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Home By Meal Dessert

Pumpkin Oat Bars

★★★★★ 65 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin9/1/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pumpkin oat bars

These healthy pumpkin oat bars are the perfect recipe to make for a simple breakfast or easy snack! Made with whole wheat flour and chocolate chips or raisins for extra sweetness.

pumpkin oat square with sea salt

Pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars are perfect for fall!

In our house, we love everything pumpkin. When fall comes around and the air starts turning cooler, I basically demand that if there’s a pumpkin version, it must be in our house! Breakfast bars? Pumpkin. Candles? Pumpkin. Dessert? Pumpkin.

That being said, these pumpkin oatmeal bars were a given. And being that they double as a healthy breakfast and a sweet-tooth fixing treat, they’re a win-win!

These oat bars are thick and chewy from the oats, but the flour keeps them soft and fluffy. The ingredients are simple, dairy-free, and healthy enough that they make a good protein-rich breakfast. If you’re not a fan of chocolate for breakfast, swap the chocolate chips with raisins or nuts!

pumpkin oat bars

Fall pumpkin recipes

Since it’s pumpkin week over here, we’ve been diving face first into all of the best healthy pumpkin recipes that you need to make this fall. Tom might never want to see pumpkin flavored stuff again after these last few weeks, but let me tell you, I won’t ever get sick of it.

We’ve got the best lineup of fall recipes this year: pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin bites, pumpkin chili… it’s going to be a good one!

stack of pumpkin oat bars

Ingredients in healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars

We’re using a healthier blend of ingredients in these bars to make them as nutrient-dense as possible. And with the pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree, and chocolate, the flavor is delicious.

  • Flour: First up, you will need 1 cup of white whole wheat flour. You can also use gluten free flour if preferred!
  • Oats: To add texture and thickness to the bars, use 1 cup of quick-cooking oats.
  • Pumpkin spice: Add pumpkin flavor with 2 tsp of pumpkin puree.
  • Baking soda: Then, throw in 1/2 tsp of baking soda.
  • Salt: Use 1/4 tsp of salt for extra flavor.
  • Pumpkin puree: Next, you’ll need 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree. This ingredient makes the bars moist and helps to mix in that authentic pumpkin (fall) flavor! Paired with the pumpkin spice, the flavor really comes through.
  • Coconut oil: 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil will help the dry ingredients bind together well. This ingredient also helps to make the bars moist and prevents them from crumbling apart!
  • Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is used to sweeten up the bars. Use 1/2 cup! Coconut sugar is one of my favorite swaps to make thanks to its low glycemic properties. You can find this in any grocery store, and you can optionally use brown sugar.
  • Eggs: Next, you will need 2 whisked eggs. Like the oil, the eggs help to hold everything together!
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp of vanilla extract is essential to the flavor.
  • Chocolate chips: Finally, finish off these bars with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips!
pumpkin oat bar

Kitchen tools needed to make pumpkin bars

To make pumpkin bars, you will need the following kitchen supplies:

  • 8×8 baking dish
  • Cooking spray or parchment paper
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Stirring utensil
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup sized measuring cups

How to make pumpkin oat bars

When making a dessert, I always go for something that is quick and not overly complicated. That’s where these pumpkin oat bars come in! In less than thirty minutes you have an incredible healthy fall dessert.

To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray or prepare with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt.

Then, use a large mixing bowl to combine the pumpkin, coconut oil, coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir to combine. Then, add the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared dish, and spread it out evenly with a rubber spatula.

Bake for 16-18 minutes.

Let cool completely, and then cut into squares.

Substitution Tip

Throughout this recipe, there are a number of ingredients that can be swapped! If you’re missing an item or two, check this list.

Instant oats
If you have rolled oats on deck, feel free to use them! Just be aware that rolled oats are a bit heartier, and the texture of the bars tends to do better with quick or instant oats.

Whole wheat flour
Whole wheat flour can be replaced with regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour at a 1:1 ratio. Don’t use oat flour, as its texture creates a very crumbly result.

Coconut sugar
In terms of sugar, feel free to replace coconut oil with brown sugar! Either option is better than regular white sugar and tastes great.

Coconut oil
Next, coconut oil can be replaced with any similar baking oil. As far as the coconut flavor goes, refined coconut oil has no taste and will not make your bars taste like coconut!

Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips totally make this recipe! If you’d prefer something else, feel free to use raisins, craisins, nuts, or white chocolate to elevate your pumpkin oat bars.

Note: I don’t recommend swapping more than 2 ingredients, as it could change the recipe!

Can I use a larger baking dish?

Though I used an 8×8 baking dish, it’s not a must! Feel free to use whatever size you have, whether that’s a 9×13, a 9×9, or something else. Note that a larger dish will produce thinner bars, and you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Storing leftover oat bars

Leftover oat bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to save them for later, feel free to freeze for up to 3 months.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Craving some more pumpkin recipes? We’ve got you covered! Try one of these for the ultimate cozy fall vibes.

  • Healthy Pumpkin Pie Crisp
  • Lightened Up Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola
  • Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!

pumpkin oat bars
stack of pumpkin oat bars
★★★★★ 4.9 from 65 reviews

Pumpkin Oat Bars

These healthy pumpkin oat bars are the perfect recipe to make for a simple breakfast or easy snack!  Add chocolate chips or raisins for a delicious addition.

