Description
Delicious and wholesome Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars that combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the heartiness of oats. These bars are a perfect healthy snack or breakfast option, featuring natural sweeteners and optional chocolate chips or raisins for a touch of indulgence. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a cozy autumn-inspired treat suitable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is evenly textured.
- Incorporate Optional Ingredients: If using chocolate chips or raisins, fold them gently into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking them up.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the prepared mixture into the lined or greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and enjoy your delicious pumpkin oatmeal bars!
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.
- Almond butter can be substituted with peanut butter or any other nut butter of choice.
- Honey or maple syrup can be adjusted to taste for sweetness preference.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before cutting to maintain their shape.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
