Name: Healthy Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups oats; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup mashed banana; 1/4 cup tahini; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 eggs; 2 tsp pumpkin spice; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup of dark chocolate (chopped)

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This flourless pumpkin bread is the perfect recipe for a nutritious and wholesome breakfast.

banana pumpkin and oat bars cross section

Made from oats instead of flour, this pumpkin bread recipe contains fiber and protein to help you stay fuller for longer.

It is easy to make, flourless, and has a perfectly moist texture.

With just one food processor, you'll be able to make this flourless healthy pumpkin bread in just 30 minutes with a few staple ingredients.

Why you'll love this Flourless Pumpkin Bread

Meal Prep Friendly. Make a loaf of pumpkin bread in the beginning of the week and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Simple preparation. Throw all the ingredients into a food processor and let the machine do the work for you.
Convenient. This sliced pumpkin bread is portable and great for a quick on-the-go breakfast or midday snack.
Customizable. Tailor the recipe to your preferences by incorporating different mix-ins, including nuts and seeds or dried fruits.
Made by a dietitian who loves simple and nutritious recipes!

Watch before you make it

Variations and Additions

ingredients for banana and pumpkin oat bars

Chopped nuts

I love adding texture and flavor by folding in a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. The nutty crunch complements the creamy pumpkin and banana perfectly.

Dried Fruits

Speaking of texture, I also love adding dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy texture.

Protein Powder

Mix in a scoop of an unflavored protein powder or collagen powder to elevate the protein content and turn these bars an excellent post-workout snack.

Citrus Zest

Finish these oat bars with a pinch of citrus zest (orange or lemon) at the end of baking to brighten the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.

Yogurt Drizzle

Serve these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt to add additional protein and creaminess.

What makes this recipe healthy?

Fiber

This recipe is packed with fiber from the oats which can help promote heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.

These bars provide sustained energy and help with digestion, making them an excellent choice for breakfast.

Low Refined Sugar

The recipe emphasizes the use of natural sweetness from bananas and a touch of maple syrup, minimizing reliance on refined sugars.

Nutrient Density

Between bananas, pumpkin, and oats, these bars pack a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

banana pumpkin bread with chocolate chunks

Storage

Refrigeration

Place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate. This can extend their shelf life to about 5-7 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration might slightly dry these bars out, making them firmer the longer they are in the fridge.

Freezing

If you've made a larger batch or want to have bars on hand for the future, freeze them individually. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Store the wrapped bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or quickly warm them up in the microwave or toaster oven.

Print Recipe

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Bars

These easy pumpkin banana oatmeal bars are a blend of creamy pumpkin puree, sweet mashed bananas, hearty oats, and aromatic pumpkin spice. Prepared effortlessly in a food processor, this recipe offers a convenient and quick way to create a nutritious and convenient breakfast or snack.

Prep Time1

Cook Time30

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast oatmeal bars, dairy free recipes, gluten free desserts, gluten-free banana bread, healthy banana bread, healthy breakfast

Servings: servings

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Wan Na Chun

Equipment

Food processor

Ingredients

2 cups oats
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup mashed banana
¼ cup tahini
¼ cup maple syrup
2 eggs
2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Pinch of salt
½ cup of dark chocolate chopped

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 9x5" baking dish with parchment paper.

Process the Ingredients:

In a food processor, combine the oats, pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, tahini, maple syrup, eggs, and pumpkin spice. Process on high for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to overproccess as the mixture will be gummy.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Pour the processed batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread and level the mixture.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. You'll know the bars are ready when the edges turn golden brown, and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and Slice:

Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the bars cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board to cool completely.

Cut into Bars:

After the bars have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into your desired size and shape.

Serve and Store:

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can substitute the tahini with any nut or seed butter of your choice. If you're vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoon water for each egg).

Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Overripe bananas are ideal as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.

Pumpkin Spice: If you don't have pre-made pumpkin spice, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in equal parts.

Texture and Mix-ins: If you prefer more texture in your bars, consider adding chopped nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to the batter before processing. Fold them in gently after blending, if desired.

Baking Time: Baking time can vary depending on your oven's accuracy and the thickness of the bars. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet.

Cooling: Allowing the bars to cool in the baking dish for a short period helps them set before slicing. This prevents them from falling apart when cutting.

Nutrition

If you want more easy and nutritious sweet treats, check out these recipes:

Soft Baked Orange and Oat Bars

Larabars Ingredients and Recipe (15 flavors)

Healthy Snickers Bar Recipe (with dates)

No-Bake Four Ingredient Protein Bars Healthy Recipe

You'll Love This Paleo One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I replace the eggs to make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Swap the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoon water for each egg) to create a vegan-friendly version of these bars.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but it might require some additional steps. Roast or steam the pumpkin until tender, then blend it into a smooth puree before using it in the recipe.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be sure not to overbake, as this can make them dry.

Can I omit the maple syrup or use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetener to your preference. You can use honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute if desired.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe gluten-free friendly. Make sure you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that all ingredients, including spices and mix-ins, are gluten-free.

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Yes, you can incorporate protein powder to boost the protein content. However, this might affect the texture, so consider adjusting the liquid content accordingly.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These bars are kid-friendly due to their natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients. They can be a great addition to school lunches or snacks.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter instead of tahini?

Yes, you can substitute tahini with almond butter, all natural peanut butter, cashew butter, or any other nut or seed butter of your choice.

More Oatmeal Recipes

Are you an oatmeal lover? Here are some recipes that I think you'll enjoy.

Flourless Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Healthy, Gluten-Free)

Why you'll love this Flourless Pumpkin Bread

Watch before you make it