Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, wholesome treat that feels like autumn wrapped up in every bite, then these Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars are exactly what you need. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm pumpkin pie spices, these bars combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of applesauce and brown sugar. Whether it’s for a midday snack or a festive dessert, Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars bring the comforting flavors of fall into a perfectly portable square that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—the oats provide chewy texture, pumpkin puree lends moisture and vibrant color, while warm pumpkin pie spice brings that classic autumn aroma.

• 1 cup flour: The base that holds the bars together with a tender crumb.
• 1 cup rolled (old fashioned) oats: Adds heartiness and delightful chewiness.
• 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the bars with cozy, spice-laden warmth.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become delightfully cakey.
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten): Binds everything while adding richness.
• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree: Moistens the bars and lends a beautiful orange hue.
• ½ cup natural style applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the bars soft.
• ½ cup light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel undertone that complements the pumpkin.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
• ¼ cup pepitas: Adds a nutty crunch that’s pleasantly surprising.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans: Further layers the texture with buttery nutty goodness.

How to Make Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the top of the parchment to prevent sticking. This prep ensures your bars come out easily and in perfect, neat squares.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Stir these well to distribute the spices and leavening evenly throughout your dry mix. This step lays the foundation for the flavor and texture of your bars.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add pumpkin puree, applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and smooth, creating a rich, flavorful base that will make your bars incredibly moist.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl to make sure everything blends perfectly. This creates the batter that’s ready to be transformed into those delicious bars.

Step 5: Add Nuts and Seeds

Fold half of the pepitas and pecans into the batter, folding gently to distribute without overmixing. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then sprinkle the remaining pepitas and pecans on top to add that inviting crunch once baked.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the bars feel set. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Cooling not only helps the bars hold together but also enhances their flavor and texture.

How to Serve Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars

Garnishes

Bring your Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars to the next level by topping them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a creamy touch, a spread of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt pairs beautifully with the earthy pumpkin flavors.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a more substantial snack, pair with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which complement the pumpkin and nutty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, arrange the Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars on a wooden board adorned with cinnamon sticks and autumn leaves to evoke the season’s charm. Serving them with small ramekins of nut butter or cream cheese frosting makes it easy for guests to customize their bars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their moist texture and prevents them from drying out too quickly.

Freezing

If you want to save some bars for later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars last up to three months and make an easy grab-and-go treat on busy days.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This will bring back that just-baked warmth and soften them just right without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars?

Absolutely! Pure canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the flavor and sweetness of your bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be if you substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use certified gluten-free oats. This simple swap lets you enjoy Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars even if you’re avoiding gluten.

Can I replace the applesauce with something else?

Yes, unsweetened mashed banana or Greek yogurt are great alternatives that will keep the bars moist while adding their own unique flavors.

How spicy are the bars? Can I adjust the pumpkin pie spice?

The pumpkin pie spice is mild and warm, adding just the right autumnal touch. Feel free to reduce it if you prefer subtler spice or increase it for a bolder punch of flavor.

Can I make these bars vegan?

You can! Simply swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan-friendly sugar or applesauce. The texture might be a little different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

These Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars are such a joyful way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. I can’t recommend them enough if you love a treat that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Gather your ingredients, enjoy the baking process, and get ready to savor each bite of these cozy, satisfying bars—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.