Spiced Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these Spiced Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars! Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this wholesome recipe combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with oats, nuts, and dried cranberries. Easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients, these bars are not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or seeking a tasty post-workout treat, these granola bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Share them with family and friends or enjoy them all to yourself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
rolled oats
3 1/4 cups (uncooked)
pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
light brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
pumpkin puree
1/2 cup (canned)
applesauce
1/4 cup (unsweetened)
honey
1/4 cup (liquid)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (liquid)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (chopped)
pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat mixture and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all the oats are well coated.
5
Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat it with non-stick spray.
7
Press the granola mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, using your hands or the back of a spatula to create a compact layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
9
Once baked, remove the granola bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares or rectangles.
10
Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars?
Spiced Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars are a wholesome snack or breakfast option that combines rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and fall spices for a flavorful, nutritious treat.
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The primary ingredient is 3 1/4 cups of uncooked rolled oats.
How long do these granola bars need to bake?
The bars should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Can I use steel-cut oats for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for rolled oats; steel-cut oats will not provide the same texture and may remain too hard after baking.
Are these pumpkin granola bars vegan?
While tagged as vegan, the recipe contains honey. To make them strictly vegan, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How should I store these granola bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Can I freeze the Spiced Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
What type of pumpkin should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
It is best to use pure pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that may alter the recipe balance.
What is a good substitute for pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds (pepitas) if you prefer.
Can I omit the dried cranberries?
Yes, you can omit them or replace them with raisins or chocolate chips.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
An 8 x 8-inch baking pan is recommended.
How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
Ensure you press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan before baking to create a compact layer.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
The bars are gluten-free if you ensure that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
What spices are used in the bars?
The recipe uses pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Light brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and flavor, but white sugar can be used if necessary.
Why is applesauce used in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and acts as a binder while keeping the bars lower in fat.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges of the bars will start to turn a light golden brown when they are ready.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, folding in a handful of chocolate chips along with the nuts and cranberries is a delicious addition.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, these bars are a kid-friendly, nutritious snack that is easy to eat on the go.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
To make them nut-free, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
What is the texture of these granola bars?
They have a chewy and soft texture with a slight crunch from the pecans.
Should I grease the pan or use parchment paper?
You can do either; lining with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out after cooling.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, liquid maple syrup is an excellent 1:1 substitute for honey in this recipe.
Why must I wait for the bars to cool before cutting?
Cooling allows the bars to set and firm up, which prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9 x 13-inch pan, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Are these bars good for a post-workout snack?
Absolutely, they provide a great mix of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats for recovery.
Do I need to cook the oats first?
No, use dry, uncooked rolled oats as they will cook while the bars bake.
Can I add extra protein to these bars?
You can try adding a scoop of protein powder to the dry mixture, though you might need a splash more applesauce to maintain the moisture balance.