Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake

As colder weather approaches, I am dusting off my old sweaters and cozy recipes. This pumpkin oatmeal bar recipe is one of my all time favorites for the fall season. It is the perfect balance of cozy warm spices and sweetened, hearty oatmeal to fill the belly

Pumpkin adds a huge boost of vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber!

Ingredients

1 (15oz) can of pumpkin puree
2 eggs - room temp
1 1/4 cups milk of choice
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cup old fashion rolled oats, gluten free if desired
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (yes, tablespoon)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Mix-Ins

1/2 cup nuts: pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons flax seeds

Optional: Cream Cheese Glaze

1 tablespoon softened cream cheese
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons milk of choice, to thin glaze

Directions

Step 1

Start preheating oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Line or grease a 9X9 pan or muffin tin and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 (15oz) can of pumpkin puree, 2 eggs (room temp), 1 1/4 cups milk of choice, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 4

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients (2 1/2 cups old fashion rolled oats, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon salt). Mix until well combined.

Step 5

Fold in any optional mix-in’s you are using.

Step 6

Pour mixture into prepared pan, smooth top, and bake a 9x9 for 35-45 minutes or muffins for 20-25 min until edges are slightly golden brown and middle is set.

Step 7

Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Cream cheese glaze (optional, but delicious)

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Incorporate milk 1 teaspoon at a time to thin glaze.
Pour glaze over oatmeal bake once it has cooled.

Mama’s Notes

Storage:

Store in fridge for 7 days or cut and wrap with plastic wrap then place in a freeze bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Place in fridge to thaw when you are ready to enjoy.