These Baked Breakfast Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars are like a cozy hug in food form! Made with hearty oats and tasty pumpkin, they are perfectly spiced for that warm, autumn feel.
They make a great start to your day, or a sweet snack anytime. I love grabbing one with my morning coffee—it feels like a treat, but it’s healthy too! 🎃☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats give the bars a nice chewy texture. You can switch to quick oats, but the texture will be softer. Just avoid instant oats as they might get mushy.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but homemade pumpkin puree adds a fresh touch. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has extra sugar and spices.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either sweetener works well. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try unsweetened applesauce. It changes texture slightly but keeps it moist!
Eggs: For a vegan version, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
Dried Fruits: I love using raisins or cranberries, but feel free to swap with other dried fruits like chopped apricots or pecans for some crunch!
How Do You Get the Perfect Chewy Texture?
Achieving that perfect chewy texture in oatmeal bars requires balancing the ingredients well. Here are the steps to follow:
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats for that nice chew.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients to the wet—this keeps it light!
- Make sure to bake until just set. Overbaking can make them dry, while underbaking will give a gooey texture.
Let them cool a bit before cutting to help them set properly. Enjoy making these delicious bars!
Baked Breakfast Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Spices and Leavening:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
For Add-ins:
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, with an additional 30-35 minutes for baking. After baking, allow your bars to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. All in all, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), optional brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir this mixture until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and optional cloves. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Then fold in the raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet touch!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. It will help the bars bake uniformly.
6. Bake the Bars:
Put your pan in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! It’s done when the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, cut into bars while still warm. This helps them not crumble too much.
8. Dust and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a lovely presentation. Enjoy these bars warm or allow them to cool to room temperature. They make a delightful breakfast or snack!
These wholesome pumpkin bars are not only healthy but also packed with flavor. Enjoy the delightful taste of pumpkin spices with a chewy, satisfying texture!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use quick oats, keep in mind that the texture will be softer than if you use old-fashioned rolled oats. Rolled oats provide a chewier, heartier texture that works best in this recipe.
How Can I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Omit the Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the brown sugar or leave it out entirely since the pumpkin and honey or maple syrup provide natural sweetness. Just be mindful that the texture may slightly change.
What Other Add-ins Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Adjust the quantities to your liking while keeping the overall balance of ingredients in mind.
