Butterscotch Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 12–16 bars
When fall baking season hits, pumpkin recipes take center stage — and these Butterscotch Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars deserve a standing ovation.
They’re soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and loaded with sweet butterscotch chips that melt into every bite. The oats give them a hearty texture, while the pumpkin keeps them incredibly moist. Add a simple vanilla glaze on top, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like pure autumn comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
These bars strike the perfect balance between cookie and cake. They’re:
- Soft and tender from pumpkin purée
- Chewy thanks to old-fashioned oats
- Rich and sweet with butterscotch chips
- Packed with cozy fall spices
- Easy to slice and serve for gatherings
If you’re a fan of seasonal favorites like These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat or festive desserts like These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form, these pumpkin bars will fit right into your fall baking lineup.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
For the Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Variations
Pumpkin Purée:
Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Oats:
Old-fashioned oats provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats can be used but will produce a softer bar.
Add-Ins:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- White chocolate chips
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top
If you enjoy make-ahead dessert bars like These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert or rich treats like The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot), you’ll love how simple and crowd-friendly these are.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Mix until smooth.
Add pumpkin purée, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Add Oats & Butterscotch
Fold in the oats and butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.
Do not overmix.
5. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
6. Optional Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled bars.
Allow glaze to set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake — pumpkin bars stay moist when slightly soft in the center.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- For thicker bars, use an 8×8 pan and extend baking time slightly.
- Store with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Bar)
- Calories: ~290
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
Values vary depending on glaze and portion size.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
These bars travel well, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday dessert tables alongside treats like This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.
More Fall Recipes You’ll Love
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot)
Final Thoughts
Butterscotch Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars are everything we love about fall baking — warm spices, soft texture, and comforting sweetness in every bite.
They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake and impressive enough for holiday gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become part of your seasonal favorites.
If you make them, let me know — glaze or no glaze? Extra butterscotch? I’d love to hear your twist on this cozy classic.
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