Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

There’s something magical about fall – the crisp air, colorful leaves, and, of course, the warm, comforting flavors of the season. These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delicious embodiment of autumn, with pumpkin, oats, and spices that create a soft, chewy treat you’ll want to savor with every bite. Plus, they’re simple to make, wholesome, and a perfect snack for cozy afternoons or on-the-go energy.

Whether you’re baking with the kids, prepping snacks for the week, or just craving something pumpkin-y, this recipe is sure to be a hit! And if you’re as excited about easy, delicious recipes as I am, don’t forget to subscribe for more delightful recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

• Rich Fall Flavor: With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars are packed with the classic flavors of fall.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with oats, pumpkin puree, and a touch of honey, these bars are nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and just sweet enough – they’re like a hybrid between an oatmeal cookie and a pumpkin bread.
• Versatile: Great with chocolate chips, raisins, or even chopped nuts for added crunch!

Taste and Texture

These bars are soft and tender with a delightful chewiness from the oats. Each bite brings a balance of earthy pumpkin, warm spices, and subtle sweetness from the brown sugar and honey. And the optional chocolate chips or raisins add just a hint of indulgence! They’re comforting and a little nostalgic – like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper for easy removal
• Whisk and spatula for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Sweeteners: Swap honey with maple syrup for a different kind of natural sweetness.
• Flour Options: For a slightly healthier twist, use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose.
• Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to boost the fall flavors.
• Mix-ins: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried cranberries would work beautifully here!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang slightly for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well-blended.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures
   Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything is combined. If you’re adding chocolate chips or raisins, fold them in now.
5. Spread and Bake
   Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you could pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra treat. They’re also amazing with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cozy pumpkin spice latte.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated to avoid tough bars.
• Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, check your bars a bit before the 20-minute mark.
• Cool Completely: These bars firm up as they cool, so resist cutting them until they’re fully cooled for clean slices.

Storing Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

• At Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or in the microwave before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and use maple syrup in place of honey.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats give the bars a nice texture, but quick oats will work if that’s what you have on hand – just expect a slightly softer result.

What other mix-ins would be good?
Chopped pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut are all great options.

Wrap-Up

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a cozy, wholesome snack that brings together all the best flavors of fall in one easy recipe. Soft, chewy, and just a little bit sweet, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or dessert, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite!

Love this recipe? You’ll also enjoy my other fall-inspired delights! Try my Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon for a deliciously spiced breakfast, the sweet Pumpkin Pie Crumble for dessert, or these Caramel Apple Bars for more cozy treats.

Don’t forget to share your creations!

If you make these bars, leave a comment below, and tag me on Pinterest! I’d love to see how they turned out for you. 🍂

Print