Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

With the arrival of Fall, it’s time to bring out the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice! These Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are soft, moist, and delicious while also being packed with nutrition. Made with whole grain oats, flaxseeds for healthy fats, naturally sweetened with applesauce, and spiced with warm, cozy flavors, they’re a nutritious treat. What makes this recipe special is the optional addition of lentils! They blend into the batter and add protein, fiber, and iron without changing the flavor, so even picky eaters won’t notice. If you’re not sure about the lentils, you can leave them out—the bars will still be delicious.. And if you’re looking for more pumpkin breakfast ideas, try this pumpkin pie oatmeal, pumpkin chia pudding, or pumpkin pie yogurt!

Ingredients

Rolled oats – While you can purchase oat flour, making it at home is so easy and much cheaper! You can also use quick oats. Pumpkin – you can use homemade or canned pumpkin puree. If using the latter, be sure it is NOT pumpkin pie filling which contains sugar. Ground flaxseeds – A great source of healthy fats, protein, iron, zinc, and fiber. Red lentils – One of the top foods to serve to babies as they’re a great source of iron, fiber, and protein. There’s no need to pre-soak. You can also leave out and add more oats, if preferred. Milk – use whole fat cow’s milk as babies and toddlers need all the fat for proper brain development. You can substitute with non-dairy alternatives, like almond or coconut milk. Pumpkin spice – used to bring warm flavors to these bars. It’s easy to make your own pumpkin pie spice at home or you can grab one from the store. Cinnamon – although it’s included in the pumpkin pie spice, I encourage you to add extra! Unsweetened applesauce – Use store-bought or homemade applesauce. You can also substitute with equal amounts of mashed banana. If you desire a sweeter treat, see suggestions below. Chocolate chips – Add a touch of indulgence and complement the hearty and slightly nutty taste of these pumpkin oatmeal bars. Leave out for babies under 2. Pecans – I just love the combination of pumpkin and pecans. Be sure to finely chop for babies. You can substitute with walnuts if you prefer, or leave out completely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Adjust the Sweetness of Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

I highly suggest trying this recipe with just the maple syrup first time around. You can even leave it out if serving to your baby. You can always top with mashed or pureed fruit, or date syrup. If you want to sweeten these up more, try adding:

up to 1/3 cup maple syrup 4-5 medjool dates (be sure to soak in hot water to help soften before blending) 1/3-1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Storage Suggestions

Transfer to an airtight container and keep in fridge for up to 5 days. The texture will become more dense so rather than eating straight from the fridge, I suggest bringing to room temperature or reheating briefly in the microwave (30 seconds or so) or the toaster oven. You can also freeze for up to 3 months. I like to use the same method as for freezing muffins. That way, you can easily pull out however many you need. Thaw in the fridge and bring to room temperature. If you want to reheat, again, do so briefly.