Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

These pumpkin oatmeal bars are the perfect sweet treat for the fall season! They are egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and great for a quick breakfast or snack!

The pumpkin and banana flavors combine so well with the rolled oats to form these soft and chewy bars. I used chocolate chips for a fun add-in, but you can omit them or swap them for some finely chopped nuts for an extra bit of crunch and flavor in every bite!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Here is what you’ll need to make these pumpkin oatmeal bars:

• Bananas: The main source of sweetness for these granola bars. Make sure to use bananas that are overripe with several brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars!
• Pumpkin Puree: For that fall-inspired pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use the unsweetened variety, not the ones labeled pumpkin pie filling.
• Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are packed with nutrition! Gluten-free rolled oats make these granola bars gluten-free.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides an extra warm spice and enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
• Vanilla Extract: For added flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient for a little added sweetness and fun!

PROCESS

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Add in the rolled oats and optional add-ins and mix until combined and incorporated.
4. Press this mixture into a parchment paper-lined loaf pan. Use a spatula to flatten and smooth out the top.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Allow it to cool completely before slicing it into bars.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Once cooled, slice into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to 3 months.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The pumpkin pie spice may be replaced with equal parts ground cinnamon. You may also make your own pumpkin pie spice by combining together ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a small amount of ground cloves and ground ginger.
• Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips may be replaced with finely chopped nuts. They may also be omitted completely!

RECIPE NOTES

• Use overripe bananas for more sweetness. You may add a little maple syrup to the mixture if you prefer a sweeter bar, but I find that overripe bananas provide the perfect amount of sweetness on their own!
• I used a 9 by 5 loaf pan for this recipe. If you prefer a thinner bar, I recommend using an 8 by 8 size brownie pan!
• Add in extra add-ins for more texture and taste! Crushed nuts are a great mix-in option for added texture!

Here are some other pumpkin-flavored meals and treats you may like!

• Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
• Pumpkin Waffles
• Homemade Pumpkin Puffs