Description
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, delicious treat combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with hearty oats. Perfect for a nutritious snack or a breakfast on-the-go, these bars are easy to make, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp allspice
Add-ins (optional)
- 3/4 cup add-ins of choice (such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, nuts, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or a silicone liner, leaving enough overhang to easily lift the baked bars out later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. If using, fold in your choice of add-ins such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Bake for 24-27 minutes, or until the top is just set but the bars are still slightly soft to the touch.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which will take about 1 to 2 hours. Cooling fully is key for the bars to firm up and hold their shape when sliced.
- Remove and Slice: Use the parchment paper or silicone liner overhang to lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 bars or desired portions.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your pumpkin oatmeal bars as a wholesome snack or breakfast option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar alternative.
- Add-ins are optional but recommended for added texture and flavor; consider mixing in nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated to keep fresh longer.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
