Name: Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487288H34M43S
Total time: PT-487288H34M43S
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin puree); 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk); 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. The combination of oats, pumpkin, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting, autumn-inspired flavor. The bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and contain no refined sugar, making them a guilt-free treat. They’re also packed with fiber and healthy fats from the oats and pumpkin, making them filling and satisfying. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, these bars are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall year-round.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin puree)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond milk, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. If you’re adding walnuts, pecans, raisins, or cranberries, fold them into the batter.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 bars (depending on size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter treat, add a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free. You can also substitute the oats with a gluten-free oat flour blend if needed.
Add Seeds: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds can be added to increase the nutritional value of these bars.
Spices: Feel free to experiment with other fall spices like cloves or allspice to customize the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without almond butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Just be aware that the flavor may change slightly depending on the nut or seed butter you choose.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just be sure to cook and blend the pumpkin until smooth before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the bars are gluten-free. You can also substitute oats with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might differ slightly.

Can I use another sweetener besides maple syrup?

Yes, you can use other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut nectar in place of maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make these bars without baking powder?

Baking powder helps give the bars a little lift and makes them softer. However, if you don’t have baking powder, you can leave it out, and the bars will still bake up well, but they may be a bit denser.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Once cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the recipe to increase the protein content. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if the batter becomes too thick.

Can I make these bars without raisins or nuts?

Yes, feel free to skip the raisins and nuts if you prefer. The bars will still be delicious and flavorful without them.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also gently press the top to see if it springs back.

Can I make these bars into muffins instead of bars?

Yes, you can scoop the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert. With the perfect combination of pumpkin, oats, and spices, these bars are not only packed with flavor but also offer a nutritious, plant-based option that’s free from refined sugar. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as an on-the-go snack, these bars are sure to be a new favorite in your baking rotation!