Dessert

Healthy Pumpkin Bars Recipe

ByElla Hart November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

Introduction

These healthy pumpkin bars are a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and comforting autumn flavors. Soft, moist, and lightly spiced, they make for a great snack or dessert any time of day.

The image shows a close-up view of several square-shaped bars lined up on a white marbled surface. Each bar has a thick single layer with a rough texture, filled with tiny oats and small dark chocolate chips, giving a golden brown color mixed with spots of darker brown. The bars look moist and dense, with uneven tops that show bits of oats and chocolate. The arrangement is neat and highlights the chunky, chewy texture of the bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
½ cup whole wheat flour (or gluten free flour blend)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup chocolate chips (or raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and coat an 8×8 inch pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir gently until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.
Step 6: Enjoy the bars warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free option, omit nuts and use chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.
Replace whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend to make the bars gluten-free.
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.

Storage

Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm slightly in the microwave or oven for a cozy treat.

How to Serve

The image shows close-up bars cut into squares arranged in rows on a white plate. Each bar has one visible layer that looks soft and dense with a rough texture. The bars are light brown with small dark brown dots spread through them, likely chocolate chips. You can see bits of oats inside the bars, giving a grainy texture on the surface. The white marbled background contrasts with the warm color of the bars, making them stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient for this recipe.

Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe includes eggs, but you can substitute them with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to make the bars vegan-friendly.