These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars come together in 1 mixing bowl. They’re egg free, vegan if using dairy-free chocolate chips, and gluten free if using certified gluten-free oats. The addition of chocolate chips makes them taste like dessert—a delicious & healthy way to satisfy your pumpkin cravings!
Though my website focuses on traditional baking and dessert recipes, I test and bake healthy recipes all the time. It’s usually what we eat/snack on during the week, then we save the indulgent goodies for the weekend… like mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins and apple cinnamon babka. I just made another loaf—cannot get enough!
A version of today’s recipe has lived on my website for years, but it was never a favorite. These pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars are new and improved. They’re vegan, gluten free, and flavored with pumpkin, spices, maple, and vanilla. And best of all, by pulsing the oats into a finer cut, they hold their shape MUCH better than the previous version.
Here’s Why You’ll Love Them
- Healthy way to get your pumpkin spice fix
- Soft-baked and extra chewy
- No added refined sugar (excludes the chocolate chips)
- A great place to use your homemade pumpkin pie spice
- Everything comes together in 1 bowl
- Customizable—instead of chocolate chips, use nuts or dried cranberries
- Freeze beautifully
Plus, they’re adult and toddler approved. They’re like a bar version of my healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies or pumpkin baked oatmeal cups, both of which are equally flavorful and wholesome. (And delicious!)
Overview: How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Whether you use whole oats or quick oats, pulse them in a food processor first. Gently breaking the oats down helps guarantee the bars hold together. I do this with my healthy berry streusel bars and it makes all the difference—tight, compact bars.
- Place the oats in a big mixing bowl, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Yes, it’s that easy. The recipe below is a careful mix of ingredients to ensure best taste and texture. I don’t recommend making any substitutions other than the options listed.
- Press tightly into a lined 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake.
- Cool, then cut into squares.
The bars take about 25–30 minutes to bake. Remove them from the oven, then cool completely. I usually cool them on the counter for 30 minutes, then place the whole pan in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours to speed it up.
What’s the Texture Like?
Following the recipe, bake time, and cooling instructions below, the bars are like a soft oatmeal bar—a firmer version of baked oatmeal.
On another note, do you like KIND bars? I have a homemade pumpkin spice version on my website called Pumpkin Seed Cranberry Snack Bars. I LOVE them because of all the varying textures: chewy, crunchy, chunky!
Are These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Healthy?
“Healthy” is a relative term. In my eyes, these are perfectly healthy pumpkin bars. They’re made with whole foods like pumpkin, applesauce, and fiber-filled oats, plus there’s no white flour or butter. However, they may be too sugary for someone who needs to watch their sugar intake and they’re obviously not ideal for anyone allergic to oats.
When it comes to labeling recipes as healthy, use the best judgment for YOU.
- I’m unsure of the nutritional information for these, but feel free to calculate it yourself using an online calculator and the exact products/brands you use.
See more of my egg free baking recipes and gluten free recipes. If your sweet tooth is calling, here are more of my favorite healthy dessert recipes and gluten free dessert recipes!
More Healthy Favorites
- Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Breakfast Cookies
- Whole Wheat Banana Bread
- Pumpkin Granola & Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Maple Vanilla Baked Pears
- No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Oat Bars
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars are soft and chewy with satisfying pumpkin flavor. Using a food processor or blender to break down the oats (step 2) ensures the bars hold their shape. I don’t recommend any ingredient substitutions other than those listed in the recipe & recipe notes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats or quick oats (not instant)*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) fresh or canned pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup (56g) unsweetened applesauce*
- 1/3 cup (70g) coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (45g) coconut sugar (or packed light or dark brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus a few to press into the top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out (makes cutting easier!). Set aside.
- Pulse the oats in a food processor or blender until they’re slightly broken up. (For whole oats, about 10 pulses. For quick oats, about 5-6 pulses.) Pour into a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. With a rubber spatula or large spoon, stir together until combined. Mixture/dough will be very heavy and thick.
- Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Using the back of a flat spatula or a spoon, spread and press it tightly down into the pan. Make sure it’s flat and very compact, which helps guarantee the bars hold their shape. Dot a few chocolate chips into the top—this is optional and only for looks! I usually use about 1-2 Tablespoons on top.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned and the center appears set. Avoid over-baking, which dries the bars out.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. After that, place the pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until chilled.
- Remove bars from the pan using the overhang on the sides then cut into squares.
- Cover leftover bars tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze squares in single layers between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 8-inch Square Baking Pan or 9-inch Square Baking Pan | Food Processor or Blender | Glass Mixing Bowls | Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Oats: If needed, use certified gluten free oats to ensure the bars are gluten free.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can find pumpkin pie spice in the baking aisle of most grocery stores or make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t have either and want to use individual spices, use 1/4 teaspoon each: ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice. This is in addition to the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon—you will still add that to the dough.
- Applesauce: If needed, you can replace the applesauce with the same amount of mashed banana. Or you can use 1 egg or even use a flax egg substitute. Flax egg = mix 1 Tbsp ground flax with 3 Tbsp warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes while it “gels” up. Use the “flax gel” as a replacement for the applesauce/egg.
- Chocolate Chips: You can skip the chocolate chips or replace with white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries. Or use a combination of any of those add-ins.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips to ensure the bars are vegan.
These are so great and really versatile! I like breaking them up over yogurt in place of granola. I subbed the coconut oil for canola oil and applesauce for 1 egg, since that’s what I had, and they are excellent. Thanks for the recipe!
Used 3 eggs in place of the applesauce, and measured the chocolate chips with my heart. Turned out beautifully soft and moist – a lovely fall breakfast treat with a hot cuppa.
Measuring chocolate chips with your heart is the absolute best way to do it. Glad these turned out well for you!
These were awesome and my kids loved them as a replacement for buying oatmeal bars at the store (like z-bars). Will definitely be making again!
Why is the salt and maple syrup crossed out?
Hi Laura, the ingredients will show a strike through when clicked. This is a handy feature for readers to cross off which ingredients they have already used. Simply click it again and it the strike through will be removed. Hope this helps!
Wanted to make a fall themed treat for a friend who is gluten and dairy free, and this recipe was perfect! I accidentally forgot to put the brown sugar in, but honestly don’t feel the recipe needed it as the pumpkin, apple and maple syrup were sweet enough! Will definitely make these again as the whole family enjoyed.
I made these about an hour ago, let them cool on the counter and just put the pan in the fridge. I did try a bite (bar) before I put it in.
The bar was very good, but I was surprised at how sweet it was. I will note I used brown sugar instead of coconut sugar and canola oil because that’s what I had on hand.
They baked up well and held their form. I did not find it too moist or dry. I made the homemade pumpkin pie spice and added an additional 1/2 teaspoon of the spice to the recipe. I am looking forward to trying a cold bar and feel it would taste delicious with some vanilla ice cream.
I will make these again maybe with 1/4 maple syrup.
Thank you for another great recipe!
Hi Sally! Can you add flax of brewers yeast to these, similar to your breakfast cookie? I’m baking for my wife postpartum.
Hi Brendan, we haven’t specifically tested it in this recipe, but we can’t see why not! Let us know it you do give it a try.
This is one of our go-to favorites, all year long! Delicious, but not too sweet, they’re a great breakfast staple or easy snack. They also freeze super well.
Note: I usually use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil because it’s what I have on hand. Works perfectly!
A most delicious moist bar cookie/I doubled the batch and will freeze half if they make before being eaten. I used 1/4 c chopped pecans and 13 c dried cranberries. Very good!
What would you recommend as an alternative oil to coconut oil? Would a neutral oil like canola oil work? I bake for some people with super involved allergies. I love that I can make this recipe without dairy or gluten easily, but I also have to accommodate a coconut allergy. Thanks!
Canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil works. Or use melted butter.
