There are few things cozier than the aroma of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars wafting from your oven. Imagine everything you love about fall desserts — warmly spiced pumpkin, hearty oats, and decadent chocolate — all pressed into a snackable, soft bar. This recipe blends comforting flavors and textures in each chewy bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or holiday gatherings. Easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to share, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the magic here! Every ingredient in these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars has a purpose, from the nutty oats that give body to the melty chocolate chips that create pockets of pure joy. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring chewiness and a hearty bite that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- All-purpose flour: Helps structure the bars, so they bake up thick and sturdy.
- Baking soda: Gives just the right lift and keeps the bars light.
- Salt: Enhances all the lovely flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: For that unmistakable warmth you expect in every fall bake.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, spicy depth that makes the pumpkin shine.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers moistness and rich flavor throughout every bar.
- Packed brown sugar: Infuses the bars with a hint of caramel and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Lends extra sweetness and the perfect bar consistency.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The superstar ingredient gives beautiful color and subtle earthiness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and ties them wonderfully together.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide gooey, melty bites in every square.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the lined pan to make sure nothing sticks later — trust me, you’ll want clean edges! These easy steps set you up for effortless bar removal once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients is where the magic of flavor and texture begins — you’re infusing every bite with those cozy autumn spices!
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they’re totally smooth and creamy. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is silky and well incorporated. The pumpkin will make the mixture extra luscious.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients into the wet and gently stir just until combined — don’t overmix! You want a unified, thick batter that still feels a little rustic from the oats.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, so every bar gets its fair share of chocolatey goodness. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle a few more chips on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are set in the center and a toothpick poked in comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing — patience pays off with perfect squares!
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Garnishes
These bars are wonderful straight from the pan, but you can dress them up in simple, tasty ways. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream on each bar. If you’re serving a crowd, a scattering of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds texture and a bit of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For dessert platters, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or tangy Greek yogurt to balance the warmth and sweetness. Even fresh fruit, like apple or pear slices, makes a crunchy, refreshing side for these bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive and stack your bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy autumn look, or use cupcake liners to portion them for bake sales and parties. For a lunchbox treat, individually wrap bars in parchment with a cute twine bow — perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try warming a bar and topping it with vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, pop the container in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for about a week. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing so you don’t get any condensation.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When a craving strikes, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight for an almost-fresh treat.
Reheating
If you prefer your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars slightly warm (who wouldn’t?), pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate will get gooey again, and the bar will taste almost like it’s straight from the oven. You can also warm several bars in a low oven until just heated through.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can, but the texture of the bars will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats are preferred for that hearty, satisfying bite. If all you have is quick oats, the recipe will still work, just keep in mind the finished bars may be a bit more cake-like.
What kind of chocolate chips are best for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars?
Semisweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance with the pumpkin and spice, but feel free to experiment! Dark chocolate chips will add more intensity, and milk chocolate will make the bars sweeter and creamier.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as tasty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of butter to make these healthier?
For a lighter version, swap the melted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or use unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option. The bars will be slightly softer but still packed with flavor and moisture.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?
Yes! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for added crunch and flavor. Just keep the extras modest so the bars hold together nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a perfect, easy fall treat, you just can’t beat these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars. Whether you serve them as a lunchbox surprise or a holiday dessert, they’re sure to win hearts and disappear fast — so go ahead, give them a try and watch them become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the flavors of pumpkin, chocolate, and oats. They are moist, flavorful, and great for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla.
- Combine ingredients: Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For added texture, include 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
