Go Back
To make these tasty bars, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chunks) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or pecans) Each ingredient plays a big role. The oats give structure, while pumpkin adds moisture and flavor. The nut butter binds everything together, and the cocoa powder makes it chocolatey. You can customize this recipe by swapping nut butters and sweeteners. Here are some ideas: - Use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. - Swap honey for agave syrup if you want a vegan option. - Maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor. These swaps keep the bars tasty and fit your diet needs. Want to add more flair to your bars? Try these fun mix-ins: - Chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for sweetness. - Seeds like chia or flaxseeds for extra crunch. - A pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty kick. These options not only add flavor but also give the bars a fun texture. Experiment to find your favorite combination! Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt Stir all these ingredients well. You want a thick, sticky mixture that looks like cookie dough. It should be smooth and well combined. This base is where the magic begins. Next, you can add some fun extras! If you want, fold in: - 1/4 cup chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans Mix them gently. This step adds a nice crunch and extra flavor. Make sure the chocolate and nuts are spread out evenly. This way, every bite is a treat. Now, prepare your baking dish. Line an 8x8 inch dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. Pour your mixture into the dish. Press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula. Make sure it is nice and even. Place the dish in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the mixture set and firm up. After that, you can slice it into bars. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get the best texture for your Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Bars, mix the ingredients well. You want a thick, sticky dough that holds together nicely. If it feels too dry, add a little more pumpkin puree or nut butter. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats or cocoa powder. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape when you cut them. Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours is key. Cold helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They will last about one week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them in single portions. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a bar whenever you want a snack. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. When serving these bars, cut them into fun shapes or sizes. You can slice them into squares, rectangles, or even fun shapes with cookie cutters. For a nice touch, wrap each bar in parchment paper and tie a string around it. This makes them look great for sharing. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert! {{image_4}} To make these bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This change keeps the sweetness while being plant-based. For a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Most rolled oats are safe, but checking the label is a smart step. You can also use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter if you have nut allergies. This maintains the creamy texture without the nuts. Spices can elevate these bars. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A splash of almond or coconut extract adds a new flavor twist, too. For a richer chocolate taste, increase the cocoa powder to 1/3 cup. This makes the bars even more decadent and chocolatey. Don’t hesitate to experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit or seeds for a unique touch. If you want more bars, double the recipe. Use a 9x13 inch pan for a larger batch. Just remember to chill them longer if the mixture is thicker. For fewer bars, halve the ingredients and use a smaller dish. Adjust the chilling time as needed, making sure they set firmly. This flexibility makes these bars easy to fit into any occasion! Each bar contains about 150 calories. This means you can enjoy a sweet treat without guilt. The bars are made with healthy ingredients, so they provide good energy. - Rolled oats: These are great for your heart and give you fiber. - Pumpkin puree: This adds vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants. - Almond butter: Rich in healthy fats, it helps keep you full. - Honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners provide energy without refined sugar. - Cocoa powder: This offers antioxidants and may boost your mood. These ingredients work together to support your health and taste great too. - Swap almond butter for peanut butter if you prefer. - Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. - Try adding chia seeds for extra fiber and Omega-3s. - Use dark chocolate chips for less sugar and more antioxidants. These simple swaps keep your bars delicious and nutritious! You can store Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator. If you want them to last longer, keep them in a cool, dry place. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can freeze these bars for later use. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw. These bars pair well with a variety of drinks and snacks. Here are some great suggestions: - A glass of cold almond milk or regular milk. - A cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack. - Fresh fruit, like apple slices or banana, for a balanced treat. - Yogurt, which adds creaminess and extra protein. Feel free to mix and match these pairings to find your favorite! In this blog post, we explored how to make chocolate pumpkin oat bars. We discussed the main ingredients and shared options for nut butters and sweeteners. I provided step-by-step instructions to prepare and chill your mixture. You learned tips for perfect texture and storage. We also covered variations to fit different diets and tastes. These bars are a tasty treat packed with nutrition. They are easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making them your own and savor every bite!

Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Bars No-Bake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Bars! This easy recipe combines rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and rich cocoa for a healthy snack that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a midday treat, these bars are packed with nutrients and chocolatey goodness. Ready in just 15 minutes plus chilling time, they’re a great addition to your meal prep. Click to explore the full recipe and satisfy your cravings!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chunks)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture rigorously with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are fully combined. The result should be a thick, sticky mixture resembling a cookie dough.

    Incorporate Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any chopped nuts you choose to include, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture. This adds delightful texture and flavor to each bar.

      Transfer to Pan: Line an 8x8 inch (or similar size) square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some excess paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later. Pour the oat mixture into the lined dish. Use your hands or the back of a spatula to press the mixture down firmly and evenly, ensuring a compact layer.

        Chill to Set: Place the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for a minimum of 2 hours. This step is essential for achieving a firm and cuttable texture.

          Cut into Bars: After the chilling period, remove the set mixture from the pan using the parchment overhang. Transfer it to a cutting board and slice it into squares or rectangles, according to your preferred bar size.

            Store for Freshness: Store the freshly made bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to one week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for extended storage—ideal for snacking anytime.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                - Presentation Tips: Consider wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and tying them with a string for a charming touch if you're sharing them. Place on a platter for a lovely display!