Really disappointed, I think the parchment paper is a mistake to use, causing sweating and makes them wet. I should’ve trusted my experience and gut on that one and skipped using it. I ended up putting them back in the oven for another 20 minutes after being in the fridge. I plan to keep them on the counter overnight on a rack to dry out completely. Won’t be making thin again, it was a waste of my last cup of pumpkin from my garden.
These were very underwhelming and disappointing. I followed the recipe and instructions carefully, and found these bars to be rather rubbery and unappealing.
My husband and I loved these pumpkin bars! They’re quick and easy to make and a great, lighter way to have the fall pumpkin flavors.
I literally make these all the time regardless of season because they’re so good. i usually have them as a breakfast snack
How many calories per square? They look delish!
Hi Jody, We don’t usually include nutrition information as it can vary between different brands of the same ingredients. Plus, many recipes have ingredient substitutions or optional ingredients listed. However, there are many handy online calculators where you can plug in and customize your exact ingredients/brands. Readers have found this one especially helpful: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
I made these today and they turned out great. I used light tasting olive oil instead of the coconut oil and they still turned out wonderful. Thank you for the great recipe Sally.
I made these yummy bars and they turned out great! Such a delicious and simple recipe that’s great for anybody who doesn’t eat gluten. I replaced the coconut oil with melted butter and they still came out great. I had pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree, which is similar but already has sugar and some spices. I used the same recipe but didn’t add the coconut sugar. It came out a little runny but I added another half cup or so of pulsed oats and it thickened! Delicious 🙂 Very flexible. Would probably taste good with raisins or cranberries, too!
Delicious and hearty! I used butter in place of the coconut oil, and an egg in place of applesauce, simply because those are what I had on hand. I blended the rolled oats in the Vitamix for about 10 seconds and it worked great.
Do you think I can use butter instead of coconut oil? I don’t have any 🙂
Hi Phoebe, melted butter would be the best substitute. Let us know how it works for you!
So easy and delicious. These did not last long in our house!
I love the PB chocolate banana bars so I figured I would give these a try. These are another winner. I really liked the texture of the blended oats. It gives a more consistent texture as if it were made with flour. I used white chocolate chips because I thought I would like to mimic Sally’s white chocolate pumpking snickerdoodle cookie recipe but it came out more sweet than I would’ve liked. Definitely recommend sticking with semi-sweet. Will make again for sure.
We love these granola bars – a perfect school treat where there are gluten and nut restrictions. A perfect treat, really, under any circumstance. Followed the recipe exactly, weighing the ingredients. Cooked for 38 minutes, edges were slightly more brown, 8″ x 8″ glass dish, old-fashioned oats pulsed 10x in a blender.
These are delicious! I used melted margarine and it worked fine. Also, I put them straight into a greased glass pan, and they come out easily. Thanks so much for this, it’s a great home-made Halloween-themed treat.
What can I do if I don’t have a food processor? Would a blender work?
Hi Koree, yes, a blender will work!
It would be helpful to add nutritional valve chart to all your recipes.
Hi Linda, I absolutely agree and we may in the future! For right now, we direct readers to another website to calculate based on their exact products/brands they are using. https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
Hi Sally, love all your recipes! Would love to make this pumpkin oatmeal bar but do not have a blender, etc. Would it work ok without pulsing the oats?
Hi Betty! Pulsing the oats helps the bars hold together better, so you could skip it but they may be a bit crumblier. Or, you can give them a few rough chops with a sharp knife instead. Let us know how you like them!
Would doubling this recipe, and baking in a 9×13, work?
That should be fine, Katy. The bars will be thicker and we aren’t sure of the exact bake time you will need but it will be longer. Enjoy!
Thank you! I ended up baking them for 35 minutes and they turned out great.
What can I use instead of pumpkin purée?
Hi Dahlia, for a recipe without pumpkin puree, we’d recommend these oatmeal bars instead.
Is there a substitute for the coconut oil?
Hi Jennifer, melted butter would be the best substitute for coconut oil, but we haven’t tested it.