Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Soft, chewy, and packed with fall flavor, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are the perfect cozy treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—easy to bake and even easier to love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or fresh — adds moisture and natural sweetness
- 2 cups rolled oats — for texture and fiber
- 3/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup for a natural sweetener
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips — for bursts of rich flavor
- 1 large egg — binds the ingredients can substitute with flax egg for vegan option
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter — keeps bars moist and tender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — adds warmth and depth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg — complements pumpkin’s flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder — helps bars rise slightly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add wet to dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Gently mix the chocolate chips into the batter, saving a small handful to sprinkle on top if you like.
- Transfer to the pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top for a pretty finish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This helps them firm up for clean slices.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, allow bars to cool completely before cutting.
- Substitute half the chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
- These bars freeze beautifully—wrap tightly and thaw as needed for a quick treat.
- Want them vegan? Use a flax egg and dairy-free chocolate chips.