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To make these delicious granola bars, gather the following essentials: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter These ingredients are key. Rolled oats provide a hearty base, while pumpkin adds moisture and flavor. Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup bind everything together and add sweetness. The nut butter gives a creamy texture and healthy fats. For added crunch and taste, include: - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Chopped pecans give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Chia seeds boost nutrition and add texture. If you like a sweet touch, the dark chocolate chips are a great choice. Finally, don’t forget these spices: - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt Cinnamon and nutmeg warm up the flavor. Salt enhances all the other tastes in your bars. These spices make each bite cozy and inviting. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper over the edges. This helps with easy removal later. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup of chia seeds. - Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. - In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 cup of almond butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. - Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. - Mix until everything is well coated. If you want a treat, fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. - Press it down firmly to create an even layer. Use your hands or a spatula to compact it well. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a set center as signs of doneness. - Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. - Once cool, lift the granola out using the parchment paper. Cut into bars for serving. To make perfect granola bars, focus on consistency. The mix should be sticky but not runny. This helps the bars hold together. If your mix is too dry, add a bit more pumpkin or nut butter. If it's too wet, add oats. Compacting the mixture is key. After pouring it into your pan, press it down firmly. Use your hands or a spatula. This helps the bars stay together when baked and cut. For freshness, store your granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them chewy and tasty. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper. It makes them easy to grab and go. The shelf life is about one week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks that way. You can swap ingredients to fit your needs. If you have nut allergies, try sun butter or soy nut butter. For a different flavor, add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower can give more crunch. Feel free to experiment with spices too. A pinch of ginger or cardamom can add a nice twist. {{image_2}} To make these pumpkin pecan granola bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This change keeps the sweetness while ensuring it fits a vegan diet. Use almond butter or peanut butter as your nut butter. Both work well and add flavor. You can also skip the chocolate chips or choose dairy-free ones to stay vegan. You can easily change the flavor by using different nuts or seeds. Try walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a unique twist. Adding spices like ginger or extracts like vanilla can also enhance the taste. These small changes can make your bars even more interesting. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Seasonal ingredients can add a fun touch. In autumn, add dried cranberries or diced apples to the mix. This not only boosts flavor but also makes the bars festive. You can also try adding pumpkin spice for an extra seasonal kick. Each season brings new options to keep your granola bars exciting. Each Pumpkin Pecan Granola Bar has about 150 calories. This snack provides a good balance of nutrients. The macronutrient ratios are roughly: - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Protein: 3g Oats are full of fiber, which helps digestion. They can also lower cholesterol. Pumpkin is low in calories but high in vitamins. It has vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Pecans add healthy fats and protein. They are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. Chia seeds are tiny but mighty. They boost fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support heart health and keep you full longer. For healthy snacking, I suggest one bar at a time. If you slice them into 12 pieces, they are perfect for sharing or saving. These bars are great for breakfast or a midday snack. You can also pack them for school or work. They are easy to grab and eat on the go. You can use peanut butter instead of almond butter. Sunflower seed butter works too. Both options keep the bars creamy and tasty. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seed butter for a safe choice. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just cook and puree it until smooth. Make sure it has the same texture as canned pumpkin. This way, your bars will still taste great! Store leftover granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go snacks. Absolutely! You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you want a snack. You can crumble the bars over yogurt or ice cream. They also make a great topping for smoothie bowls. Pair them with a hot drink for a cozy snack on a chilly day! These pumpkin pecan granola bars are easy to make and full of flavor. You can mix wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin, and pecans for a tasty treat. Follow the steps to create your own bars, and use the tips to store them well. Remember, you can customize them to fit your tastes. Experiment with flavors and enjoy a snack that is both healthy and delicious. These bars will satisfy your cravings while keeping you nourished.

Pumpkin Pecan Granola Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Pumpkin Pecan Granola Bars! These easy-to-make treats combine wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin puree, and crunchy pecans for a perfect snack or breakfast on-the-go. With a hint of spice and optional chocolate chips, you'll love every bite! Click to discover the full recipe and learn how to create these tasty bars that are not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a fall favorite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup chia seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional but recommended)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

      In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.

          Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer. Use a spatula or your hands to compact it well.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

              Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift the granola out using the parchment paper and cut into bars.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                  - Presentation Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. For an elegant touch, wrap each bar in a small piece of parchment and tie with twine for gift-giving or snack packs!