Ingredients:
Dry:
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Wet:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of your choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
Equipment:
- Food processor or blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or lightly grease it.
- Make Oat Flour: Pulse 1 cup of the rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they form a coarse flour.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, remaining 1 ½ cups of rolled oats, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the nuts (if using).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Don’t overbake: This will make them dry. Start checking at 30 minutes to be safe.
- Variations: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or other mix-ins for a fun twist.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the bars the night before and bake them in the morning for a quick, healthy breakfast.
