Easy Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Bars Recipe For Breakfast or Dessert (High-Protein, High-Fiber) by Jan Mostrom

Fall is here, and so arrives my desire to make all things pumpkin! This easy pumpkin spice oatmeal bars recipe bakes up deliciously and is naturally gluten-free. I love the optional add-ins to change the snack recipe up. And if you want to make it a dessert, just add some whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Photo credit (all photos): Jan Mostrom

To make these fall pumpkin bars you'll need the following ingredients: rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, brown sugar (or maple syrup), pumpkin puree, milk (cow's milk or nut milk), vanilla extract and ground flaxseeds.

If you're wondering why I add flaxseeds to this recipe, know that there are many health benefits of flaxseeds. Some people even say that flaxseeds are "the most powerful plant foods on the planet," according to WebMD. Flaxseeds may reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, help improve cardiovascular health and blood sugar, reduce inflammation and even help with hot flashes associated with menopause.

Serve these pumpkin spice bars for dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack. 

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 to 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free, regular or quick cooking)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (grated fresh is best)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 1/4 cups milk (oat, almond or regular)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds

Optional Add-ins

• chocolate chips
• walnuts
• pecans
• raisins
• maple syrup

Here's how to make it: 

1. In a mixing bowl add the oats, nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking powder.
   
2. Add in the brown sugar, milk, ground flax seeds, vanilla and pumpkin puree. Mix well. If you are adding optional ingredients blend them in here. (I added chocolate chips and they were a hit! You can use maple syrup instead of the brown sugar.)
   
3. Pour batter into an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 375-degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is golden on top and the edges are puffed up. (You can use an 8x8-inch pan, 9x9-inch pan or similar-sized casserole dish.)
   
4. Remove from oven and let cool for for 15 minutes before cutting.
   
5. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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