Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Almond Granola Bars
Indulge in these delectable Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Almond Granola Bars, a perfect blend of earthy pumpkin, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate. These bars boast a chewy texture and are naturally sweetened, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious road trip snack or a delightful addition to your child's school lunch box. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, dried fruits, and seeds, they provide energy and satisfaction without compromising on taste. Best of all, these bars are gluten-free—just omit the optional wheat germ. Get ready to enjoy a treat that not only tastes amazing but is also good for you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
old fashioned oats
5 cups (ensure gluten-free by checking packaging)
cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
slivered almonds
3/4 cup (raw or toasted)
wheat germ
1/2 cup (omit for gluten-free)
dried fruit
1 cup (chopped (e.g., apricots and cranberries))
toasted seeds
1/2 cup (e.g., sunflower and pumpkin, lightly toasted)
pumpkin puree
1 cup (home-made or canned)
applesauce
1/2 cup (unsweetened)
honey
1/4 cup (raw preferred)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure extract)
chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 10-inch by 10-inch baking pan by lightly buttering it and lining the bottom with baking paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, slivered almonds, wheat germ (if using), dried fruit, toasted seeds, chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all the oats and add-ins are fully moistened and evenly coated.
5
Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press it down firmly to compact the mixture, ensuring the bars hold together after baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once baked, allow the mixture to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
7
Using the edges of the parchment paper, lift the granola slab out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 bars of your desired size.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Almond Granola Bars?
They are a chewy, naturally sweetened snack made with oats, pumpkin, almonds, and chocolate, perfect for road trips or school lunches.
How many granola bars does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 16 granola bars depending on how you cut them.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these bars?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How long should the granola bars bake?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Are these pumpkin granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, they are gluten-free as long as you omit the wheat germ and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either home-made or canned pumpkin puree.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for old-fashioned oats.
Is wheat germ a mandatory ingredient?
No, wheat germ is optional and should be omitted if you require a gluten-free version.
What size baking pan is needed?
You should use a 10-inch by 10-inch baking pan.
How do I prevent the granola bars from sticking to the pan?
Lightly butter the pan and line the bottom with baking paper (parchment paper) for easy removal.
What kind of dried fruit works best in these bars?
The recipe suggests chopped dried fruits like apricots and cranberries, but you can use your favorites.
What types of seeds should I include?
Lightly toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds are recommended.
Can I substitute the honey in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for raw honey, you could likely substitute with another liquid sweetener like maple syrup, though it may change the flavor slightly.
What type of chocolate chips are best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are recommended for the best flavor balance.
Is there any oil or butter in the granola bar mixture?
No, the moisture comes from pumpkin puree and applesauce, making them a healthier option.
How do I ensure the bars don't crumble?
Press the mixture down firmly into the baking dish before putting it in the oven to compact the ingredients.
How long should I let the bars cool before cutting?
Allow the mixture to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it out to cut.
What is the best way to cut the granola slab into bars?
Lift the slab out using the parchment paper edges and use a sharp knife on a cutting board.
Should the almonds be toasted?
You can use either raw or toasted slivered almonds based on your preference.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
What type of applesauce should I use?
Unsweetened applesauce is recommended to control the sugar content.
What is the texture of these granola bars?
These bars are characterized by a moist and chewy texture.
Are these bars suitable for a school lunch box?
Yes, they are described as a delightful and nutritious addition to a child's school lunch box.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?
Yes, home-made pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkin works perfectly.
Do I need to toast the seeds before adding them?
Yes, the recipe suggests using toasted seeds for better flavor and texture.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor for these bars.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
Look for the edges to turn a golden brown color.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the dry ingredients to enhance the flavors.
Are these bars high in energy?
Yes, they are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and seeds that provide energy and satisfaction.