EASY Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (vegan + gluten-free)

 These EASY Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are such a delicious and easy breakfast idea! They’re made with gluten-free and vegan ingredients for a healthy (kid friendly) recipe. 

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for all things cozy, comforting, and pumpkin-flavored. Whether you’re an avid pumpkin spice lover or just looking for a healthy and easy snack option, these Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are the perfect treat. They’re vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up and make the perfect grab-and-go snack or breakfast bar!

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through this simple recipe for pumpkin oatmeal bars and share tips on how to make them perfectly every time. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars:

• Simple ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples like oats, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter, you can create a delicious and healthy snack in no time.
• Vegan and gluten-free: These bars cater to a variety of dietary needs, making them a great option for anyone looking to avoid gluten or animal products.
• Perfect for meal prep: These bars keep well and are ideal for meal prepping, so you’ll have a quick snack ready throughout the week.
• Customizable: You can easily add in your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients You Need:

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what makes these pumpkin oatmeal bars so special.

• Milk of choice: Any plant-based milk will work here. Choose one that aligns with your dietary needs or flavor preference.
• Pumpkin puree: This is the star of the show! Make sure to use pure canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best results.
• Creamy peanut butter: The creamier, the better! Peanut butter adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor to the bars. You can also use almond or cashew butter if you prefer.
• Maple syrup: This natural sweetener pairs perfectly with pumpkin and adds just the right amount of sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount if you want the bars sweeter.
• Gluten-free rolled oats: Oats provide a chewy texture and help bind the bars together. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten.
• Oat flour: Oat flour keeps these bars gluten-free and gives them a soft and slightly dense texture. If you don’t have oat flour, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats until finely ground.
• Dark chocolate chips: Because chocolate makes everything better! Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re done baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk of choice, pumpkin puree, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until a thick batter forms.

Step 4: Fold in the Dark Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you want an extra indulgent touch, save a handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle any remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. After they’ve cooled slightly, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars.

Tips for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars:

• Don’t overmix: When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use creamy peanut butter: The creamier the peanut butter, the smoother the texture of the bars. If your peanut butter is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to mix.
• Make it your own: Feel free to customize the bars with your favorite mix-ins. Dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or pumpkin seeds would be great additions.
• Store them right: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just thaw them out when you’re ready to enjoy!

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars:

These pumpkin oatmeal bars are not only delicious, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Here are a few health benefits of the key ingredients:

• Pumpkin puree: Rich in vitamins A and C, pumpkin supports healthy vision and boosts the immune system. It’s also a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Oats: Oats are a great source of whole grains and contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. They’re also naturally gluten-free (as long as you use certified gluten-free oats).
• Peanut butter: Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you satisfied and energized. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can provide heart health benefits when consumed in moderation.

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are  They’re easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and taste absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even as a dessert, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these cozy pumpkin oatmeal bars! You won’t be disappointed.

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