Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Bars

Prep: 10 minCook: 40 min12 barsmediumAmerican
Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Bars with Granola Crust

These hearty breakfast bars combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a satisfying granola crust. The creamy pumpkin filling, made with Greek yogurt and maple syrup, sits atop a crunchy base for a perfect morning treat. Ideal for meal prep, these bars offer the comfort of pumpkin pie in a portable format that's perfect for busy mornings or afternoon snacks. The combination of protein from eggs and Greek yogurt makes them more substantial than typical sweet treats.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 bars
  • 2 ¼ cup granola
    rolled oats1:1gluten-free

    Use plain oats for simpler flavor

  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
    butter1:1vegetarianadds dairy

    Melted butter works equally well

    Full guide →
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree, canned
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup reduced-fat milk
    whole milk1:1

    Richer texture and flavor

  • cup plain Greek yogurt
    sour cream1:1

    More tangy flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup maple syrup
    honey1:1vegetarian

    Slightly different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and spray baking dish with cooking spray

  2. 2

    Pulse granola in food processor until coarse crumbs form

  3. 3

    Stir melted coconut oil into granola crumbs and press into bottom of baking dish

  4. 4

    Stir together remaining ingredients in large bowl

  5. 5

    Pour pumpkin mixture over granola crust

  6. 6

    Bake until pumpkin mixture is set

  7. 7

    Allow bars to cool then cut into portions

Tips

Tip 1

If you don't have a food processor, place granola in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Tip 2

Don't worry if the granola crust seems crumbly - it will hold together after baking.

Tip 3

Test doneness by gently shaking the pan - the center should be just set with minimal jiggle.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days

Make Ahead

Can be made 2 days ahead - flavors improve overnight

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or chilled

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake or the bars will become rubbery

Watch

Press granola crust firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

granola
rolled oats1:1gluten-free

Use plain oats for simpler flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

coconut oil
butter1:1vegetarianadds dairy

Melted butter works equally well

Full guide →
reduced-fat milk
whole milk1:1

Richer texture and flavor

Full guide →
maple syrup
honey1:1vegetarian

Slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →
Greek yogurt
sour cream1:1

More tangy flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

Mix 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and pinch of cloves as substitute.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for dairy-free version.