Pumpkin Oat Bars

Ingredients

Flax egg

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

3 tablespoons water

Wet ingredients

1 cup pumpkin purée, unsweetened

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅓ cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry ingredients

2½ cups rolled oats

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the flax egg. Mix the ground flaxseed and water in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until thickened.

Add the wet ingredients. Whisk in the pumpkin purée, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients. Stir in the rolled oats, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold in nuts, if desired.

Let the batter rest. Wait 5–10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb some moisture.

Bake. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 × 8-inch pan with parchment paper, spread the batter evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set.

Cool completely. Let the bars cool before slicing into 9 squares so they hold together.