Name: Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; ½ cup pumpkin puree (150g); ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; ¼ cup coconut sugar; ½ cup melted coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup oat flour (homemade – see notes); ¾ cup rolled oats (gluten-free or regular); 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, nutrient-packed treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Bursting with the rich flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, and boasting a perfect balance of softness and chewiness from oat flour and rolled oats, these bars are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of Fall anytime. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from refined sugars, making them an ideal choice for a wholesome breakfast, a comforting snack, or even a guilt-free dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear round glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled mostly with a thick, textured brown mixture that shows bits of oats throughout. In the right part of the bowl, there is a small pile of dark brown chocolate chips resting on top of the mixture, creating a contrast between the smooth, glossy chips and the coarse, grainy batter. The bowl is viewed from above in good light, making the colors and textures clear and distinct. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe are simple, wholesome, and essential to creating the perfect texture and autumnal flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering moistness, sweetness, and that iconic pumpkin-spice warmth.

2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep the bars soft.
½ cup pumpkin puree (150g): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that delicious pumpkin flavor.
⅓ cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener that enriches the taste with a slight caramel note.
¼ cup coconut sugar: Deepens the sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
½ cup melted coconut oil: Keeps the bars moist while adding subtle richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors beautifully.
⅔ cup oat flour: Softens the bars and offers a tender crumb—make your own by blending rolled oats!
¾ cup rolled oats (gluten-free or regular): Provides a hearty, chewy texture that’s so satisfying.
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that unmistakable cozy pumpkin flavor.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise lightly and stay soft.
½ cup chocolate chips: Optional but highly recommended for a melty, indulgent touch.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to assure your bars come out clean and intact. This small step makes all the difference in the final presentation and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture is the heart of your bars, delivering moisture, sweetness, and flavor all in one bowl.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the homemade oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda into your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep a tender texture that’s perfect for these bars.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold in half of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest to sprinkle on top before baking. This ensures you get chocolatey pockets throughout the bars as well as a beautiful melted topping.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the surface to add luscious chocolate accents that melt into a glossy finish. Bake for 24 to 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bars turn golden brown on top.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your pumpkin oatmeal bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. This resting time is crucial—it allows the bars to firm up perfectly, making them easier to cut and even tastier to enjoy.

How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe

A single thick square bar rests on crinkled white parchment paper against a white marbled surface. The bar has two visible layers of dense, coarse texture with tiny bits that show oats or nuts mixed in. The top layer is a golden-brown color with dark, shiny chocolate chunks melted partially on and slightly sinking into the surface. The edges of the bar have a slightly crumbly look, with a moist but firm interior showing the mix of oats and chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a cozy and inviting presentation, sprinkle your bars with a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. A dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a smear of almond butter can add extra richness and creaminess, turning your bars into a delightful little gourmet treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a hot cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or freshly brewed coffee for an ultimate fall-inspired snack. A side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries lets you enjoy a refreshing contrast in flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them in colorful mini cupcake liners for a fun snack at parties or lunchboxes. You can also layer them with whipped coconut cream and some roasted nuts to create a rustic, no-bake parfait that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply store any leftover Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. At room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for busy mornings or snack emergencies.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, freeze them after they have completely cooled. Place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They maintain their amazing texture and flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes. The gentle warmth enhances the pumpkin spices and melts the chocolate perfectly, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe. Just make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin, not the pie filling, to avoid extra sugars and spices.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! When you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and oat flour, these bars are entirely gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with something else?

Certainly! Melted butter or other neutral oils like sunflower oil can be used instead of coconut oil, though coconut oil gives a nice subtle flavor and moisture.

How sweet are these bars? Can I reduce the sugar?

The natural sweetness mainly comes from maple syrup and coconut sugar, which is moderate and balanced by the pumpkin and oats. You can reduce the sweeteners slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but the texture might be a little less moist.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds boosts texture and adds a lovely crunch that complements the soft bars beautifully. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the comforting taste and wholesome goodness packed into this Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars Recipe. Whether you’re craving an easy breakfast, a healthy snack, or a sweet treat with extra love, these bars deliver every time. I hope you try making them soon and enjoy every warm, spiced bite as much as I do!