Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars
Moist, flavorful oatmeal pumpkin bars combine warm spices and creamy pumpkin with a chewy oat crust, perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy snack with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar.
- Add the canned pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in the flour, oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in a greased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. If you're short on time, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve alongside a slice of Holiday Walnut Pie or enjoy with a cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars contains roughly 425 calories, with 4g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in this recipe. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The bars should still turn out delicious and moist, perfect for those following gluten-free diets.
How can I make these bars more cake-like?
To achieve a more cake-like texture in your Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars, you can add an extra egg and reduce the oatmeal to 1 cup. This will create a lighter, fluffier consistency. Be sure to monitor the baking time as it may change slightly with the adjusted ingredients.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars freeze well. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).