Decadent Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Squares
Indulge in these deliciously soft and chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Squares, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or a delightful snack. Blending the warm spices of pumpkin pie with rich chocolate chips, these bars deliver a comforting autumn flavor any time of the year. Made with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats and pure pumpkin, they are not only delightful but also nutritious. Packed with fiber and energy, these granola squares are sure to keep you satisfied and fueled throughout your day. Ideal for meal prep, these bars can be made ahead of time and are perfect for on-the-go snacking or lunchbox treats for both kids and adults alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Old fashioned oats
3 1/4 cups (None)
Pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (Pack firmly)
Pumpkin puree
1/2 cup (None)
Applesauce
1/4 cup (None)
Honey
1/4 cup (None)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Chocolate chips
1 cup (Semi-sweet or dark preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well mixed and set this mixture aside.
3
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat mixture and stir well until all the oats are fully coated and moist. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5
Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula or your hands to firmly press it down into an even layer.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. It's important not to underbake as the pumpkin may keep the bars soft; they should have a golden appearance throughout.
7
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Then, using a sharp knife, cut into squares or bars while still warm.
8
Carefully remove the bars from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of these granola squares?
These squares feature a blend of warm pumpkin pie spices and rich chocolate chips for a comforting autumn flavor.
What type of oats should be used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 1/4 cups of old-fashioned oats.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking pan is required?
You will need an 8x8 inch baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What spices are included in the dry mixture?
The spice mix includes pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
What wet ingredients are whisked together?
Whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
The recipe specifies pure pumpkin puree; pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices and may alter the results.
What role does applesauce play in these granola squares?
Applesauce adds moisture and acts as a wholesome ingredient to keep the bars soft and chewy.
How long should the granola squares bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Why is it important not to underbake these bars?
Underbaking may cause the bars to stay too soft because of the moisture in the pumpkin puree.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Pour the wet mixture over the dry oats and stir until all oats are fully coated and moist.
When should the chocolate chips be added?
Gently fold in the chocolate chips after the wet and dry ingredients are fully combined.
What is the best way to ensure the bars hold their shape?
Use a spatula or your hands to firmly press the mixture down into an even layer in the pan before baking.
How long should the pan cool before cutting?
Allow the pan to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
Should the bars be cut while warm or cold?
Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars while they are still warm.
Are these granola squares suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are ideal for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for on-the-go snacking.
What type of chocolate chips are recommended?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are preferred for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The brown sugar should be firmly packed when measuring the 3/4 cup.
Does this recipe contain honey?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of honey as a natural sweetener.
What is the texture of these granola squares?
They are described as deliciously soft and chewy.
Are these bars appropriate for a lunchbox?
Yes, they are perfect for lunchbox treats for both kids and adults.
Can I use these for breakfast?
Absolutely, they are designed to be a wholesome breakfast option.
What provides the fiber in this recipe?
The old-fashioned oats and pure pumpkin provide a good source of fiber.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How much pumpkin pie spice is used?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
What should the mixture look like before baking?
All the oats should be fully coated, moist, and pressed into an even layer.
Where should the bars finish cooling?
After cutting, remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
The base recipe does not include nuts, though they could likely be added as a variation.