These healthy toddler pumpkin oatmeal bars (no sugar added) are the ultimate no-sugar-added fall snack that every little one will love.
As soon as the weather cools down and pumpkin spice starts filling the air, my kitchen turns into a cozy little bakery! But as a mom focused on real, whole foods, I always make sure our seasonal treats are packed with nutrients. That’s exactly how these incredible Healthy Toddler Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars were born! They are soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, and naturally sweetened using only fruit and pumpkin. If you’re looking for a simple, freezer-friendly breakfast or snack that sneaks in healthy fats and fiber (hello, chia and hemp seeds!) while tasting like a treat, stop searching. These are 100% toddler-approved, parent-approved, and ready to be your family’s new fall favorite.
You will love Healthy Toddler Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars because:
- No Added Sugar! These bars are naturally sweetened using just ripe bananas, making them a treat you can feel great about serving.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: They’re packed with healthy fats and Omega-3s thanks to the chia and hemp seeds, making them incredibly filling.
- Made with Pantry Staples: They come together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Super Easy Cleanup: The recipe comes together quickly in just one bowl—that means less mess for us busy parents!
- Soft, Chewy Texture: The bars are easy for little ones to chew, making them perfect for baby-led weaning or new eaters.
- Perfect for Small Hands: They hold together beautifully, ideal for on-the-go toddlers and lunchboxes.
- Endlessly Customizable: You can easily swap the raisins for chopped nuts or chocolate chips, and for a slightly sweeter bar, top them with a little yogurt, honey and nut butter!
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch now and freeze the rest for quick breakfasts and snacks all month long—perfect for meal prep!
- Naturally Gluten-Free: If you use certified gluten-free oats, they work perfectly for those with sensitivities.
- Toddler-Approved (But Adults Love Them Too!): They’re healthy enough for kids, but delicious enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Healthy Toddler Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are made with:
- Bananas: These provide the natural sweetness and moisture that eliminates the need for any added refined sugar.
- Pumpkin: A wonderful source of Vitamin A, this puree gives the bars their classic autumn flavor and soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon enhances the sweet flavors of the banana and cinnamon.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny nutritional superstars help bind the bars together while providing a massive boost of fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hemp Seeds: Loaded with healthy fats and protein, these add a subtle, nutty crunch and make the bars seriously filling.
- Almond Butter: This adds a rich, creamy fat that keeps the bars moist and boosts the protein content.
- Rolled Oats: The hearty, whole-grain base of the bars, providing tons of fiber and making them incredibly satisfying.
- Cinnamon: The essential spice for any fall treat, adding warmth and a sweet, comforting flavor profile.
- Salt: A small amount helps to balance and enhance all the other natural flavors, especially the cinnamon and pumpkin.
- Mix-Ins (Raisins, Nuts, or Chocolate Chips): You can easily customize these bars with your favorite additions for extra texture and fun.
How to make Healthy Toddler Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars:
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash your overripe bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and almond butter until completely combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the batter is thick.
- Stir in Mix-ins: Gently fold in your choice of raisins, chopped nuts (if appropriate for your child’s age), or mini chocolate chips.
- Bake: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool & Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cool, slice into small squares or sticks for tiny hands!
Substitutions:
- Almond Butter: Feel free to swap this for any nut butter (like peanut butter or cashew butter) or a seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) for a nut-free option.
- Mix-Ins: You can omit the mix-ins entirely for a plain bar, or swap them for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or a handful of blueberries.
- Spice: If you want a deeper flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
Recipe Tips:
- The Riper the Better: Use very ripe, spotty bananas! This is key for achieving the maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t Skimp on Cooling: It is crucial to let these bars cool completely before slicing. If you try to cut them while warm, they will crumble. Patience is a virtue here!
- Perfect Size: For younger toddlers or babies doing baby-led weaning, cut the bars into thin, finger-length sticks that are easy to grab.
- For a sweeter bar enjoy with a drizzle of honey or even yogurt, honey, and nut butter on top!
Taste and Texture:
These bars are wonderfully soft and chewy, with a dense texture that holds up well. They are lightly and naturally sweet, featuring that cozy, familiar pumpkin pie spice flavor, but without being overly rich. The chia seeds add a pleasant texture, and the hemp seeds bring a subtle nuttiness. They are hearty enough to keep bellies full but moist enough that even the pickiest eaters will find them enjoyable.
Serve and Store:
Counter: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fridge: They will last up to 7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These bars are freezer superheroes! I love to store them in the freezer and take them out a few hours or the night before. You can even just throw a bar in a container and let it thaw while you’re on the go—it’s the ultimate quick snack! For long-term storage, cut the cooled bars and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop one in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick, warm snack!
Other Recipes You May Enjoy:
- Spinach Banana Blender Muffins (Healthy Toddler Recipe)
- Healthy Toddler Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veggies (Easy Baked Recipe)
- Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce for Toddlers (Easy + Protein-Packed)
Healthy Toddler Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (No Added Sugar)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 small to medium overripe bananas thoroughly mashed
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cup almond butter or any preferred nut/seed butter
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4-1/2 cup raisins mini chocolate chips, or finely chopped nuts (adjust based on preference and child’s age)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing overhang on two sides.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and almond butter. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all is incorporated and the batter is very thick.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in your choice of raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, if using.
- Bake: Press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool & Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1-2 hours) before slicing. Lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or sticks.
