These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are warm and cozy, perfect for any fall day! With creamy pumpkin, hearty oats, and a touch of spice, they make a tasty treat any time.
They’re not just yummy but also super easy to whip up! I love a good snack that makes the house smell amazing. Plus, they’re great with a cup of tea or coffee—just saying! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: I recommend using canned pumpkin puree for convenience and consistent results. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it yourself. Just make sure it’s smooth!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. If you don’t have it, use white sugar with a little honey or molasses to mimic the flavor. It works pretty well!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for this recipe as it gives perfect control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide great texture. Quick oats can be used, but the bars might be a bit softer. Steel-cut oats won’t work well here as they need longer cooking times.
Chocolate Chips or Nuts: I love adding mini chocolate chips for a sweet touch, but you can skip them or swap in nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunch.
How Do I Get My Bars to Bake Evenly?
Baking these bars evenly is key for the best texture. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Preheat your oven fully before baking. This helps the bars rise and set properly.
- Use a 9×9 inch pan to give the right thickness. A larger pan may lead to thinner, overbaked bars.
- After mixing, be sure to spread the batter evenly in the pan. This helps with an even bake.
- Check for doneness towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. This will help them hold their shape and make slicing easier.
Happy baking with these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars! 🍂
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Base:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Dry Mix:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Oat Mixture:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. Make sure to let them cool completely before cutting, which can take about 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around an hour and a half from start to finish before enjoying these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, you can prep your baking pan! Grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the edges. This will help you lift out the bars easily once they’re baked!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined. The pumpkin should blend nicely with the sugars and butter.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. This step is important to ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed in your batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. The key is to keep things light and fluffy!
5. Add Oats and Optional Mix-Ins:
Next, stir in the rolled oats and any optional mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you’re using them. These will add extra flavor and texture to your bars.
6. Layer the Mixture in the Pan:
Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will be the base layer. Once that’s done, spread the remaining mixture on top evenly—this will be the topping!
7. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the top to be set and a beautiful golden brown color.
8. Cool and Cut:
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Store your delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life!
Enjoy your chewy, pumpkin-spiced oatmeal bars packed with delightful flavors and a hint of sweetness! They’re perfect for a snack or dessert any time of the day!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin by roasting it and then pureeing it until smooth. Just make sure to measure out 1 cup of the puree for this recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try mixing 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. Both options will add moisture and sweetness to the bars!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store your Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well!
