Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree and oats, they are naturally sweetened and easy to prepare. Enjoy a wholesome treat that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (separated into 1 1/3 cups and 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 cups Pumpkin Puree
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 tablespoons Chocolate Chips (to sprinkle on top)
• 1 pinch Salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Place 1 cup of oats in a high-speed blender and blend until they form a fine flour. Transfer this oat flour to a large mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 1 1/3 cups of oats, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and maple syrup to the bowl with the oat flour. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Fold in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to create a sticky batter.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
6. Step 6: Bake on the center rack for 13-15 minutes or until the tops are dry and the bars turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep bars moist.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely for about 30 minutes to set.
8. Step 8: Once firm, slice into bars. Expect slightly crumbly edges, which is normal.
9. Step 9: Serve plain or topped with nut butter or dairy-free yogurt for an extra treat.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
• Substitute maple syrup with honey if you prefer.
• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
• For a spiced version, include pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg along with cinnamon.
• Chill the bars in the fridge before slicing to reduce crumbliness.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Otherwise, oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten.

Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 578 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack or breakfast option made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Naturally sweetened and spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, they are easy to prepare and perfect for anyone seeking a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (for blending into flour)
• 1 1/2 cups Pumpkin Puree
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 pinch Salt
• 3 tablespoons Chocolate Chips (to sprinkle on top, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make Oat Flour: Place 1 cup of the rolled oats into a high-speed blender and blend until it forms a fine oat flour. Transfer this oat flour to a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix Ingredients: To the oat flour, fold in the remaining 1 1/3 cups of rolled oats, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and peanut butter, mixing well to combine.
4. Add Spices and Flavorings: Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly to form a sticky batter. This step infuses the bars with warm spices and enhances flavor.
5. Spread Batter and Add Toppings: Spread the sticky batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top if desired.
6. Bake: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, until the top is dry and the bars are golden. Be careful not to overbake, as it can cause the bars to become overly dry.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack for about 30 minutes until firm.
8. Slice and Serve: Once firm, slice the bars into portions. The edges may be a bit crumbly, which is normal. Enjoy as a snack or breakfast treat plain or with nut butter or dairy-free yogurt.

Notes

• Using blended oats for the flour ensures a better texture and helps bind the bars.
• Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats; natural, unsweetened peanut butter is recommended.
• Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener without refined sugars.
• Optional chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence without overpowering the healthy ingredients.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
• For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snacks, gluten free, vegetarian, no dairy, peanut butter bars, pumpkin puree recipes, maple syrup sweetened