If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome treat that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats and the warm, inviting spices of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, all sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup. These bars are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, offering comfort and nourishment in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the heart of this recipe, each playing a crucial role in making these bars taste incredible. From the creamy almond butter that adds richness to the oats providing that satisfying chew, every element is essential.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats: Gives the bars a hearty, chewy texture that’s so satisfying.
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty flavor and helps bind everything together.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness that brings balance without overpowering the spices.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the bars moist while adding subtle fruity notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The star spice mix that defines the pumpkin spice flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly for a lighter texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Brightens the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional): Adds a fun burst of sweetness and texture.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or just give it a light grease. This step ensures your bars come out easily and keeps the edges perfect and golden brown.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, your choice of almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is perfectly smooth and well blended. This mixture forms the rich, moist base of your bars.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix
Next, fold in the oats along with the ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything until you have a uniform batter. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in your chocolate chips or raisins now for little pockets of delightful sweetness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for nicely golden edges and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Patience is key here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. This cooling allows the bars to set properly, making them sturdy enough to hold their shape while still tender.
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but if you want to dress them up, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of coconut flakes add a lovely crunch and extra flavor dimension too.
Side Dishes
Pair these pumpkin oatmeal bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a glass of almond milk for a balanced snack. They also go wonderfully alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea to enhance the cozy spice notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, cut the bars into mini squares and serve on a decorative platter with fresh fruit slices like apples or pears. Turn them into sandwich-style treats by sandwiching nut butter or cream cheese between two bars. You could even crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week while maintaining great texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these bars freeze brilliantly. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well up to 3 months, making them a convenient, ready-to-go snack anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also warm them up in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked feel and enhance the pumpkin aroma.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they tend to create a softer, less chewy bar. Old-fashioned oats provide a better texture that really holds up after baking.
Is it necessary to use almond or peanut butter?
While almond or peanut butter helps bind the bars and adds flavor, you could substitute with sunflower seed butter or tahini if you want a different twist or need a nut-free option.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup to keep it plant-based, and make sure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly if you’re adding them in.
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree on hand?
You can substitute with sweet potato puree or mashed banana, but keep in mind this will alter the flavor and sweetness slightly. Pumpkin gives a distinct fall vibe that’s hard to replicate.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe that fills your kitchen with cozy spice aromas and leaves you with a delicious, nutritious snack. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or sharing at a gathering, these bars are sure to become a favorite go-to. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy every wholesome bite!
Print
Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars packed with oats, warm spices, and the natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup. These bars are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a healthy snack, easy to prepare and bake in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
Optional
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt until everything is fully incorporated. If using, fold in the chocolate chips or raisins gently.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Bake Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and enjoy your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To make them vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the honey or maple syrup by a tablespoon.
- Use gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free version of this recipe.
