For those cozy days when you crave something sweet yet hearty, these Spiced Pumpkin Oat Bars are just the ticket. Packed with warm spices and the rich flavor of pumpkin, they’re perfect for autumn or any time you want a comforting treat.
All-purpose flour provides the structure for these bars. It balances the moistness of the pumpkin while keeping the bars chewy. Rolled oats add a delightful texture and heartiness, making these bars feel more like a treat than a dessert. Baking soda helps the bars rise and keeps them tender. The combination of spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — infuses each bite with warmth and depth, reminiscent of classic fall flavors. A pinch of salt enhances all these flavors. Unsalted butter adds richness, while brown sugar and granulated sugar provide sweetness and a slight molasses note. Canned pumpkin puree is the star, moistening the bars and imparting its distinct flavor. A large egg helps bind everything together, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile. Finally, chopped walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch if you choose to include them.
These bars are delightful on their own, but for an extra touch, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai or spiced cider, enhancing the cozy flavors of the bars.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking — I usually use a little extra butter for this. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you get perfect flavor in every bite.
In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy. It should look light and fluffy. Then, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture might look a bit curdled at first, but don’t worry — it’ll come together once you add the dry ingredients.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined — no need to overdo it. If you’re using walnuts, gently fold them in. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This cooling time helps them set up perfectly.
Share