This month we’re featuring a cozy fall recipe from Fit Foodie Finds: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars. These bars deliver all the classic pumpkin spice flavors in a gooey, chewy dessert that’s made with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or a comforting snack with your morning coffee.
What is the Fit Foodie Cooking Club?
The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge that encourages home cooks to prepare one recipe from scratch and share their results. Each month the community makes the same featured recipe so members can compare tips, share variations, and celebrate real, wholesome food together.
September 2021 – The Details
Please read the entry details carefully so your submission counts. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments on the original recipe post.
Recipe of the Month
September 2021’s featured recipe is Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars — a fan-favorite fall dessert from Fit Foodie Finds. These bars are intentionally gooey, rich with pumpkin flavor, and made using better-for-you ingredients, making them an ideal healthy dessert option for seasonal entertaining or meal prep.
- Made with wholesome ingredients
- Bold pumpkin and spice flavors
- Gooey, cookie-like texture
- Kid-friendly and portable
- Great for snacks and meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the primary ingredients used to make these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars. Substitutions are possible, but these components create the ideal balance of texture and pumpkin flavor:
- Rolled oats
- White whole wheat flour
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Salt
- Chocolate chunks
- Eggs
- Creamy (drippy) cashew butter
- Unsweetened pumpkin puree
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and requires minimal equipment. Gather these basic tools before you begin:
- 8×8 baking pan (a 9×9 will also work)
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula and stirring utensils
- Optional: parchment paper for easier removal
Recipe Tips
Use these practical tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly gooey and easy to slice.
- Choose drippy cashew butter: A runnier cashew butter creates a softer, more gooey bar. Thicker butters may yield a firmer texture.
- Prepare the pan: Spray the pan well or line it with parchment paper so the bars release cleanly once cooled.
- Add coconut oil last: If your recipe includes melted coconut oil, add it at the end to avoid it solidifying when mixed with cold ingredients.
- Finish with salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking amplifies the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Let the bars rest: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before attempting to remove or cut them. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.
- Easy removal: After the rest period, run a butter knife around the edges to loosen the bars before lifting them out.
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club on Facebook
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club Facebook group to share photos of your finished bars, swap tips, and connect with other home cooks. The group is a supportive, free place to celebrate cooking from scratch.
How to Enter
Ready to share your version of the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars? Follow these steps to submit your entry:
- Take a clear photo of your baked bars.
- Leave a comment on the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars recipe post with your photo and a brief note about how the recipe went. A star-rating is optional but helpful. Be sure to include your name and email in the comment form so we can contact winners if selected.
Important Dates
Monday, September 13th, 2021 — First day to submit an entry.
Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 — Last day to submit your photo and comment.
Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 — Winners will be randomly selected and announced in this blog post and across social media.
The Prize
Two winners will each receive a $100 Target gift card. Winners will be chosen at random from qualifying comments submitted between September 13th and September 28th, 2021. Announcements will be made on the last Wednesday of the month and in this post.
Charity of the Month
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
In recognition of National Suicide Awareness Month, the featured nonprofit is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides crisis support, public education, and resources to improve mental health care and prevent suicide.
Donate
If you are able, please consider supporting the month’s featured charity with a donation. Contributions help sustain crisis services and outreach efforts that save lives.