These chewy, golden pumpkin granola bars burst with the rich essence of pumpkin puree, combined with a delightful medley of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Each bite is a perfect harmony of crispy oats and crunchy nuts, sweetened with a touch of golden syrup.
These bars are studded with vibrant pumpkin seeds for an added crunch and a boost of nutrition, making them a great snack for any time of day. Together with chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, each bite is a mouthful of sweetness and hearty textures that will leave you craving more. Follow this recipe and dive into a deliciously seasonal treat that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing!
Table of contents
- Why you’ll love these pumpkin granola bars
- Ingredients for pumpkin granola bars
- How to make pumpkin granola bars
- Success tips for making pumpkin granola bars
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- What type of oats should I use?
- What can I substitute for nut butter?
- Can I make these vegan?
- How to know when they’re done baking?
- How long do these pumpkin granola bars last?
- More fall recipes
Why you’ll love these pumpkin granola bars
- Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward with simple steps. Simply combine dry and wet ingredients, then bake them in the oven.
- Cosy and comforting: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices li creates a cosy, comforting flavour profile that evokes the essence of fall.
- Nutrient-rich ingredients: Packed with fibre-rich oats, pumpkin seeds, and antioxidant-rich pumpkin, these bars offer a healthy dose of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, magnesium, and healthy fats.
- Convenient: These bars are an easy grab-and-go snack, perfect for busy mornings, post-workout energy boosts, or a sweet treat during the day.
- Versatile and Customisable: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favourite add-ins, such as dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes, making them uniquely yours!
Ingredients for pumpkin granola bars
- Pumpkin puree: I used canned pumpkin puree for convenience.
- Almond butter: This acts as a binding agent that holds the ingredients together, and adds a rich, nutty flavour that complements the pumpkin. You can use types of nut butter.
- Sweetener: Use honey, maple syrup, or golden syrup to add a rich sweetness to the granola bars. This also helps bind the ingredients together.
- Rolled oats: Use rolled oats to create granola bars with a chewy texture.
- Warm spices: Add in cinnamon powder, ginger powder, and nutmeg for a cosy essence of fall flavours.
- Salt: For flavour enhancement.
- Chopped nuts: Include chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to give the bars an additional crunch.
- Add-ins: Include your preferred add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds to make your own favourite version of pumpkin granola bars.
How to make pumpkin granola bars
- In a large bowl, mix together the wet ingredients – pumpkin puree, almond butter, golden syrup, and vanilla extract.
- In another large bowl, combine dry ingredients – rolled oats, cosy spices, salt, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Fold in the add-ins – pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8 x 8 inch square pan. Spread it out and press down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175ºC for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into bars.
Success tips for making pumpkin granola bars
Choose the right pumpkin.
When using canned pumpkin, opt for pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste of the bars in this recipe.
Mix thoroughly.
Ensure that all ingredients, particularly the wet ones are well combined with the dry ingredients to achieve an even distribution of flavours and textures.
Press firmly.
When spreading the mixture into the pan, press it down firmly to create a compact base. This helps the bars hold their shape once baked or cooled.
Cool completely before cutting.
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting to help them firm up. This prevents them from crumbling when you slice them.
Do a taste test.
Before baking, taste your mixture! Adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your preference.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure to cook and puree it first. Canned pumpkin is convenient and has a consistent texture, but fresh can add a unique flavour!
What type of oats should I use?
Rolled oats work best for granola bars as they provide a chewy texture. Quick or instant oats can be used, but they may result in a softer bar.
What can I substitute for nut butter?
If you want a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed butter or tahini. These will still provide the binding effect and add flavour!
Can I make these vegan?
All the ingredients in this recipe are vegan except the chocolate chips. Simply substitute them with vegan-friendly chocolate chips, or opt them out.
How to know when they’re done baking?
As you bake the granola bars, look for a lightly golden edge and a firm texture. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
How long do these pumpkin granola bars last?
When stored in an airtight container, pumpkin granola bars typically last about 3-5 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness or freeze them for up to three months.
Whether you’re fueling up for a morning adventure, enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, or treating yourself to a wholesome dessert, these pumpkin granola bars are your go-to! With their irresistible aroma and hearty texture, each bar embodies the essence of fall and will have you coming back for more.
More fall recipes
I’d love to hear about your experience making my recipes! If you’ve tried this Pumpkin Granola Bars recipe or any other recipe on HomeCookJournal, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Feel free to take snapshots of your experience with my recipes and share them on Instagram so I can repost on stories! And if you have any other foods you’d like to make, please feel free to comment as well!
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Pumpkin Granola Bars
Equipment
- 1 8-inch square pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
- ⅓ cup golden syrup (or honey, maple syrup)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Optional add-ins
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175ºC.
- Mix together wet ingredients in a large bowl – pumpkin puree, almond butter, golden syrup, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine dry ingredients – rolled oats, spices, salt, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones, and mix well.
- Fold in pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread it out and press down firmly to create a compact base.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175ºC for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.