Description
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are nourishing, wholesome snacks packed with fiber, protein, and cozy autumnal spices. Made with pumpkin puree, oats, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, these bars provide a perfect balance of natural sweetness and satisfying texture. Ideal for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a wholesome treat, they offer an energizing and comforting flavor perfect for fall.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg or 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) or seeds (pumpkin/sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, egg or flax egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This provides moisture and sweetness for the bars.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These ingredients build structure and flavor.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry oat mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep bars tender.
- Add Nuts or Extras: Fold in chopped nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips if desired, adding crunch or indulgence.
- Bake the Bars: Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until top is set and golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares or rectangles. Cooling helps bars hold their shape.
Notes
- Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for maximum flavor.
- Do not overbake; remove bars once lightly golden to keep moisture and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on sweetness preference.
- Press the batter firmly into the baking pan for bars that hold together well.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: healthy pumpkin bars, pumpkin oatmeal bars, gluten free snack, fall snack, pumpkin spice bars, vegan pumpkin bars, nutritious snack
