Description
These Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack, perfect for breakfast or an energy booster during the day. Packed with rolled oats, pumpkin puree, nuts, and warm spices, they offer a naturally sweetened treat with pure maple syrup and dried cranberries. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden brown, these bars combine nutrition and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until all components are fully combined into a cohesive batter.
- Add Nuts and Cranberries: Fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries gently, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread and smooth the top.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve as a healthy snack or breakfast option.
Notes
- You can substitute the chopped nuts with your favorite variety or omit them for a nut-free version.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the maple syrup slightly, but keep in mind this will affect nutrition.
- Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Try adding a handful of chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
- Make sure the coconut oil is fully melted to blend smoothly with the other wet ingredients.
