If there’s one snack you need to indulge in this fall, it’s these pumpkin spice date bars. They are so delicious and easy to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for them as a go-to snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast all season long.
Plus, they’re made with rolled oats and are completely sugar-free, adding a wholesome and naturally sweet flavor to these delicious bars.
Since I’ve been making a conscious decision to reduce sugar in my diet, I have been experimenting a lot with recipes that are refined sugar-free but still taste delicious.
These pumpkin date bars are a winner—they’re sweet and flavorful, proving that you don’t need refined sugar to enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat.
So, if you are in the mood for some healthy pumpkin bars to satisfy that sweet tooth, look no further than this recipe.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Date Bars
Oat & Almond Flour: I combined oat flour and almond flour to create a better texture and add extra flavor and nutrition to the bars. Plus, these flours are gluten-free and high in fiber, making you fuller, faster, and not overindulge.
Pumpkin Puree: I like canned puree for convenience, but you can also use fresh pumpkin puree.
Date Paste: I use this to add sweetness to the bars. You can make this ingredient using my date paste recipe.
Peanut butter: Any nut butter will work in this recipe; however, the nut butter you use will significantly skew the taste. I like to use almond butter for a milder taste, which allows the pumpkin flavors to shine, or I’ll use peanut butter if I want a stronger nut flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice: Adds flavor to the treat. You can make your own or buy it from Amazon.
Cinnamon: Pumpkin spice typically contains cinnamon. However, we will use more cinnamon in this recipe for additional flavor.
Vanilla extract: For more flavor.
Baking soda: This helps neutralize the pumpkin puree’s acidity and prevents the bars from becoming too dense.
Salt: You will need just a pinch of salt.
Chopped pecans: If you aren’t a nuts fan, you can skip this.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These add a chocolatey flavor to the bars. I highly recommend you do not skip them. I usually grab a large dairy-free chocolate bar and chop it into fine pieces with a knife to make mini chocolate chips. But use whatever you prefer.
Granola: I like to add granola for some extra crunch.
How to Make Pumpkin Date Bars
These pumpkin bars are easy to prepare and come together quickly. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve yummy pumpkin spice date bars.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Line Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the oat flour, almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, date paste, nut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
Step 5: Fold in Your Toppings
Add your chosen toppings, such as chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and granola, and gently fold them into the batter.
Stir until everything is evenly distributed, making sure not to overmix. This way, every bite will be filled with tasty additions!
Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cut and Serve your Pumpkin Spice Date Bars
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars.
Enjoy your pumpkin date oat bars as a delicious fall snack with a warm glass of vanilla hot chocolate.
Expert Baking Tips & Storage
Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients.
I recommend mixing half the dry mixture first, then gradually adding the rest to ensure everything is well combined and the batter stays smooth.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking can make them dry, so start checking them around the 20-minute mark.
They should be just firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easy to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. This will help prevent them from sticking to the pan and make cutting them into squares a breeze.
Storing your pumpkin bars:
Store the pumpkin spice date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.
For extended storage, wrap the bars individually and freeze them for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Date Bars
Ingredients
- 1½ cups oat flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree - canned or fresh
- ¾ cup date paste
- ¼ cup nut butter - almond or peanut butter works, feel free to use your favorite nut butter.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ cup pecans - chopped, optional
- ¼ cup granola - optional
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.In another bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, date paste, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is thoroughly mixed. If you’re using chopped pecans, granola or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Evenly distribute the batter in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing them using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or bars.Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Date Bars with a cup of hot chocolate.
One Response
Delicious! I drizzled some extra melted chocolate on top hehe.