These Pumpkin Oat Bars make snack time feel easy, and healthy. These soft bars use simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, rolled oats, applesauce, banana, and cinnamon. You don’t need fancy tools or hard steps. Just mix, bake, and serve. They’re naturally sweet, great for toddlers, and easy to pack for daycare, school, or home snacks.
You’re a busy parent looking for quick, wholesome treats. These bars check all the boxes. You’ll find baby-friendly, gluten-free, no-bake, and high-protein options in one place. Try fun flavors like pumpkin banana, chocolate chip, or apple oat. Keep reading to explore tasty twists your toddler will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin oat bars make snack time feel easy. These bars are soft, sweet, and full of healthy stuff like pumpkin, oats, and applesauce. You can pack them for daycare, serve them for breakfast, or enjoy them as an afternoon treat with milk. Toddlers love the taste. Parents love the simple ingredients.
- These bars use real pumpkin puree and rolled oats, not processed mixes.
- You won’t need refined sugar. Maple syrup or mashed bananas give enough natural sweetness.
- Applesauce keeps them moist without oil or butter.
- The bars bake soft, so toddlers can chew them easily.
- They fit many needs—dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and can be egg-free too.
- This recipe uses pantry staples, so you can make them anytime.
- You can add mix-ins like raisins, mini chocolate chips, or chia seeds to keep it fun.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
This recipe comes together with just pantry basics. Everything is wholesome, perfect for little tummies.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 egg (or flax egg if needed)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
You can add extras like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins if your toddler enjoys them.
Substitutions
Out of something? No worries. Try these simple swaps:
- You can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Mashed banana works well in place of applesauce. It also adds a natural sweetness toddlers enjoy.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no need to change anything for that.
- You can use honey instead of maple syrup if your child is over 1 year old.
- Date puree is another great sweetener choice if you’re avoiding added sugar.
- Taste the batter before baking to check if it’s sweet enough for your little one. Add more mashed fruit or syrup as needed.
Always taste your mix before baking if you’re unsure about sweetness. Adjust to your toddler’s taste.
How To Make Pumpkin Oat Bars
This recipe is super simple. You don’t need a mixer or anything fancy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, add pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir well.
- Add oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything looks combined.
- Pour the mix into the pan. Smooth the top with a spoon.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let it cool fully. Slice into small squares or bars.
These bars are soft and perfect for snack time, lunchboxes, or breakfast. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to Store
Keep these bars fresh and safe for your toddler with easy storage tips.
- Place cooled bars in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them in a zip bag or box.
- Use parchment paper between layers to stop sticking.
- Thaw frozen bars in the fridge overnight or warm slightly in the microwave.
- Always check the texture before serving to small kids.
- You may also like Apple Oat Bars, Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.
Best Tips for Success
These tips help you get the best texture and taste every time.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Measure the oats and wet ingredients carefully for the right balance.
- Don’t skip the applesauce. It keeps the bars soft and moist.
- Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make bars dense.
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing. Warm bars fall apart.
- Taste the batter before baking. Add a little more maple syrup or banana if it needs sweetness.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and no mess.
- Try fun add-ins like mini chocolate chips, raisins, or chia seeds to mix things up
Pumpkin Oat Bars variations
Try these cozy and healthy Pumpkin Oat Bars variations made for little hands and big smiles. From baby-friendly bites to chocolate chip treats, these simple twists use pantry staples like pumpkin, oats, banana, and applesauce. Great for snacks, breakfast, or lunchboxes.
Pumpkin Oat Bars for Baby
Pumpkin Oat Bars for Baby stay soft, simple, and naturally sweet. They use pumpkin, applesauce, and oats—great for baby-led weaning.
Mash everything in a bowl: pumpkin puree, oats, applesauce, and a little cinnamon. Skip sugar and salt. Bake until firm but soft.
Pumpkin Oat Bars No Bake
Pumpkin Oat Bars No Bake keeps things quick and cool. They’re perfect for hot days or busy mornings.
Mix pumpkin puree, oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Press into a pan. Chill in the fridge until set. Cut and serve cold.
Pumpkin Oat Bars No Egg
Pumpkin Oat Bars No Egg are safe and easy for egg-free homes. The bars still hold together and stay moist.
Swap egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). Mix with pumpkin, oats, and applesauce. Bake as usual.
Pumpkin Oat Bars Gluten Free
Pumpkin Oat Bars Gluten Free use certified gluten-free oats and no flour. They’re great for kids with sensitivities.
Use rolled oats labeled gluten-free. Add pumpkin, maple syrup, and applesauce. Bake until golden and set.
Pumpkin Oat Bars No Flour
Pumpkin Oat Bars No Flour feel wholesome and light. Oats give all the texture toddlers need.
