Name: Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax seeds + 5 tablespoons water) or substitute with 2 regular eggs; ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup coconut sugar; ¼ cup maple syrup; ½ cup almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup melted coconut oil; ¼ cup plant milk; 1 ½ cups rolled oats; 1 ¼ cups oat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice; Pinch of salt; ¾ to 1 cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 90 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that is wholesome, cozy, and irresistibly delicious, you have to try this Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) Recipe. These bars strike the perfect balance between warm pumpkin spices and hearty oats, wrapped up in a soft yet chewy texture that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go or a comforting afternoon treat, these bars deliver all the nourishing goodness with none of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including a large container of coconut oil with an orange lid in the foreground. Nearby are a jar of organic pumpkin puree with an orange pumpkin on the label, and a small bottle of dark maple syrup with a cream-colored top and black label. A clear glass container holds a light brown oat mixture, while a metal measuring cup contains dark brown spices. Another metal cup has small dark chocolate pieces, and a glass measuring cup has a tan liquid inside. To the right, there is a white cup with a brown mixture, and next to it a white measuring spoon filled with a thick brown paste. A woman's hand is not visible but elements suggest preparation. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; each component is simple and totally essential for creating the magic of these bars. From the nutty almond butter to the sweet maple syrup, every item plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect pumpkin vibe.

Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax seeds + 5 tbsp water): Acts as a binder and vegan egg substitute that holds everything together beautifully.
Pumpkin puree (½ cup): The star of the show that brings moisture, color, and that unmistakable autumn taste.
Coconut sugar (¼ cup): Adds natural sweetness with a caramel aroma, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Maple syrup (¼ cup): Moisture and sweetness combined, plus a lovely hint of maple richness.
Almond butter (½ cup): Creamy, nutty texture that makes these bars satisfyingly rich and chewy.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brightens the whole mixture with a warm, sweet floral note.
Melted coconut oil (¼ cup): Helps keep the bars moist and tender without heaviness.
Plant milk (¼ cup): Adds extra hydration to create the perfect batter consistency.
Rolled oats (1 ½ cups): Provides hearty chew and structure while keeping it gluten-free.
Oat flour (1 ¼ cups): Helps to bind and add subtle oat flavor, making these bars soft but firm.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just a touch of lift to keep the texture light.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors overall.
Chocolate chips (¾-1 cup): Melts into pockets of decadence, elevating the bars into an indulgent treat.
Pumpkin spice (½ teaspoon): A blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg brings those seasonal vibes front and center.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Eggs

Start by mixing the ground flax seeds with water and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This mixture thickens and becomes your perfect vegan egg substitute, which is crucial for binding all the incredible ingredients together without compromising the texture.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get the perfect baking environment. Properly preheating ensures the bars bake evenly and develop that lovely golden crust that is both inviting and delicious.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flax eggs, pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and plant milk. Stir gently until everything is just combined, taking care not to overmix so your bars remain tender.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice into the wet mixture. Mix again briefly until just combined. The secret here is to avoid overmixing, which keeps your bars from turning dense. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for those delightful bursts of melty chocolate.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top to ensure even baking. Bake for 20 to 28 minutes, checking at around 25 minutes by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. This means your bars have the perfect softness and chewiness balance.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the bars set so they hold together beautifully when cut, giving you those neat, satisfying squares ready to enjoy or pack for later.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Three square oatmeal bars with a rough texture sit spaced on a white plate with a thin gold rim. Each bar is golden brown with visible oats and has smooth, dark chocolate patches melted unevenly on top and inside. There are small crumbs scattered on the plate around the bars. In the upper right corner, a gold fork rests on a white marbled surface next to the plate. The lighting is warm and soft, highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra pumpkin seeds or a dusting of cinnamon on top for a lovely finishing touch. These little additions not only add a bit of crunch or spice but make your bars look even more inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of chai latte or your favorite herbal tea to elevate your snack time. A dollop of coconut yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter on the side also pairs wonderfully for extra creaminess and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears for a beautiful fall-inspired dessert tray. You can even layer them with vegan yogurt and granola for a scrumptious parfait that’s perfect for brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves both their texture and flavor, making it easy to grab a ready-made snack whenever you need a little pumpkin-powered pick-me-up.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars around for longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for several months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them up to enjoy fresh flavors and that perfect soft-baked texture any time you like.

Reheating

Warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back that just-baked warmth and softness. Reheating really revives the spices and melting chocolate, making each bite as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use regular eggs instead of flax eggs?

Absolutely! If you aren’t following a vegan diet, regular eggs can be used in place of flax eggs to bind the ingredients just as well.

Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to keep the texture creamy while avoiding nuts.

Will the bars hold together without the chocolate chips?

Definitely. The chocolate chips add sweetness and texture, but omitting them won’t impact the structural integrity of the bars.

What type of plant milk works best?

Any plant milk you prefer or have on hand will work great, whether almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Sure! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or seeds can be lovely additions to customize these bars to your liking.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) Recipe are more than just a snack; they’re a celebration of cozy flavors and wholesome goodness rolled into one. I can’t recommend them enough for anyone looking to enjoy a treat that feels nutritious, festive, and satisfyingly delicious all at once. Give them a try—you might find these bars becoming your new go-to anytime you want that perfect mix of comfort and energy.