Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a wholesome dessert, these bars deliver on taste and nutrition. Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, oat flour, and maple syrup, they are gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Enjoy the rich flavors of fall while nourishing your body with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
- Versatile Snack – Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a healthy snack anytime during the day.
- Naturally Sweetened – Sweetened with pure maple syrup and coconut sugar, these bars offer guilt-free indulgence.
- Gluten-Free Goodness – Made with oat flour and rolled oats, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Moist and Flavorful – The combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate chips creates a moist texture bursting with flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 8×8 baking pan
- Parchment paper (or cooking spray)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl – A large bowl is crucial for combining all the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Whisk – Using a whisk ensures that your mixture is well-blended without lumps.
- Baking pan – An 8×8 pan is perfect for achieving the right thickness for your bars.
- Parchment paper – Lining your pan with parchment makes it easy to remove the bars once baked.
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.
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- ⅔ cup oat flour (homemade)
- ¾ cup rolled oats (gluten-free or regular)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp baking soda
Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs until frothy.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture:
1. Gradually add in the homemade oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
2. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Pour into Pan
Evenly pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 24-26 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when ready.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars!
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Breakfast Delight
- Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like sliced bananas or apples for a refreshing touch.
Snack Time Treat
- Enjoy them with nut butter spread on top for an extra boost of flavor and healthy fats.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Dessert Option
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful pumpkin dessert sundae.
- Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish at your dinner table.
Coffee Companion
- Serve with your favorite coffee or chai latte to create a cozy afternoon snack.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on your drink for that perfect fall vibe.
How to Perfect Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
To ensure your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your pumpkin puree and eggs are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Check your baking time: Ovens may vary; keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking.
- Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool will help them set properly and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Store correctly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Pairing side dishes with your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars elevates the meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and brightness to your meal.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a nutritious accompaniment.
- Nut Butter Dip: Almond or peanut butter makes a deliciously creamy side that pairs well.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light pudding adds texture and is rich in fiber and healthy fats.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits with spinach and serve alongside the bars for added nutrients.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can enhance the cozy flavors of the pumpkin bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars turn out just right. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Gently fold in the ingredients until just combined for a lighter texture.
- Skipping the parchment paper – Not lining the pan can cause sticking. Always use parchment paper or grease the pan well to ensure easy removal.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Baking for too long – Overbaking can dry out the bars. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick around the 24-minute mark.
- Ignoring cooling time – Cutting too soon can cause the bars to crumble. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep in the original baking dish covered with foil for convenience.
Freezing Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350ºF, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one bar at a time on high for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars:
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour but note that it may alter the texture slightly. Oat flour keeps these bars gluten-free and adds a nice flavor.
How do I make these healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the maple syrup or add extra coconut sugar. Just remember that too much sugar might change the consistency.
Are Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars suitable for meal prep?
Yes! These bars are perfect for meal prep. They store well in both the fridge and freezer, making them great grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
What can I replace chocolate chips with?
You can use nuts, dried fruits, or even seeds as alternatives to chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a breakfast option or a snack, you can easily customize them with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall any time of year!
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously wholesome treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. These bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Crafted from nutritious ingredients like pumpkin puree, oat flour, and maple syrup, they are naturally sweetened and gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary sensitivities. Each bar is moist, flavorful, and enriched with chocolate chips for that delightful touch of sweetness. Enjoy these guilt-free delights anytime you crave something satisfying yet healthy!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 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 350ºF (175ºC) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda into the wet mixture. Gently 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. Allow cooling for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 142
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
