These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin goodness! Made with rolled oats and spices, they’re perfect for a cozy snack or breakfast treat.
They’re so easy to make; I often whip them up on a Sunday for the week ahead. Plus, they smell amazing while baking—who can resist that pumpkin spice aroma? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give these bars a great chewy texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats. Instant oats can work in a pinch but might make the bars a bit softer.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh pumpkin works well, too. Just make sure to cook and puree it smoothly. You can also use butternut squash puree as a tasty swap!
Sweeteners: I love brown sugar for its rich flavor, but maple syrup makes a fantastic substitute, adding a nice hint of sweetness. You can also try honey or agave for a different twist.
Chocolate Chips: I always add chocolate chips for a sweet touch, but feel free to use white chocolate or dark chocolate. Adding dried cranberries or chopped nuts can also enhance the flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Ingredients for These Bars?
Merging your wet and dry ingredients correctly is crucial for these bars. Here’s how to mix them like a pro:
- In your large bowl, start with the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, sweetener, egg, oil, and vanilla.
- Whisk them together until smooth—this will help combine flavors and create a uniform mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients: oats, spices, baking soda, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps distribute the baking soda evenly.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. This method prevents lumps and helps everything blend nicely.
- Finally, toss in your chocolate chips and any extras gently. You want a well-combined mix, but don’t over-mix as it can make the bars dense.
Following these tips will leave you with delicious, well-textured Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars every time!
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices & Leavening:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After that, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. Overall, you’re looking at about an hour until they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar (or maple syrup), egg, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is where all the delicious flavors mix!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, take your rolled oats and mix them with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good stir so the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix everything together until fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; we want these bars to stay light and fluffy!
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Optional Add-ins:
Fold in the 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (and any optional nuts or raisins) into the batter. This is where it gets extra tasty!
6. Spread in the Baking Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for that beautiful finish!
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when the bars are set and a toothpick comes out clean from the center, they’re ready!
8. Cool and Cut:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
9. Store:
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week!
Enjoy these moist, chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars as a healthy snack or a convenient breakfast on-the-go! They’re perfect for autumn or any time you crave a little pumpkin spice delight!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind that the texture of the bars may be softer and less chewy. If you prefer a firmer bite, stick with rolled oats.
Can I Substitute Eggs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegan option, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as a substitute for the egg.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them tightly!
Can I Add More Flavor Variations?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch. Spice it up further by adding a pinch of allspice or cloves if you enjoy a bolder flavor profile!