Imagine biting into a granola bar that captures the essence of fall in every single delicious crumb - that's exactly what these Hearty Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars deliver! Packed with warm pumpkin spices, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, these homemade treats are not just a snack, but a culinary experience that transforms your ordinary morning or afternoon into a cozy, flavor-filled moment. Whether you're a pumpkin spice enthusiast or just looking for a nutritious, delectable treat, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, pumpkin puree, honey, and almond butter. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and create a consistent, sticky mixture.
- Add pumpkin pie spice and salt to the mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly throughout the batter.
- Fold in chopped nuts and dried cranberries, ensuring they are distributed equally throughout the granola mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the granola firmly and create an even, compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top feels firm to the touch.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The cooling process helps the bars set and become easier to cut.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the granola slab out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into 10 even bars, ensuring clean and straight cuts.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most authentic flavor - avoid using pumpkin pie filling.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure compact, well-formed bars that hold together.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast your nuts before adding them to the mixture.
- Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for varied texture and taste.
- If the edges brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil to prevent burning.
- Store bars between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking when storing.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of protein powder to the mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
