Description

These Healthy Pumpkin Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat, perfect for fall or anytime you crave a nutritious, naturally sweet snack. Made with oats, whole wheat flour, and real pumpkin puree, they are lightly sweetened with maple syrup and packed with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. These bars are moist, tender, and include optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts, offering a guilt-free indulgence suitable for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

⅓ cup chocolate chips (or raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all the dry and wet ingredients thoroughly but gently, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-24 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the bars set and makes slicing easier.
Serve: Enjoy these pumpkin bars warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.

Notes

You can substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and ensure the maple syrup and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.
Mix-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts can be used instead of chocolate chips to vary flavor and texture.
These bars keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
To enhance moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt to the batter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: healthy pumpkin bars, pumpkin dessert, oatmeal pumpkin bars, healthy fall recipe, gluten free pumpkin bars option, vegetarian pumpkin bars