These pumpkin oatmeal bars are a cozy treat perfect for fall! With delicious pumpkin puree and hearty oats, they’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Honestly, I can’t resist the warm spices in these bars. I often grab one as a quick breakfast or snack. They’re great with a cup of tea! 🍂
Making them is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and enjoy—perfect for when you want something tasty and simple.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give these bars their chewy texture. If you have quick oats, those can work too, but the texture will be less hearty.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can also use fresh pumpkin. Just roast and blend it until smooth for a homemade touch.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners add moisture and flavor. You could swap in agave syrup or brown rice syrup if needed.
Coconut Oil or Butter: I enjoy using coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor, but melted butter also works nicely if you prefer. You can use a non-dairy butter for a vegan option!
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips are my favorite, but you can use semi-sweet chocolate, carob chips, or even leave them out for a healthier bar.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Chewy Bars?
The trick to getting chewy oatmeal bars lies in not overmixing and keeping an eye on bake time. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, combine until just moistened. Let’s break down the steps:
- Mix dry ingredients first to ensure even spice distribution.
- When adding wet ingredients, stir gently; overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- For the perfect bake, check around the 25-minute mark to avoid dry bars; they should be set but still slightly moist.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plan for a bit of cooling time afterward, so you can enjoy perfectly set pumpkin oatmeal bars within about 1 hour total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven 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 give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to mix everything evenly so the spices are distributed throughout the oats.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil (or butter), brown sugar (if using), egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is fully combined; you don’t want to overmix!
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the dark chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Yum!
6. Transfer to Baking Pan:
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out with a spatula or your hands for an even layer.
7. Add Extra Chocolate Chips:
Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a delicious look and extra chocolatey goodness.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. They’re done when they’re set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up for easier slicing!
10. Store:
Enjoy immediately or store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Now, dig into those moist, chewy, chocolate-topped pumpkin oatmeal bars! Perfect for a snack or a cozy breakfast treat. Enjoy! 🎃
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in place of rolled oats! Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different—quick oats will produce a softer, less chewy bar.
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bars vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens) and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or seeds to the mix. Just keep the proportions in check so the bars maintain their structure. Enjoy experimenting!
