Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars: A Delicious and Healthy Fall Treat

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing quite like the taste of pumpkin spice. These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of fall while also enjoying a healthy and satisfying treat. They are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin puree, and warming spices, making them a great option for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with oats, pumpkin, and minimal refined sugar.
• Deliciously Spiced: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Easy to Make: A simple recipe that comes together quickly with minimal effort.
• Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Portable: Perfect for on-the-go snacking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze for later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats, for the best texture. 3 cups
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the crust. 1 cup (Can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.)
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a chewy texture. 3/4 cup packed
• Baking Soda: Helps the crust rise slightly. 1 teaspoon
• Salt: Enhances the flavors. 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice. 1 teaspoon
• Nutmeg: Another classic pumpkin spice flavor. 1/2 teaspoon
• Melted Butter: Binds the dry ingredients and adds richness. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted, melted

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. 1 (15-ounce) can
• Eggs: Help bind the filling and add richness. 2 large
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling. 1/2 cup
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors. 1 teaspoon
• Ground Ginger: Adds a zesty spice. 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground Cloves: Adds a warm and aromatic spice. 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt: Balances the sweetness. 1/4 teaspoon

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch. 1/2 cup
• Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips create a decadent treat. 1/2 cup
• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Add a nutty flavor and visual appeal. 1/4 cup
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a touch of tartness. 1/2 cup

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch Baking Pan: This size pan works perfectly for these bars.
• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the crust and filling ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Whisk: For whisking the wet ingredients.
• Spatula: For spreading the crust and filling.
• Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.

Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the bottom crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to firmly pack it down.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the prepared crust.

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the pumpkin filling. Gently press it down to help it adhere.

If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or pumpkin seeds over the top of the bars.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This will help them set properly.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the bars dry. Bake just until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Using fresh spices and high-quality pumpkin puree will make a big difference in the flavor of the bars.
• Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean, even slices.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle the cooled bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Also, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as some oats may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) in place of the eggs in the filling.
• Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar and granulated sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle kick.
• Add Fruit: Stir in chopped apples or pears into the filling for added flavor and texture.
• Nut Butter: Swirl a spoonful of your favorite nut butter into the pumpkin filling before baking for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• With Coffee or Tea: The perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• With Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: A healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: A decadent dessert option.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and richness.
• Toasted with Butter: Warm the bars in a toaster oven or skillet with a pat of butter for a cozy treat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per bar)

*(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)*

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 5-7g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 35-45g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 15-20g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, you should use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will affect the taste and texture of the bars.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are recommended for the best texture. Quick oats will result in a softer, less chewy crust. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but the texture will be different.

How do I store the pumpkin oatmeal bars?

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze the pumpkin oatmeal bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other warming spices like cardamom, allspice, or mace. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for a unique flavor.

My bars are too crumbly. What did I do wrong?

The most likely cause is not pressing the crust firmly enough into the pan. Make sure to pack the crust down tightly using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Another reason could be using too little butter in the crust.

My filling is too runny. What did I do wrong?

Make sure you are using pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added liquids that will make the filling too runny. Also, ensure you are measuring the ingredients accurately.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. They are also great for meal prepping since they can be easily portioned and stored.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger baking pan, such as a 13×18 inch pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Why is my crust soggy?

Make sure you are preheating the oven properly. Also, don’t add the pumpkin filling to the crust when it’s too hot. It’s also possible that your pumpkin puree had excess liquid, which can make the crust soggy. Strain the puree if necessary.

Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars!

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and healthy way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their wholesome ingredients, warm spices, and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious bars!

Happy Baking!