Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and satisfying snack made with pure pumpkin, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners. Packed with fiber and fall flavors, these bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for breakfast on the go, a lunchbox treat, or a cozy autumn snack. They’re also easy to customize and can be made gluten-free or vegan.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pumpkin puréeold-fashioned rolled oatsmaple syrup or honeyunsweetened applesaucealmond butter or peanut butteregg (or flax egg for vegan option)vanilla extractpumpkin pie spiceground cinnamonground nutmegsaltbaking powderoptional: mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, applesauce, almond butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until fully combined.

Fold in optional chocolate chips or nuts if desired.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 9 bars.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 25-30 minutesCooling time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 50-60 minutes

Variations

Add chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra fiber and omega-3s.

Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

Replace maple syrup with monk fruit or another sugar-free alternative for lower sugar content.

Top with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a richer treat.

Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.

storage/reheating

Store Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.For longer storage, freeze individual bars for up to 2 months.To reheat, microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, they are gluten-free.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No, use pure pumpkin purée to control the sweetness and spice levels.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, use a flax egg and maple syrup to keep them completely plant-based.

Are these bars sweet?

They are mildly sweet, making them ideal for breakfast or a healthy snack.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, increasing the baking time slightly.

Can I use quick oats instead?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly different—softer and more uniform.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, replace a few tablespoons of oats with protein powder to boost the protein content.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! They’re soft, naturally sweetened, and great for little hands.

What can I use instead of applesauce?

Mashed banana or Greek yogurt are good substitutes for applesauce.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Refrigeration is recommended for freshness but not strictly necessary for short-term storage.

Conclusion

Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a cozy, nourishing treat that brings the flavors of fall into a convenient and nutritious snack. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re perfect for meal prep, family-friendly snacking, or enjoying with your favorite warm drink. Give them a try and enjoy a bite of wholesome comfort any time of day.

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