Name: Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-481632H12M5S
Total time: PT-481632H12M5S
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup oat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips. This recipe offers a healthy twist on traditional dessert bars, making it ideal for fall gatherings or as a nutritious snack. These bars are not only packed with whole grains and pumpkin goodness but also easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup until smooth. This forms the moist base of the bars.

Step 3:

Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the pumpkin mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 4:

Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them throughout the mixture for sweet, melty pockets in every bite.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the bars.

Step 6:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7:

Allow the bars to cool in the dish before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.

Variation

For an extra spice kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. You can also replace almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Cooking Note:

If the bars seem too moist after baking, allow them to cool completely as they will firm up once cooled.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy these bars on their own, or warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Tips:

Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to mix evenly.
Check the bars a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 180 per bar
Protein: 3 grams
Sodium: 75 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, honey can be substituted for maple syrup in equal amounts, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Q: Are these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour, these bars are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect blend of health and taste, making them a great addition to your culinary repertoire, especially during the fall season. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!