Homemade Granola Bars

It’s a granola bar kind of day. 

I don’t know why, it just is. 

     

With a can of pumpkin to use, but not in the mood for making cookies, or pumpkin bread, or even a recipe for pumpkin muffins I just read about.  I think we are in need of a new energy-packed snack. 

Soooo, let’s give the granola bar a chance.  This is super easy and super good for you.  A win, win.  

You can add in anything you want.  Pecans, chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruits.  I just used what I had on hand (chopped walnuts and almonds).  But go a little crazy and add some chocolate chips :)  

             

Pumpkin-Nut Granola Bars 

(recipe adapted from browneyedbaker.com)

• 3¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
• ¼ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾- 1 cup chopped raw almonds
• ¾- 1 cup chopped raw walnuts  (or any nuts or chocolate you want)

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

- In a large bowl whisk together the oats, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.

- In a medium bowl whisk together the brown sugar, pumpkin, applesauce, honey and vanilla extract until combined and smooth.

- Pour the mixture over the oats and use aspatula or spoon to mix until all of the oats are moistened. Stir in your mix-ins (nuts or chocolate chips)

- Evenly press the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Don’t underbake!

- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. 

TIPS: The Bars can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and kept at room temperature or in the fridge.

          

Plus, as they bake it will make your whole house smell like the holiday season.

Now, what’s better than that?!