Skip flour and blend pumpkin, oats, banana, and cinnamon. Stir and bake. The bars come out soft and chewy.
Pumpkin Oat Banana Bars
Pumpkin Oat Banana Bars taste sweet and cozy. Bananas add flavor and natural sugar toddlers love.
Mash banana with pumpkin puree, oats, and cinnamon. Stir and bake. These bars come out soft and sweet.
Pumpkin Oat Peanut Butter Bars
Pumpkin Oat Peanut Butter Bars bring protein and flavor. Peanut butter makes them rich and filling.
Mix peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin puree. Add a touch of maple syrup and bake. Great for a high-energy snack.
Pumpkin Apple Oat Bars
Pumpkin Apple Oat Bars give fall flavors in one bite. Applesauce and diced apples make them moist and yummy.
Combine pumpkin, oats, applesauce, and cinnamon. Add tiny apple chunks for texture. Stir and bake.
Pumpkin Date Oat Bars
Pumpkin Date Oat Bars feel sweet without added sugar. Dates add fiber and a chewy bite.
Soften chopped dates in warm water. Mix with pumpkin, oats, and applesauce. Blend and bake until firm.
Pumpkin Oat Bars with Flax and Chia Seeds
Pumpkin Oat Bars with Flax and Chia Seeds bring a fiber boost. These seeds help with digestion and energy.
Stir flaxseed and chia into your pumpkin, oats, and maple syrup mix. Bake until golden and set.
Pumpkin Granola Oat Bars
Pumpkin Granola Oat Bars add crunch and fun. Kids love the crispy edges.
Use a mix of oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Stir in pumpkin puree and honey. Bake for a chewy granola feel.
Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Bars
Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Bars taste like dessert. Chocolate chips melt in for a sweet surprise.
Stir dark chocolate chips into pumpkin, oats, and maple syrup. Mix well and bake. Let cool before slicing.
Pumpkin Oat Crumble Bars
Pumpkin Oat Crumble Bars give a soft center and crispy top. The layers make it fun to eat.
Mix pumpkin with spices and oats. Save some oats to sprinkle on top before baking. Bake until golden.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Protein Bars
Pumpkin Oatmeal Protein Bars help kids stay full longer. Perfect before school or playtime. You may try our more Oatmeal in our Category Section
Stir in your favorite protein powder with oats and pumpkin. Add peanut butter or almond butter for extra strength. Bake and cool.
Pumpkin Oat Bars with Applesauce
Pumpkin Oat Bars with Applesauce stay soft without oil. Applesauce makes them moist and kid-friendly.
Combine applesauce, pumpkin, oats, and cinnamon. Stir and bake. These bars stay tender for days.
5 Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Bars
5 Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Bars save time. Great for quick prep with little ones.
Use pumpkin puree, oats, applesauce, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Mix and bake. That’s it!
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Bars
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Bars keep it super simple. Toddlers love the taste.
Use mashed banana, pumpkin puree, and oats. Mix and bake in a lined pan. Cool before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my pumpkin oat bars turn out too soft?
Extra moisture from pumpkin or applesauce can make bars feel mushy. Use rolled oats, not quick oats, to soak up more liquid. Let the bars cool fully before cutting—they firm up as they cool.
Can I skip the egg?
Yes! Use a flax egg instead. Just mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. It keeps the bars soft and helps them hold together.
Are these safe for babies?
Yes, with a few changes. Use unsweetened pumpkin and skip added sugar or sweeteners. Keep mix-ins like chocolate chips out. These bars work great for baby-led weaning.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Let them cool, then cut into bars and layer with parchment paper. Store in a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the fridge or warm gently in the microwave.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the bars may turn out softer and less chewy. Rolled oats give a better texture, especially for toddlers learning to chew.
What mix-ins work well for toddlers?
Try small add-ins like mashed banana, soft raisins, finely chopped apple, or a spoon of peanut butter. Avoid hard nuts or large chunks for safety.
How do I keep the bars from falling apart?
Measure wet and dry ingredients carefully. Don’t overmix. Press the batter firmly into the pan and bake until the edges look set. Cooling fully helps bars hold their shape.
Pumpkin Oat Bars Recipe
Pumpkin Oat Bars are soft, chewy, and taste just like a little slice of pumpkin pie you can hold in your hand! Made with pumpkin, oats, and cozy spices, they’re the perfect snack for kids and parents alike. A fun fall treat that works any time of the year
16
servings10
minutes20
minutes97
kcal30
minutesIngredients
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 ½ cups rolled oats
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 egg (or flax egg if needed)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, add pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir well.
- Add oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything looks combined.
- Pour the mix into the pan. Smooth the top with a spoon.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let it cool fully. Slice into small squares or bars.
