Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced bar that combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with the rich, decadent allure of dark chocolate. These Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are not just a dessert—they're a seasonal experience that will transform your snacking game forever. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with autumn-inspired flavors, these bars are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a delicious, nutritious indulgence that feels both luxurious and guilt-free.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, and honey. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a consistent texture.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mixture. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fold in half of the dark chocolate chips into the mixture, reserving the remaining chips for topping.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down firmly with a spatula to create a compact layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining dark chocolate chips on top of the mixture, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use high-quality rolled oats for the best texture and nutrition.
- Make sure your almond butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For extra richness, use dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa content.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure compact, well-formed bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them hold their shape.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for unique flavor variations.
- Store bars in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer, chilled texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
