Pumpkin Oat Bars (Print-Friendly Version)
Layered spiced pumpkin with buttery base and crunchy oat topping, ideal for autumn indulgence.
# Ingredients:
→ Base
01 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
02 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 -
1 cup old fashioned oats
06 -
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Filling
09 -
2 large eggs
10 -
1/4 cup honey
11 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
13 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 -
1 cup pumpkin puree
15 -
1/4 cup heavy cream
16 -
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
17 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
18 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Topping
19 -
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
20 -
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter
21 -
3/4 cup old fashioned oats
22 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
23 -
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Additional
24 -
Cooking spray, for greasing pan
25 -
Parchment paper, for lining pan
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a rectangular baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, cream cold butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla until light and smooth, about 4 minutes. Add lightly crushed oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Chill for at least 20 minutes, then bake for 10 minutes until just firm.
02 -
Whisk eggs, honey, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and salt until fully incorporated.
03 -
Beat light brown sugar and cold butter in a stand mixer until blended. Add oats, flour, and salt; lightly break down oats with fingers and mix until crumbly.
04 -
Spread pumpkin filling evenly over the baked base. Cover with foil, slit open to allow steam to escape, and bake for 50 minutes until just set. Remove foil, sprinkle topping evenly over filling, and bake for 15 more minutes until golden and crisp.
05 -
Allow bars to cool at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for clean slicing and optimal flavor. Serve chilled with coffee or spiced tea.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Chilling the base before baking ensures a firm crust. Adding the oat topping near the end preserves crunch. Bars improve in flavor and texture after resting overnight in the refrigerator.