Go Back
- 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the bars. You need one cup of rolled oats for a hearty base. The canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and a rich flavor. Almond butter gives a creamy texture; you can use any nut butter you like. Pure maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. One teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. The pumpkin spice blend adds warmth and a hint of sweetness. Baking soda helps the bars rise, while salt enhances flavor. Walnuts add crunch, and dark chocolate chips offer a sweet touch. If you don’t have almond butter, try peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. For sweeteners, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup. If you want a spice mix, blend 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger. If you prefer no nuts, simply leave out the walnuts. You can swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or dried fruit for a different flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your bars bake evenly. Grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, and 1/2 cup of almond butter. Pour in 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smooth. You want no lumps in your batter. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir again until the mixture is thick and fully combined. If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Now it’s time to bake. Pour your mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making the top as flat as you can. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The edges should turn golden brown when it’s ready. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are done! Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares. To make great pumpkin spice oatmeal bars, follow these tips. First, do not skip the parchment paper. It helps you lift the bars easily from the pan. Next, mix all the wet ingredients well before adding dry ones. This step ensures a smooth batter. Also, check your oven temperature. An oven that is too hot may burn the edges. Lastly, let the bars cool completely before cutting. This step helps them hold their shape. To store your oatmeal bars, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can layer the bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you plan to eat them later, store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about five days. For a long-term option, keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. You can freeze these bars for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take out the bars and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy the cozy flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground. This enhances the aroma and taste of your pumpkin spice oatmeal bars. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute with a sugar-free alternative. Taste as you go! Chill for Better Cutting: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for a couple of hours after baking before cutting them into squares. Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to personalize your bars by adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of these bars in fun ways. Try adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Chopped apples or pears mix well with the pumpkin spice. For a crunchy twist, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts. You can also swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips. This keeps the bars interesting! To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup and a nut butter like almond or cashew. Instead of eggs, the pumpkin puree helps bind the mix. For gluten-free bars, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy your treat without worry. The texture and taste will remain great! If you have nut allergies, no worries! Replace nut butter with sunflower seed butter. This swap keeps the bars creamy and delicious. You can also skip the nuts entirely or use seeds like chia or flaxseed. These options ensure everyone can enjoy the bars without any risk. To keep your pumpkin spice oatmeal bars fresh, let them cool completely first. After they cool, slice them into squares. Stack the squares in a single layer if possible. This method helps prevent them from sticking together. If you have a lot of bars, use parchment paper between layers. This simple step makes it easy to grab a bar later. Use an airtight container to store your bars. A glass or plastic container works well. If you want to keep them extra fresh, wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This keeps moisture and air out. You can also use freezer bags if you need to save space. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. When stored properly, your pumpkin spice oatmeal bars can last up to a week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last for two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Simply cook and mash it first. This gives a nice texture. Fresh pumpkin may have a different taste, but it works well. If you choose fresh, use the same amount as canned. These bars are a healthy option. They contain oats, pumpkin, and nut butter. Oats offer fiber, which is good for digestion. Pumpkin is low in calories and high in vitamins. Nut butter adds healthy fats and protein. With maple syrup, they have natural sweetness without refined sugar. These bars pair well with many things. A warm cup of coffee or tea works great. You can also serve them with yogurt for extra creaminess. Try adding fresh fruit like apples or pears for a bright touch. For a fun treat, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top! You learned to make delicious pumpkin spice oatmeal bars with simple steps. We covered ingredients, their measurements, and alternatives. The process included prepping, mixing, and baking. Tips helped you avoid mistakes and store bars well. You can also try fun variations, including vegan and gluten-free options. Remember, these bars store well, lasting for days. You can use fresh pumpkin too. Enjoy your tasty treats and share them with friends!

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Bars

Deliciously chewy oatmeal bars infused with pumpkin spice, perfect for a cozy treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup almond butter
  • 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
  • Next, sprinkle in the pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Continue stirring until every ingredient is integrated and forms a thick, homogenous batter.
  • Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chips, if using. These ingredients add delightful texture and richness to the bars.
  • Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Make sure the surface is as flat as possible.
  • Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and place them on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, arrange the bars on a decorative platter. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a touch of elegance. Pair these delightful bars with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for the perfect cozy treat!
Keyword bars, dessert, fall, oatmeal, pumpkin