Pumpkin for breakfast? Why not. Try these delicious and filling Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. [Photos by Kim Gehling]

We’ve officially reached fall. With that comes the controversial pumpkin spice flavors. Our house loves them, which is why I decided to try a new recipe that brings pumpkin into a breakfast item.

Since school started, I’ve been making breakfast for the kids each morning. Neither of them wants to eat the same thing every day, so I’m always looking for new ideas that are simple but satisfying.

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are perfect for that. You make them once and everyone can enjoy them for several mornings. I like to microwave each bar for a few seconds to make it taste warm and freshly baked each time.

The boys loved these bars when they tried them this morning. They do contain brown sugar and chocolate, but a lot of the sweetness comes from pure maple syrup. That makes them a less sugary option than some other breakfast treats.

Adding pumpkin to these breakfast bars not only gives them a naturally sweet and moist texture, but also packs them with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that help keep you energized through the morning. Combined with oats, which are great for keeping you feeling full, and providing fiber to start your day off right.

They’re filling, delicious and have just enough sweetness to feel like a treat that’s perfect for the morning.

From our kitchen to yours — enjoy!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Serves 12

Ingredients:

4 c. old-fashioned oats
½ c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
4 t. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
½ c. milk
½ c. pure maple syrup
⅓ c. brown sugar
4 t. vanilla
½ c. mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir in the eggs, pumpkin, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla until fully blended. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top and reaching all edges.
  • Bake for 40 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.