If you love easy, cozy fall treats, prepare to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars. Brimming with autumn spices, a hint of sweetness, and just enough heartiness from oats, these bars strike the perfect balance between a wholesome snack and a decadent dessert. Whether you want to meal-prep your week with healthy snacks, pack a lunchbox treat, or add a little excitement to your breakfast routine, Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars bring all the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie into a soft, chewy, effortlessly portable square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many beauties of Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars is that they rely on real, simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each item stars in its own way: oats for chew, pumpkin for moisture and color, nut butter for richness, and a gentle blend of spices that tastes like fall in every bite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide hearty texture and make these bars beautifully chewy (go certified gluten-free if needed).
- Canned pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a gorgeous orange hue.
- Almond butter or peanut butter: Brings richness, protein, and just the right touch of nutty flavor (choose your personal favorite or use sunflower seed butter for nut-free).
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the bars naturally while keeping them moist and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Large egg: Binds everything together, ensuring the bars have structure (swap with a flax egg for a vegan twist).
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the fall flavors and adds warmth to every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic, comforting spice note.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Lends the unmistakable aroma and taste of pumpkin season—think nutmeg, cloves, and ginger wrapped into one.
- Baking soda: Gives a subtle lift so the bars stay tender.
- Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional): Stir in for extra texture, decadence, or crunch—totally customizable to your cravings.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking from the moment your bars hit the oven. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little hang over on the sides if you’d like an easier lift out. This simple prep step guarantees easy removal and virtually zero mess.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin puree, your nut butter of choice, maple syrup or honey, the egg, and vanilla extract. Take a moment to whisk these all together until completely smooth and unified—the mixture should be velvety and slightly thick. This base is where the moisture and flavor of your Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars comes alive.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
To your wet mixture, add the oats, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until there are no dry streaks left. The batter will be a bit thick; don’t worry, that’s perfect for holding its shape while baking.
Step 4: Fold in Extras
If you’re going for either extra indulgence or more crunch, now’s the time to stir in those dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Gently fold them into the batter, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly, smoothing the top for uniform bars. Pop it into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes—look for lightly golden edges and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean from the center. This ensures your Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are delightfully moist, never dry.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Patience counts here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan for the best texture and easiest slicing. Once cool, use the parchment to lift them out, then cut into nine generous squares. Now you’re ready to enjoy—or store them for your next snack attack.
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Garnishes
Serving Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars is all about the personal touch. For extra flair, sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top just before serving. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream takes things to dessert-level stardom.
Side Dishes
These bars pair fantastically with a steaming mug of chai, a cup of creamy vanilla latte, or even a glass of cold milk. They make an energizing breakfast alongside fresh fruit, or a lovely afternoon snack with a scoop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunches, slice the Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks. You can also stack them with layers of parchment in a glass jar for a beautiful, grab-and-go display. Or go picnic-style and wrap individual bars in wax paper tied with twine for lunch boxes or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, making them a perfect choice for quick breakfasts or healthy snacks all week long.
Freezing
If you’d like to extend their shelf life, layer the cooled bars between pieces of parchment paper and freeze them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. This way, you can have a Pumpkin Oatmeal Bar whenever cravings strike—just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a refrigerated or thawed bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Warming them up makes the chocolate chips melty and the spices even more fragrant, which is basically irresistible on a chilly morning.
FAQs
Can I make these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for five minutes until thickened, then use as you would an egg). All other ingredients are already plant-based, so this swap makes them fully vegan-friendly.
Are Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?
Yes, they can be! The only thing to watch out for is the oats—just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and the rest of the recipe is naturally free from gluten and dairy.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Try dried cranberries, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips for different textures and flavors. Just be mindful not to overload the batter, so the bars keep their structure.
How do I tell when the bars are done baking?
Your bars are ready when the edges are slightly golden, and a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, so they stay soft and chewy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you need a bigger batch of Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—check around 25 minutes, and add extra time only if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something quick, cozy, and perfectly fall-themed, these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars really do check every box. They’re easy, full of flavor, endlessly customizable, and so satisfying. Give them a try and see why they’ve become an absolute staple in my kitchen—I guarantee you’ll be making them on repeat all season long!
Print
Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat perfect for fall. Made with nutritious ingredients like oats, pumpkin, and almond butter, these bars are easy to make and great for snacking on the go.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- â…“ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the oats, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22–25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
