier edge, heat in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. Either way, you’ll love that just-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I make these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flaxseed “egg” (simply mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it gel for a few minutes). Make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey, and you’re good to go.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture will be softer and a bit less chewy. Rolled oats provide that hearty bite that makes these bars so satisfying, but don’t worry—quick oats still deliver tasty results!
Are there substitutions for coconut oil?
If you’re not a fan of coconut oil, melted butter or a mild vegetable oil (like avocado oil) both work well in this recipe. Choose whichever fits your taste or dietary preferences.
Can I add fruit or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Feel free to stir in dried cranberries, raisins, or even small diced apple with the nuts or chocolate chips. This adds more autumn flair and a nice burst of flavor.
What’s the best way to slice Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars neatly?
For super clean slices, let the bars cool completely, then use a large, sharp knife. Wiping the knife between cuts keeps the edges tidy—and ensures each bar looks bakery-fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy treat that feels like a warm hug, Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are about to become your go-to bake. Wholesome ingredients, fuss-free directions, endless ways to customize… what’s not to love? Give them a try—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and wholesome treat perfect for fall. Packed with pumpkin flavor and hearty oats, they make for a satisfying snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional:
- ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin purée, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the dish, smooth the top, and bake for 22–26 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- These bars are a convenient and healthy snack, lasting up to 5 days when refrigerated.
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