Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars Recipe

If you are looking for a wholesome and irresistibly cozy treat, these Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars are going to become your new go-to fall favorite. They combine the earthy richness of pumpkin with the hearty texture of oats, spiced perfectly with pumpkin pie spice and balanced by the natural sweetness of applesauce and brown sugar. Every bite delivers a nostalgic embrace of autumn flavors, wrapped up in a moist, chewy bar that’s sprinkled with crunchy pepitas and pecans. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these bars hit all the right notes with just the right balance of sweet, spice, and nutty goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making truly standout Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars. Each ingredient does something special to bring the bars to life, from texture to flavor to aroma, so you’ll want to get these essentials right.

• 1 cup flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the bars.
• 1 cup rolled (old fashioned) oats: Adds hearty texture and nuttiness.
• 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice: Brings warm, classic fall flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Gives the bars a slight lift and lightness.
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten): Bind all the ingredients together and add richness.
• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree: The star of the show, adding moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup natural style applesauce: Sweetens naturally and keeps the bars moist without extra fat.
• ½ cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a tiny hint of molasses flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens overall flavor with a lovely aromatic note.
• ¼ cup pepitas: Offers a satisfying crunch and subtly nutty taste.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans: Provides texture contrast and rich, buttery flavor.

How to Make Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Be sure to grease the top of the parchment with non-stick spray—this little step makes removing the bars after baking a breeze and keeps everything intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly allows every bite of your Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars to have a perfect balance of spices and texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, lightly beat the eggs before adding the pumpkin puree, natural applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until smooth and well mixed—this combination is what ensures your bars stay moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently but thoroughly. Scrape the sides and bottom of your bowl to make sure everything is incorporated into a luscious, thick batter. Then fold in half of the pepitas and chopped pecans, adding that wonderful crunch right inside the bars.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining pepitas and pecans on top to create a nutty, inviting crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are cooked through in the center and lightly golden on top. Allow them to cool slightly before cutting into squares to avoid crumbling.

How to Serve Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars

Garnishes

These bars are lovely on their own, but if you want to elevate them, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze. Adding a few extra pepitas or pecan halves on top just before serving amps up the visual appeal and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars with a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai tea, or a creamy latte for an excellent cozy pairing. Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re enjoying them as a dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by serving these bars as a breakfast parfait layer with yogurt and fresh berries. They also make fantastic portable snacks in lunchboxes or a sweet ending to a picnic. You can even crumble them over oatmeal or ice cream for a quick crumble topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, let your Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, where they’ll stay soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to maintain texture and extend freshness by a couple of days.

Freezing

To enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat bars in a microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back their soft, chewy texture and releases those irresistible pumpkin spices.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! In fact, canned pumpkin puree is most commonly used and works perfectly in these bars. Just make sure it is 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra spices and sugar.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats, which are not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats if you need to make this treat gluten-free.

Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?

Yes, pecans and pepitas add wonderful crunch, but if you have allergies, you can omit them or swap for seeds like sunflower seeds or even dried cranberries for a chewy twist.

How moist are these Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars?

They are delightfully moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and applesauce, with a tender crumb and chewy oat texture. They’re not overly dense or dry, making them perfect for snacking or breakfast.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Keep the applesauce and pumpkin puree as is for moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making these Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars is like capturing the essence of autumn in a simple, satisfying bite. With their perfect balance of spice, sweet, and nutty crunch, they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try them out this season—you’ll be so glad you did, and your friends and family will too. Baking these bars fills your home with a warmth and coziness that only pumpkin can bring, making every moment just that much sweeter.

Print