Description of this recipe
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a healthy dessert. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and nuts, these bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars capture the essence of fall in every bite.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore these pumpkin oatmeal bars for their incredible taste and versatility. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort. These bars are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy option for satisfying your sweet cravings. They are gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs and preferences. Their soft, chewy texture and the delightful combination of pumpkin spice and nutty goodness make them irresistible. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or a comforting evening snack, these pumpkin oatmeal bars are the perfect choice. Plus, they are highly customizable; you can add chocolate chips, seeds, or other dried fruits to suit your taste!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, or lightly grease it. This prevents the bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure that the spices and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the oats. This step is crucial for a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The wet ingredients should be thoroughly emulsified to ensure even distribution in the final product.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars. The goal is to just combine the ingredients until no dry patches remain.
Step 5: Fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This adds texture and flavor complexity to the bars. You can also add other ingredients like chocolate chips or seeds at this stage.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, pressing down gently to ensure a uniform thickness.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bars.
Step 8: Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling is essential for the bars to firm up and be easily sliced. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these bars as a quick and healthy breakfast with a side of yogurt or fruit.
- Pack them as a convenient and nutritious snack for work, school, or travel.
- Enjoy them as a guilt-free dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor and texture.
- Serve them at a brunch or potluck as a crowd-pleasing and healthy option.
Tips:
- For a chewier texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats.
- Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference.
- Add chocolate chips, seeds, or other dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
- For a richer flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the mixture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze the bars for longer storage; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To make the bars vegan, ensure that the maple syrup and almond butter are vegan-friendly.
- If you don’t have almond butter, you can use other nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure that the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- If you like a hint of citrus, add the zest of one orange to the mixture.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 220-250 per bar
Protein: 5-7 grams per bar
Sodium: 50-70mg per bar
Conclusion
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and wholesome treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. With their warm spices, chewy texture, and nutritious ingredients, they are a perfect balance of flavor and health. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these bars are sure to please. Experiment with different variations and make them your own by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Enjoy the taste of fall with every delicious bite!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
A: Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness level may vary slightly depending on the substitute you choose. Adjust the amount to taste to achieve your desired sweetness.
Q2: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: While you can use quick oats, the texture of the bars will be different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats will result in a softer, more crumbly bar. If using quick oats, you might want to reduce the amount slightly to prevent the bars from becoming too dry.
Q3: Can I make these bars without nuts?
A: Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can easily omit them from the recipe. To replace the texture and flavor that nuts provide, consider adding more dried cranberries, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds), or even shredded coconut.
Q4: How do I store these bars to keep them fresh?
A: To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and then store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
A: Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor of these bars! Fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts and dried cranberries. Dark chocolate chips complement the pumpkin spice flavor particularly well, but you can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer.
