Pumpkin Oat Bars
on Sep 22, 2023, Updated Feb 05, 2024
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This is a perfect snack, or even breakfast, for the fall! I am loving anything with pumpkin in it, and these are so easy to make for your kids (and you!) My kids LOVE these, and I hope yours love them just as much! Keep reading for how to make!
Fall is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace the season than with a scrumptious treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients? I’m thrilled to share a toddler-friendly recipe that your little one will adore: Pumpkin Oat Bars! These bars are loaded with the goodness of mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, rolled oats, and a hint of pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon), making them a delightful and nutritious snack for your toddler. In this post, we’ll explore why these bars are fantastic, how to make them, and the best ways to store them for busy mom life.
Why Pumpkin Oat Bars Are Great for Toddlers
- Nutrient-Rich: These bars are brimming with nutrition. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and fiber, while oats provide sustained energy, keeping your little one fueled throughout the day.
- Natural Sweetness: The natural sweetness of mashed bananas eliminates the need for added sugars, making this snack a wholesome choice for your child.
- Seasonal Flavors: The addition of pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) gives these bars that cozy, fall-inspired flavor, making them perfect for enjoying during the autumn months.
- Versatile: You can customize these bars to suit your toddler’s taste. Add chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness, or consider adding raisins or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
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How to Make Pumpkin Oat Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 mashed bananas
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
- Chocolate chips (optional but recommended. If you don’t use them, I would suggest adding maple syrup or honey if over 1!)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In the baking dish, combine the mashed bananas and pumpkin puree. Mix them together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture.
- Add the rolled oats and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) to the wet ingredients. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Fold the chocolate chips into the mixture at this stage.
- Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the Pumpkin Oat Bars to cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to harden as well.
Storage
- Room Temperature: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To enjoy these bars beyond a week, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Pumpkin Oat Bars
Ingredients
- 2 mashed bananas
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon
- chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Thoroughly mash the bananas in the baking dish.
- Add all other ingredients and mix them together until completely smooth. Use a spatula to smooth and press down.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Let sit to cool and harden completely.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Soooo delish! Love the consistency and my kids are OBSESSED!
Yay that makes me so happy!
My 3 year old kept asking for more.
I’m so glad to hear that!
Is a serving truly 1100 calories or is that for the whole entire dish?
A serving is definitely not 1100, those numbers are automatically calculated and that’s not correct. Sorry about that!
This looks delicious! I always like to sneak an egg or two in for added protein. Do you have any recommendations for adjusting the cook time with an egg?
I think the same amount of time should be fine!
Do you store these in the fridge? Thanks! They’re delicious!
You can store them at room temp for a few days, and in the fridge if you need them to last longer. I’m glad you liked them!
Can you freeze these?
Yes for up to 3 months!
We aren’t introducing chocolate yet to our 20month old. So how much maple syrup or honey should we add?
Around 2 tablespoons, but you can add more to taste!
a hit with my 1 year old! i used raisins instead of choc chips and added some flax seeds and i thought that worked well too!