Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

Yields: 16 bars

• 1/2 100% pure pumpkin pure
• 2 tbsp. melted coconut oil
• 3 tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp. coconut sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp. ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp. of water, whisk together, set for 15 min.)
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp. gluten free oat flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. salt

Optional add-in ingredients

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup pecans

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients to a large bowl: pumpkin, coconut oil, maple syrup, sugar, flax egg, and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients: oats, oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until just incorporated, making sure no flour patches remain. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Step 4: Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer. Optionally, press chocolate chips and nuts into the batter.

Step 5: Baking for 20-30 minutes, until the edges have browned. Allow to cool on a cooling rack for about 1 hour, or until completely cool.