Description
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, all in a wholesome oat base. Perfect for a cozy fall treat or a nutritious snack, these bars are easy to make with simple ingredients and baked to a perfect chewy texture with a hint of sea salt on top.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup natural creamy almond butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins & Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray and set the pan aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, natural creamy almond butter, pure maple syrup, large egg, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk or stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the old-fashioned oats, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The bars are done when they are set and slightly golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into 12 equal squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats for best texture; quick oats may result in a softer bar.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Splash extra maple syrup on top if you prefer a sweeter bar before baking.
- You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if allergic to nuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
