Description
Pumpkin Oat Bars combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with wholesome oats to create a soft, chewy, and naturally sweet snack. These bars are easy to prepare, versatile for multiple occasions, and use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a healthy dessert, they offer a nourishing treat that can be customized for dietary preferences including gluten-free and vegan options.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional spices: 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) or 2 regular eggs (for non-vegan version)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) or seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and any additional spices you are using. Stir these together to create your flavorful oat base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and either the flax eggs or regular eggs until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Incorporate and Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in any optional chopped nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips at this stage for added texture and flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Choose rolled oats for the best chewy texture; avoid instant oats to prevent a gummy bar.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain tenderness.
- Check doneness using a toothpick to ensure bars are fully baked.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your taste.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon and spices for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if 12 bars cut)
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Sugar: 8-10 g
- Sodium: 100-150 mg
- Fat: 5-7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3-5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22-25 g
- Fiber: 3-4 g
- Protein: 3-4 g
- Cholesterol: 0-30 mg (depends if eggs used)