Description
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat, perfect for a nutritious snack or a quick breakfast on the go. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin puree, and natural sweeteners, these bars are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, offering warm autumn flavors with a hint of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. If you choose to add chocolate chips or raisins, gently fold them into the mixture now.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly so it bakes evenly.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The bars are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into 12 squares and enjoy your healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute almond or peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- If using raisins instead of chocolate chips, you can soak them briefly in warm water for a softer texture.
