These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a tasty treat packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like oats and pumpkin puree, they are gooey and comforting!
Perfect for breakfast or a snack, I like to grab one with my morning coffee. They also make my kitchen smell amazing while baking—talk about a win-win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats provide great texture. If you only have quick oats, they can work, but the bars may be slightly less chewy.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient and available year-round. You can also make your own by baking a pumpkin and pureeing it, which is fun if you enjoy DIY projects!
Brown Sugar: This gives the bars a rich flavor. You can substitute it with coconut sugar for a healthier option or use granulated sugar in a pinch.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work well. Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor, but if you’re vegan, opt for maple syrup.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. They will still taste delicious!
Spices: If you don’t have all the spices on hand, using pumpkin pie spice can save you time. It combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves all in one.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars?
The key to perfectly cooked bars lies in modifying the baking time and checking doneness. Bake them until they look set and slightly puffed up at the edges. Don’t worry if a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs; that means they’ll be gooey and delicious!
- Preheat the oven for an even bake.
- Use an 8×8-inch pan for perfectly portioned bars.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; every oven is different.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Bars:
- 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30-35 minutes for baking. Total time from start to finish is around 50 minutes. These bars are quick to whip up and perfect for snacking or breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help the bars come out smoothly after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt. Stir these together well so that the spices and baking powder are evenly mixed throughout the oats.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s fully mixed and you see no dry oats left.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using them, fold in half of the mini chocolate chips into the batter. This adds a delightful touch of sweetness!
6. Spread in Baking Pan:
Carefully spread the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Ensure it’s flat, so the bars bake evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the batter.
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should look set and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfectly fine!).
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important for the bars to hold their shape! After cooling, cut them into squares or rectangles.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Store your pumpkin oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week if you want to keep them fresh longer. Enjoy them as a lovely snack or a part of your breakfast—you’re going to love these!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats may result in a softer bar.
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
What Can I Use Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
If you’re out of pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce or mashed banana as a substitute. Keep in mind this may change the flavor slightly, but both options will keep the bars moist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!