These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars come together in 1 mixing bowl. They’re egg free, vegan if using dairy-free chocolate chips, and gluten free if using certified gluten-free oats. The addition of chocolate chips makes them taste like dessert—a delicious & healthy way to satisfy your pumpkin cravings!
Though my website focuses on traditional baking and dessert recipes, I test and bake healthy recipes all the time. It’s usually what we eat/snack on during the week, then we save the indulgent goodies for the weekend… like mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins and apple cinnamon babka. I just made another loaf—cannot get enough!
A version of today’s recipe has lived on my website for years, but it was never a favorite. These pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars are new and improved. They’re vegan, gluten free, and flavored with pumpkin, spices, maple, and vanilla. And best of all, by pulsing the oats into a finer cut, they hold their shape MUCH better than the previous version.
Plus, they’re adult and toddler approved. They’re like a bar version of my healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies or pumpkin baked oatmeal cups, both of which are equally flavorful and wholesome. (And delicious!)
The bars take about 25–30 minutes to bake. Remove them from the oven, then cool completely. I usually cool them on the counter for 30 minutes, then place the whole pan in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours to speed it up.
Following the recipe, bake time, and cooling instructions below, the bars are like a soft oatmeal bar—a firmer version of baked oatmeal.
On another note, do you like KIND bars? I have a homemade pumpkin spice version on my website called Pumpkin Seed Cranberry Snack Bars. I LOVE them because of all the varying textures: chewy, crunchy, chunky!
“Healthy” is a relative term. In my eyes, these are perfectly healthy pumpkin bars. They’re made with whole foods like pumpkin, applesauce, and fiber-filled oats, plus there’s no white flour or butter. However, they may be too sugary for someone who needs to watch their sugar intake and they’re obviously not ideal for anyone allergic to oats.
When it comes to labeling recipes as healthy, use the best judgment for YOU.
See more of my egg free baking recipes and gluten free recipes. If your sweet tooth is calling, here are more of my favorite healthy dessert recipes and gluten free dessert recipes!
These pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal bars are soft and chewy with satisfying pumpkin flavor. Using a food processor or blender to break down the oats (step 2) ensures the bars hold their shape. I don't recommend any ingredient substitutions other than those listed in the recipe & recipe notes.
