Baked Pumpkin Bites
Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again! These baked oatmeal pumpkin bites are the ultimate morning treat, combining the cozy flavors of autumn with a wholesome twist. Packed with pumpkin spice goodness and perfect for on-the-go munching, these bites will have you waking up with a smile all season long!
Even if you’re not a huge fan of ordinary oatmeal, these slightly sweet and spiced bites will totally win you over. They’re just the right size for small hands or a smaller appetite. Grab a couple and you’ll be satisfied for hours. Because they’re so easy to make (and also awesome for meal prep), you may find that this cute mini muffin becomes your favorite fall treat.
If you’re pumped for even more ravishing pumpkin recipes, you have to check out our 25 Best Vegan Pumpkin Recipes roundup! Let’s get this pumpkin bites party started!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Bites
Give these pumpkin oatmeal bites just one nibble, and you’ll be noshing on them every free moment you have. The balanced blend of spicy and sweet is delightful and oh-so-delicious. If those reasons aren’t quite enough, here are even more:
- Simple and Easy. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these little nuggets in the oven, filling your kitchen with spices and the scent of fall. All you have to do is mix, pour, and bake.
- Delicious and Nutritious. Packed with omega 3s, B-vitamins, minerals, fiber, and heart-healthy ingredients, these mini muffins have the very best flavor and texture. It’s amazing how tasty they are any time of day!
- Satisfying Snack or Breakfast. With a healthy dose of fiber (and also a dash of sweetness), your tummy will be tamed and satiated.
- Great for On-the-Go. Prepare a batch ahead of time and these brilliant bites can be an excellent addition to lunches, busy morning breakfast grab, or a thoughtful baked gift for family and friends.
- Kid-Friendly. If you’ve been having trouble introducing your kids to oatmeal, you have your answer! These pumpkin bites taste just like warmly sweet and spiced chocolate chip muffins. Kids fall head over heels for these “treats.”
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
These little bites of heaven start with hearty rolled oats, which provide a delightful chewiness. Then, we spice things up with the warm notes of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and, of course, pumpkin puree for that quintessential fall flavor burst. So, let’s dive into the pantry and uncover the stars of this delectable recipe!
- Oats: Rolled oats work the best in this recipe. They are the main base that keeps the rest of the recipe ingredients together. For a gluten-free option, swap for quinoa flakes or rice oats.
- Chia Seeds: These miraculous little seeds add fiber, omega 3s, and extra protein. You can substitute them with ground flaxseeds, if needed. But, the chia seeds do add a tiny bit of lovely crunch to these bites.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds a rich pumpkin flavor and moisture, keeping the bites tender and soft. Substitute with applesauce or sweet potato puree. Canned pumpkin is the easiest to use and any extra can be added to make a delicious pumpkin milkshake—yum!
- Non-Dairy Milk: Plant-based milks high in protein (such as soy or oat) boosts the creaminess and protein level of these sweetly spiced snacks. For a special burst of flavor, choose a seasonal milk such as Califia Farms’ Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk or Silk Pumpkin Spice Almond Creamer.
- Maple Syrup: This ingredient sweetens the oatmeal bites just enough without making them sickly sweet like candy. Feel free to swap for agave nectar or brown sugar if you are out of this lovely syrup.
- Spices: Cinnamon is both sweet and warm, while the other flavors are spicy and a little more pungent. An alternative to pumpkin spice is apple pie spice (which contains cardamom, but no clove) or simply just use cinnamon. If neither appeals to you, leave out the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices and add extra vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, dried orange peel, and/or cocoa powder instead.
How To Make These Pumpkin Bites
Step One: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a muffin pan with oil or line it with 9 cupcake liners.
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, chia seeds, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, soymilk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Thoroughly mix the ingredients.
Step Three: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, distributing it evenly to make 9 oatmeal bites. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top.
Step Four: Bake for 11 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.
How To Serve Up Pumpkin Bites
Want to impress your taste buds while staying on the healthy track? Whip up a batch of these delectable pumpkin bite snacks so that your cravings and health will be in perfect harmony. These tips and suggestions will give you even more ideas to spice up this already incredible recipe:
- Not Pleased with Pumpkin? – No problem! If pumpkin isn’t your favorite flavor, feel free to swap out the pumpkin puree for equal amounts of applesauce or mashed sweet potato. Both flavors will taste great with the same spices used in the recipe, too.
- Level Up with Fancy Frosting – For a healthier dessert option, use this recipe as the cupcake base and then add a layer of your favorite flavored frosting or favorite vegan whipped cream. Our vegan frosting guide has everything you need to know about choosing pre-made frosting or making your own.
- Pair with Nut Butter – Spread your favorite nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, on top of the pumpkin bites. This adds creaminess and a delicious nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
- Sensational with Yogurt – Top your pumpkin bites with a dollop of non-dairy yogurt or vegan cream cheese. This adds a refreshing creaminess and can balance the sweetness, making for a delightful breakfast or snack.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – These baked oatmeal pumpkin bites are great for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge. They make a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack!
FAQs
You can enjoy these bites warm from the oven, room temperature, or freeze for later. They will last for about 3 days at room temperature, about a week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to let the bites come to room temp before storing in a sealed container for any of the methods mentioned.
We haven’t tried this recipe using gluten-free flour but, if you give it a try, let us know! It should be a simple swap if you use a brand such as King Arthur’s Measure for Measure, Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour, or GF Jules Cup for Cup Baking Flour.
You bet! Add one scoop of plant-based protein powder into the batter. No other recipe or cooking time adjustments need to be made. We tested this and couldn’t taste a difference!
Ooh! We have so many to share. Our favorites include dairy-free mice krispies treats, easy vegan mummy hot dogs and vegan mummy meatballs, and a super cute fruity jack o’lantern smoothie.
More Easy Pumpkin Recipes to Try
Print me! Did you know you can easily print our recipes? Just tap the “Print Recipe” button in the recipe card. You can keep a stack of new recipes to try in your kitchen—or better yet—create a recipe binder where you keep all your favorites!
Baked Oatmeal Pumpkin Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup soymilk, or other plant-based milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips, mini if available, divided (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Gently grease a muffin pan with oil or line it with 9 cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, add the oats, chia seeds, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, soymilk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of the chocolate chips. Mix to combine.
- Spoon batter into the muffin tin, evenly dividing it into 9 muffins bites. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.
- Bake for 11 minutes, and then remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Notes
- Storage Tips: You can enjoy these bites warm from the oven, room temperature, or freeze for later. They will last for about 3 days at room temp, about a week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to let the bites come to room temp before storing in a sealed container for any of the methods mentioned.
- Fantastic for Fall: Bake a batch for Halloween parties, an easy grab-and-go breakfast, and kids lunchboxes and after school snacks.
- Want a Protein Boost? Add one scoop of plant-based protein into the batter. No other recipe or cooking time adjustments need to be made. We tested this and couldn’t taste a difference!
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
Love recipes like this that are healthy AND delicious!
These pumpkin baked oatmeal bites are so tasty! I want pumpkin everything now and these hit the spot.
So cute and so tasty!
I adore these little nuggets of fall! They’re so delicious and satisfying. You’ve got to try them!
Delicious seasonal little bites!!!