Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate treat for Fall! They are moist, flavorful, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Enjoy them at home or pack them for on-the-go nourishment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Nutritious: These bars are made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and oat flour, providing a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy mornings!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a hearty breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet dessert after dinner.
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and taste.
- Perfect for Everyone: Gluten-free and dairy-free options make these bars suitable for various dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, having the right tools will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 8×8 baking pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all your ingredients thoroughly without any spilling.
- Whisk: A whisk allows you to mix the wet ingredients evenly, ensuring a smooth batter.
- 8×8 baking pan: This size is perfect for making the bars thick and chewy while ensuring even baking.
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. Line or grease an 8×8 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 well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in:
1. The homemade oat flour,
2. The rolled oats,
3. The pumpkin pie spice,
4. And the baking soda.
Mix gently until everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips. This adds a delightful sweetness to your bars.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Evenly pour the batter into the lined pan:
1. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
2. Bake for 24 – 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars!
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Pair with Greek yogurt for added protein.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like banana slices or berries for a refreshing touch.
With Nut Butters
- Spread almond butter on top for a nutty flavor.
- Drizzle peanut butter for extra creaminess and taste.
For Dessert
- Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a decadent finish.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon for an aromatic touch.
On-the-Go Snack
- Pack them in your lunchbox for a quick bite during the day.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Dressed Up with Chocolate
- Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the bars for an indulgent twist.
- Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for more chocolatey goodness.
How to Perfect Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
To make these healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars even better, consider the following tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh eggs and high-quality maple syrup will enhance flavor.
- Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep bars soft and chewy.
- Check doneness – Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Let cool completely – Allowing the bars to cool helps them set properly before cutting.
- Store properly – Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the bars.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a nutritious side.
- Nut Trail Mix – A handful of nuts provides healthy fats and crunch alongside your bars.
- Smoothie Bowl – A smoothie bowl can be a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.
- Chia Seed Pudding – Creamy chia pudding works well as a nutrient-packed side dish.
- Cottage Cheese – This protein-rich option adds creaminess that pairs nicely with the bars.
- Vegetable Sticks with Hummus – Crunchy vegetables offer contrast and add fiber to your snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients together. Omitting them can lead to crumbly bars. Make sure to include them for the right texture.
- Using regular flour: Not using oat flour can change the texture and taste of your bars. Always opt for oat flour or make your own.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients.
- Overbaking the bars: Baking too long can dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
- Ignoring spice levels: Pumpkin pie spice adds flavor but can be overpowering if used excessively. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat the bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, warm each bar for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about these Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, you’re not alone! Below are some common inquiries.
Can I make these Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute flax eggs or applesauce for eggs if you’re avoiding them. This will help keep the moisture intact.
Are these Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Using gluten-free rolled oats and oat flour makes these bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
How do I add more flavor to my Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars?
Consider adding nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. You can also increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add vanilla extract.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup if desired, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, they offer various customization options. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like nuts or spices to make them truly your own!
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars, a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and oat flour, these bars offer a moist and flavorful experience without refined sugars. They’re not just delicious; they’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients. Whether you enjoy them as a hearty breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet dessert, these bars are versatile and customizable—add nuts or dried fruits to enhance their appeal. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, they make for an ideal on-the-go option. Bake up a batch this fall and savor the cozy flavors!
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 your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until well combined.
- Stir in oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 24–26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
