Go Back
In recent years, the trend for homemade snacks has gained tremendous momentum, with many people turning to the kitchen to create healthier alternatives to store-bought options. Among these homemade delights, granola bars have emerged as a favorite for their versatility and convenience. Packed with nutrients and customizable to suit various tastes, granola bars make for an ideal snack, whether you're on the go, enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, or looking for an energizing pre-workout bite.

Warm Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with these Cozy Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars! Perfect for a healthy snack, breakfast, or a pre-workout pick-me-up, these homemade bars are packed with nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and mixed nuts. With a delightful blend of pumpkin spice and cinnamon, they offer a warm and comforting taste that captures the essence of the season. Easy to make and customizable to your liking, these granola bars are a delicious way to enjoy autumn!

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), roughly chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well integrated.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are coated evenly. If you choose to add chocolate chips, fold them in gently to avoid melting too much.

          Press Into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (dampened) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Make sure it's compact, as this will help the bars hold together.

            Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

              Cool: Once done, remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour). Use the parchment overhang to lift the granola block out of the pan and onto a cutting board.

                Slice and Store: Using a sharp knife, slice the granola block into bars of your desired size. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hour | Makes 12 bars