Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars 4 Ingredients No Eggs No Dairy

I love baking with pumpkin, which is quite clear if you see my recent recipes, like my Pumpkin Scones, Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, or Pumpkin Banana Cake. Fall is my favorite season because of all the spice flavors it brings to my kitchen. Baking with pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree turns any classic dessert or snack into a super delicious and flavorsome treat. I’m a pumpkin fan. If you are too, you need to make these bars!

Ingredients and Substitutions

This recipe requires only 4 ingredients to work, though you can also customize it and add some of the optional ingredients I list in the recipe card.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Choose thick, whole oats for the best texture. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. Pumpkin Puree – Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Homemade puree works well too, but ensure it’s not too watery. Peanut Butter – I use fresh, runny peanut butter for the best consistency. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives for different flavors or nut-free options. Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup provides the best flavor, but other liquid sweeteners like agave syrup or coconut nectar can be used. For a sugar-free version, try a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup. Pumpkin Spices – Use a store-bought pumpkin spice mix or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Ground cinnamon alone can be used for a simpler flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

This recipe is super easy to make, almost impossible to fail. But if you like to see in pictures how to make it, here are photos of key steps.

Expert Tips

I’ve included all detailed instructions in the recipe card, but let me give you a few more tips and tricks that didn’t fit in the card:

Oat Blending – When creating oat flour, pulse in short bursts to avoid overheating and creating a paste. Mixing – Fold the ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense bars. Even Spreading – Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the pan for consistent baking. Baking Time – Watch closely towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-drying. The bars should be golden but still slightly soft in the center. Cooling – Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices. Texture Variation – For a crunchier top, sprinkle some extra oats or chopped nuts before baking.