Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and packed with nutritious ingredients like oat flour and pumpkin puree, they make an excellent choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With their moist texture and rich flavor, these bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free—making them suitable for health-conscious eaters and those with dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Whip up these delicious bars in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and oats, they provide essential nutrients without compromising on taste.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as a healthy breakfast, a midday snack, or a guilt-free dessert option that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
- Kid-Friendly: These bars are sweet enough to please even picky eaters while still being healthy!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Baking pan (8×8)
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk: Using a whisk ensures smooth incorporation of wet ingredients, preventing lumps in your batter.
Ingredients
These super moist healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and made with oat flour, pumpkin puree, and rolled oats. The perfect quick and easy Fall breakfast, snack, and dessert! They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free.
For the Bars
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (150g)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup oat flour (homemade; see notes)
- ¾ cup rolled oats (gluten-free or regular)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line or grease an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Add the following dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Stir in the oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
2. Mix well until there are no dry spots remaining.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips to add a delicious touch of sweetness.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter evenly into the lined baking pan.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 24 – 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the bars turn golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
- Let your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy this tasty treat with family and friends!
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
These delicious healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, here are some great ideas to enhance your experience.
For Breakfast
- Pair with Greek yogurt for added protein.
- Serve with fresh fruit like bananas or berries for a refreshing touch.
As a Snack
- Enjoy with a dollop of almond butter for extra creaminess.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
For Dessert
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful treat.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look.
With Drinks
- Pair with your favorite herbal tea to complement the spices.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee for an energizing boost.
How to Perfect Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
To ensure your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor compared to canned varieties.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to maintain consistency in texture.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Check doneness carefully: A toothpick should come out clean from the center—avoid opening the oven too early.
- Let them cool completely: Cooling allows the bars to firm up before slicing, making them easier to cut.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese pairs well and provides additional protein content.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts adds crunch and healthy fats, making it a perfect snack companion.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Light and nutritious, this pudding offers a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with granola for extra crunch.
- Granola Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits for a delightful combination that complements the bars beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong flour – Oat flour is essential for these bars. If you substitute with regular all-purpose flour, you may lose the healthy aspect and texture.
- Overmixing the batter – Gently fold your ingredients together. Overmixing can result in tough bars instead of soft and moist ones.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision matters! Use dry measuring cups for oats and flour to ensure the right balance in your recipe.
- Skipping the resting time – Allowing the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting enhances their structure and flavor.
- Ignoring the baking time – Keep an eye on your oven. Every oven is different, so check your bars a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350ºF, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat for 15-20 seconds per bar until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Use a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars.
Can I make these Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars vegan?
You can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Your Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and they are golden brown on top.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or seeds can enhance texture and nutrition. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
What is the best way to customize these bars?
Feel free to adjust spices or mix-ins like dried fruit or different types of chocolate. This flexibility makes them uniquely yours!
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, they can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try them today and enjoy their wholesome goodness!
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, the perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion! These bars are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like oat flour and pumpkin puree. Whether you enjoy them as a wholesome breakfast, a midday snack, or a satisfying dessert, these gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free delights are sure to please everyone. With their moist texture and rich taste, they are easy to prepare in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. Customize them by adding your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch. Enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars today and savor the goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup oat flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda until well combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 24–26 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24–26 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
