You can quickly stir together this Healthy Pumpkin Bars recipe (with oatmeal and low added sugar) for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. The method is so quick and easy and the result is moist and full of pumpkin goodness. Win, win!

sliced-pumpkin-bars-on-cutting-board

I love baking with pumpkin in the fall and winter (or anytime I just need a house full of happy smells!) and this recipe is a great way transform a can of pumpkin puree into a delicious breakfast or snack. The bars are super moist, so are easy for little ones to chew, and they are flavorful enough for us grownups too.

These healthy pumpkin bars have more oats than flour for lots of whole grain goodness (and fiber!), a whole cup of pumpkin puree for flavor and Vitamin A, and low added sugar so they aren’t overly sweet.

Because of the nutrition profile, we have them for breakfast, snack, or dessert depending on your preference. But the overall result is moist pumpkin bars that totally satisfy.

The rolled oats in this recipe add a nice dose of complex carbohydrates, which we all need for energy, and they help to keep the batter moist and almost impossible to over-bake.

Rolled oats take longer to digest than processed flour, which makes these bars a good source of balanced energy.

(You may also like Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, Banana Oatmeal Bars, and Healthy Pumpkin Cookies.)

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Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at what you need to make these healthy pumpkin bars so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.

ingredients in pumpkin bars
  • Rolled oats: I like to add oatmeal to this recipe for a dose of whole grains and fiber. They soften as the bars bake.
  • Whole wheat flour: I use whole wheat flour to add to the whole grain base and it works really nicely in combination with the moisture in the pumpkin to create tender and nutritious bars.
  • Cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice: A combination of these two ensure that the bars have plenty of flavor.
  • Ground flaxseed: I add a small amount of flaxseed for nutrition and also to aid in the structure of the bars. You can swap in chia seeds or just omit this ingredient if you don’t have it though.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: We use both of these to ensure that the cake rises nicely and bakes through properly.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in my baking, so plan to use that so the volume is correct in the mix with the other ingredients.
  • Pumpkin puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree. Or even pumpkin baby food according to your preference.
  • Maple syrup: I like to add a small amount of maple syrup to ensure the bars are sweet enough. You can use honey for kids over age 1.
  • Coconut oil (or another neutral oil or melted butter)
  • Mini chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process involved in making this healthy pumpkin bars recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.

how to make healthy pumpkin bars in grid of 4 images.
  1. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. (photo 1)
  2. Stir together. (photo 2)
  3. Place batter into prepared and smooth with a spatula. (photo 3)
  4. Bake until lightly golden brown around the edges and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out cleanly. (photo 4)

TIP: You’ll want to let the pan cool completely before you slice the bars as the bars are tender when warm out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Yes! Just let cool and slice, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5. Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave. You can also store in the freezer for up 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

What type of pumpkin is best for these bars?

Choose canned pumpkin puree, either canned or regular, from the baking aisle of your supermarket. If you happened to have homemade pumpkin puree that was the same thickness and consistency to canned, that would work too.

pumpkin bars on kids plate

How to Store

Let cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5. Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave. You can also store in the freezer for up 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Best Tips for Success

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Dairy-free: Use diary-free chocolate chips.
  • Egg-free: Grind the oats in a food processor or blender before you add them to the batter to create more of a flour-like consistency or use purchased oat flour. And omit the eggs and add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds and ¼ cup milk.
  • You can omit the flaxseed if you don’t have it. Just be sure to let it cool fully as it will be a little more tender.
  • Allow to cool fully before slicing.
  • Cut into smaller pieces for your child if needed.
  • To make these with less added sugar for younger toddlers, use unsweetened dried fruit (such as raisins) instead of chocolate chips.
  • Top with nut butter, cream cheese, or apple butter if desired.
  • You may also like Breakfast Bars with Jam, 3-Ingredient Cereal Bars, and Soft-Baked Granola Bars.

I’d love to know what you think about this recipe, so please comment below to share!

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sliced pumpkin bars on cutting board

Healthy Pumpkin Bars Recipe

You can quickly stir together this Healthy Pumpkin Bars recipe (with oatmeal and low added sugar) for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. The method is so quick and easy and the result is moist and full of pumpkin goodness. Win, win!
4.99 from 216 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Snack
Calories 97kcal
Servings 16 bars

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and coat an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray.
  • Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together to combine thoroughly, but gently.
  • Place batter into prepared and smooth with a spatula so the batter is evenly distributed in the pan.
  • Bake for 20-24 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out cleanly.
  • Remove from oven, place pan on a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.
  • Serve warm, at room temp, or chilled.

Video

Notes

  • Let cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5. Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave. You can also store in the freezer for up 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Dairy-free: Use diary-free chocolate chips.
  • Egg-free: Grind the oats in a food processor or blender before you add them to the batter to create more of a flour-like consistency or use purchased oat flour. And omit the eggs and add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds and ¼ cup milk.
  • You can omit the flaxseed if you don’t have it. Just be sure to let it cool fully as it will be a little more tender.
  • To make these with less added sugar: Use unsweetened dried fruit (such as raisins) instead of chocolate chips.
  • Cut into smaller pieces for your child if needed.
  • Top with nut butter, cream cheese, or apple butter if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 97kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 54mg, Potassium: 87mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 2414IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published September 2020.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made these twice last week and plan to make another batch this week! My 3 year old ate 4 in one day lol!! Seriously irresistible. This will definitely be a fall staple for us!

  2. 5 stars
    Flavor is great and my 2yo picky eater even enjoyed them! Couldn’t decide between the add ins so split the 1/3 cup into a couple tablespoons each of chopped up golden berry mix raisins, pistachios and chocolate chips. So yummy! The only thing I would do differently is mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before adding them together. The batter looked well combined but found some spots of unmixed flour and flax when I cut them up.

  3. 5 stars
    Very good. I made these as healthy breakfast for me- not a toddler. I followed the recipe pretty closely except I did not add the flax seeds. I did add some wheat germ and chopped pecans instead of chocolate chips. Excellent texture and not too sweet.

  4. 5 stars
    These are soo delish! I wish my toddler liked them, but I def did! Moist and healthy and yummy. Thanks for the great recipes.

  5. 5 stars
    So easy to make and turned out great! I added a banana that was on its way out so had to cook closer to 35 minutes. So delicious!

  6. 5 stars
    These are delicious! I love how easy they are to mix up! Can’t wait to eat one topped with frozen yogurt tonight for dessert. Thanks for the recipe! 😍

  7. 5 stars
    These were a hit with both of my girls! I subbed pecans for half of the oats and just ground them with the oats to avoid chunks and swapped unsweetened applesauce for the butter – so nice to have an easy breakfast or snack with great fall flavors. Thanks for another great recipe!