Delicious and Healthy Pumpkin Granola Bars

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these homemade pumpkin granola bars. Packed with nutritious ingredients like pumpkin puree, oats, nuts, and honey, these bars make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. They are soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. These pumpkin granola bars are a delightful treat that will satisfy your autumn cravings!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, honey, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the oats, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries (or raisins) to the bowl. Mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are coated with the pumpkin mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. This will help them set properly before cutting.
7. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and cut into desired-sized bars or squares.
8. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy these homemade pumpkin granola bars as a nutritious snack or quick breakfast on the go!

Interesting Facts