Prep: 10Cook: 15Total: 25 minutes
Yield 9 squares 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or gf 1:1 flour)
  • 1 cup quick cooking oats
  • 2 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil – melted
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Grease 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl mix together flour, oats, pumpkin spice, baking soda and salt.
  4. In a large bowl beat pumpkin, coconut oil, coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla together.
  5. Add dry ingredients into wet and stir well. Then add in chocolate chips.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan; spreading evenly with a rubber spatula.
  7. Bake for 16-18 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
  8. Store on counter for up to 5 days or freezer for longer.
Author: ErinCategory: dessert, whole-wheatMethod: bake
stack of pumpkin oat bars

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Taylor says

    Posted on 3/7 at 10:58 am

    It is REALLY hard to choose favorite ELW recipes but this one definitely lives on my top 10 list! Easy and so delicious. A great bar for for a quick breakfast or snack!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/10 at 10:19 am

      Hi Taylor, so happy you love them so much! 🙂

      Reply
  2. grace says

    Posted on 2/27 at 1:54 pm

    These are so delicious!! Would definitely recommend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/27 at 6:43 pm

      Hi Grace, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  3. Ashley says

    Posted on 12/9 at 2:01 pm

    One of my very favorite ELW recipes!! The perfect sweetness and texture for an on-the-go breakfast, mid-day snack, or late-night dessert!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/11 at 5:25 pm

      Hi Ashley, so glad you loved them so much!!

      Reply
  4. Danielle says

    Posted on 12/5 at 9:31 am

    I have made these about a dozen times since I found the recipe! They are a perfect not-too-sweet treat. I top with flaky sea salt after baking and they are just delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Danielle, so happy you loved them!

      Reply
  5. Meri says

    Posted on 12/4 at 10:47 pm

    If you are looking for a healthy pumpkin bar that actually tastes good, this is it! Made these at least 5 times this fall alone and mine usually take 20+ minutes to bake; I’ve also swapped 1/4C applesauce for 1/4C of the coconut oil which works great

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 3:11 pm

      Hi Meri, so happy you loved them and made them your own!

      Reply
  6. Alex says

    Posted on 12/4 at 1:54 pm

    These are delicious and so easy to put together. I swapped in white chocolate chips instead of traditional chocolate chips. So yummy!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Alex, so happy you loved them and made them your own!!

      Reply
  7. Alexa says

    Posted on 12/4 at 11:36 am

    These are amazing!!! The oat and pumpkin flavors go so well together. I made these for my nieces and nephews and they were gone before I could plate them!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 12:45 pm

      Hi Alexa, so happy everyone loved them!

      Reply
  8. Katharine says

    Posted on 10/22 at 11:23 am

    Delicious for a healthy treat to “hit the spot”. They came out a little on the dry side and not super sweet, so I wouldn’t recommend making these to bring somewhere to share. I drizzled some peanut butter on top to balance out the dry. 🙂

    ★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/24 at 6:33 pm

      Hi Katharine, I am glad you liked them, but I’m sorry that you did not love the recipe! I’ve heard tons of good things about this one, and if they were to dry, maybe try cooking them a little less next time.

      Reply
  9. Hannah says

    Posted on 10/16 at 9:22 pm

    Delicious

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/17 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Hannah, so glad you enjoyed the bars!!

      Reply
  10. Hannah says

    Posted on 10/16 at 9:22 pm

    Delicious and easy to make!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/17 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Hannah, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  11. Karen says

    Posted on 10/9 at 7:48 pm

    I love these so much I’m making them for the second time in 2 weeks. They are so quick and easy! The last time I made them I had one for breakfast every day and sometimes for a snack too–never got tired of them! My husband loved them too. I’m sure I’ll make them again next week w/ the leftover pumpkin 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/10 at 8:26 pm

      Hi Karen, so happy you both loved the bars so much! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Leah says

    Posted on 10/5 at 1:24 pm

    Such a delicious fall treat!! I don’t own an 8×8 pan so I did 1.5 times the recipe and it was perfect for my 9×13. Can’t wait to make them again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/5 at 3:42 pm

      Hi Leah, so glad you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Randa Susko says

    Posted on 10/3 at 7:15 pm

    Ok these were a hit in my house! Made them when we had company and they were gone in minutes. Everyone asked for the recipe too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/4 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Randa, so happy everyone loved them!!

      Reply
  14. Kelsey says

    Posted on 10/3 at 2:31 pm

    Super easy recipe that actually comes together in less than 30 minutes… Don’t skip the flaky salt on the top!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/4 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Kelsey, so glad you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  15. Clare says

    Posted on 10/2 at 5:09 pm

    So easy to throw together and tasted amazing! I used Bob’s red mill GF 1:1 all purpose flour + the oats and it worked great.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/4 at 1:41 pm

      Hi Clare, so glad you enjoyed them and made them your own! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Justine says

    Posted on 10/2 at 3:10 pm

    So great & delicious for breakfast!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/4 at 1:40 pm

      Hi Justine, so glad you enjoyed them! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Kerry says

    Posted on 9/28 at 7:52 pm

    I made these today…delicious! I’ll be making this on a regular basis. Now on to my next pumpkin recipe lol….

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/29 at 1:56 pm

      Hi Kerry, so glad you enjoyed them! 🙂

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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