Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Why I Love This Recipe

I appreciate how this recipe combines the comforting taste of pumpkin spice with the hearty texture of oats. The addition of chocolate chips adds a touch of sweetness, making these bars feel like a treat while still being health-conscious. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup 100% pure pumpkin puree

• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar

• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set for 15 minutes)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups gluten-free rolled oats

• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons gluten-free oat flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Add-ins:

• ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons additional chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or greased foil.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, prepared flax egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just incorporated, ensuring no flour patches remain.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top.

6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the edges are browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 1 hour, or until completely cool.

8. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 9 bars

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

I enjoy customizing these bars by substituting the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or raisins for a fruitier twist. For added texture, I sometimes include sunflower seeds or shredded coconut. If I prefer a spicier flavor, I increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger.

Storage and Reheating

After cooling completely, I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, I allow them to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or warm them in the microwave in 10-second increments until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, I can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or another granulated sweetener of my choice. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and sweetness level.

What can I use instead of oat flour?

If I don’t have oat flour, I can make my own by grinding gluten-free rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency.

Are these bars suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a great option for a quick and nutritious breakfast on the go.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, I can omit the chopped pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make the bars nut-free.

How do I make a flax egg?

To make a flax egg, I mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 15 minutes until it thickens.

Conclusion

These gluten-free pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal breakfast bars are a delightful and versatile treat that I can enjoy any time of day. Their combination of warm spices, hearty oats, and sweet chocolate chips makes them a favorite in my household. Whether I’m looking for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a wholesome dessert, these bars always hit the spot.