Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Quick & Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe for Fall Treats

Pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars bring warmth and comfort to any autumn gathering, upgradeing simple ingredients into a delightful seasonal treat.

Cold mornings call for something sweet that wraps you in nostalgic memories of cozy kitchens and family traditions.

Soft, spiced edges with a tender center make these bars irresistible to anyone craving a classic dessert with a wholesome twist.

Hearty oats provide a robust texture that complements the smooth pumpkin rich, velvety essence.

Warm baking spices dance through each bite, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth that tingles your taste buds.

Baking these bars fills your home with an incredible aroma that beckons friends and family to gather around.

These delectable squares offer a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, making them an ideal snack or dessert option.

  • Embrace Seasonal Comfort: These pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars capture the cozy essence of autumn with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavors that wrap you in pure comfort.
  • Quick and Hassle-Free Baking: Whip up these delightful bars in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making them perfect for busy bakers craving a delicious treat.
  • Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and pumpkin, these bars offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookies without sacrificing incredible taste and texture.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, these bars satisfy sweet cravings while delivering a balanced blend of nutritious ingredients and decadent chocolate chunks.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Rolled Oats, White Whole Wheat Flour: Hearty base that provides a nutty texture and wholesome foundation for the bars.
  • Coconut Sugar: Natural sweetener with a rich caramel-like flavor that adds depth to the cookie bars.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bars rise and create a soft, tender texture.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Classic warm blend that brings cozy autumn flavors to the recipe.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bars.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the bars together and provides structure.
  • Cashew Butter: Creamy nut butter that adds richness and moisture to the bars.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Seasonal ingredient that brings moisture, natural sweetness, and autumn color.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural liquid sweetener with a distinctive rich flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic ingredient that deepens the overall taste profile.
Toppings and Finishing:
  • Chocolate Chunks: Optional add-in that provides delicious bursts of chocolate throughout the bars.
  • Sea Salt: Finishing touch that enhances the sweet flavors and adds a sophisticated contrast.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside clean kitchen towel for cooling.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gather dry ingredients in medium mixing bowl:
  • Rolled oats
  • White whole wheat flour
  • Coconut sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt

Stir ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Components

In large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Egg
  • Cashew butter
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and consistent texture emerges.

Step 4: Create Cookie Bar Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gently stir until ingredients just combine. Avoid overmixing to maintain soft texture.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer batter into prepared baking dish. Spread evenly using spatula. Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chunks across surface.

Step 6: Bake Golden Bars

Place dish in preheated oven. Bake 18-22 minutes until center sets. Test doneness with toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool And Finish

Let bars rest 10 minutes. Sprinkle sea salt across top. Slice into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for dry and wet ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and consistency of your pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep the bars tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center- if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the bars are perfectly baked and ready to cool.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle sea salt on top after baking to boost the sweet-and-salty contrast and bring out the rich pumpkin and chocolate notes.
  • Cool Completely: Let the bars rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to allow them to set and develop a more stable, sliceable texture.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage and quick snacks.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature for a soft, delectable treat.
  • Brew Warming Chai Tea: Complement the cozy pumpkin spice flavors with a rich, spicy chai tea that echoes the warm autumn notes in the cookie bars.
  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The smooth, sweet vanilla undertones will beautifully balance the subtle saltiness and rich pumpkin essence of the bars.
  • Serve with Maple Whipped Cream: Create a decadent topping by whipping heavy cream with a touch of maple syrup to enhance the existing maple notes in the recipe.
  • Match with Cinnamon-Dusted Cappuccino: The delicate cinnamon sprinkle on top of a frothy cappuccino will perfectly complement the pumpkin pie spice in the cookie bars.

Recipe Variations for Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

  • Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Replace cashew butter with almond butter and add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Mix in milk or dark chocolate chips throughout the batter instead of chocolate chunks for a classic cookie experience.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Swap white whole wheat flour with gluten-free oat flour or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spiced Maple Pumpkin Bars: Increase pumpkin pie spice and add ground cinnamon or ginger for a more intense warm spice profile, complementing the maple syrup's sweetness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars deliver autumn’s warmth in a delightful, spiced treat that blends comforting seasonal flavors. With wholesome oats and rich pumpkin, these bars invite you to savor fall’s most beloved dessert in one irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (120 ml) white whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml) creamy cashew butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened pumpkin puree

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) chocolate chunks (+ more for topping, if desired)

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 350ºF (175ºC) and coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Gather all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl: rolled oats, white whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, blend wet ingredients using a whisk: egg, cashew butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
  4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently to maintain a light texture. Mix until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even surface. Optionally, scatter chocolate chunks across the top for added richness.
  6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the bars are fully cooked.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the bars rest for 10 minutes, allowing them to set and cool slightly.
  8. Finish by sprinkling sea salt over the surface to enhance the flavors, then slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Transform ordinary baking into a cozy autumn experience with these wholesome pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars bursting with seasonal comfort.
  • Swap traditional sugars for coconut sugar, adding a deeper, more complex sweetness and lower glycemic impact to your treat.
  • Cashew butter introduces creamy richness and plant-based protein, making these bars more nutritionally balanced than standard cookie recipes.
  • Pumpkin pie spice blends warmth and complexity, delivering an instant taste of fall in every single bite.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top to elevate flavor profiles, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that makes these bars irresistibly gourmet.
  • Quick 18-22 minute baking time means you can enjoy fresh, homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star