Pumpkin Spice and Apple Oatmeal Bars with Maple Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and chewy oatmeal bars infused with pumpkin spice and fresh apple chunks, finished with a sweet maple glaze for a perfect Halloween treat. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, combines rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 9, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 9 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in 1 medium peeled and diced apple.
  4. Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Step 5: While bars cool, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp milk until smooth to make the maple glaze.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pumpkin Spice and Apple Oatmeal Bars with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Spice and Apple Oatmeal Bars with Maple Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Spice and Apple Oatmeal Bars with Maple Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pumpkin Spice and Apple Oatmeal Bars with Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pumpkin Spice and Apple Oatmeal Bars with Maple Glaze?

American halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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