Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and warming spices, these bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and optionally enhanced with mini chocolate chips. Baked to a soft yet firm texture, they offer comforting autumn flavors in every bite.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, egg, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are completely incorporated, forming a thick batter.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips if using. Be careful not to overmix, just combine enough to distribute the chips evenly.
- Pour into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and smooth the top for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The bars are done when the surface feels firm and the edges turn lightly golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the baked bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 9 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional; you can omit them for a simpler, less sweet bar.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- If you prefer, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before baking for extra flavor.
Keywords: Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, Healthy Snack, Breakfast Bars, Pumpkin Recipe, Oats, Autumn Baking