Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars Recipe

The Perfect Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars Recipe for Cozy Snacking

Crafting delightful pumpkin maple granola bars has become my recent kitchen adventure.

Crisp autumn mornings inspire creative breakfast solutions that feel like warm hugs.

Wholesome ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of comforting flavors.

Oats, nuts, and pumpkin spices merge into a delectable treat that satisfies morning hunger.

Sweet maple notes weave through each crunchy bite, promising pure satisfaction.

Nutritious and simple, these bars offer a quick energy boost without complex preparation.

You’ll love how easily these come together in just minutes.

Dive into this recipe and let seasonal magic brighten your breakfast routine.

Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Old Fashioned Oats: Hearty and wholesome base for the granola bars.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and autumn flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener with rich depth.
  • Almond Butter: Provides creamy binding and nutty taste.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement pumpkin perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chopped Nuts, Chocolate Chips: Adds crunch and extra sweetness to the bars.

Baking Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars in Just a Few Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your delicious bars.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Rolled oats
  • Creamy pumpkin puree
  • Rich maple syrup
  • Smooth almond butter
  • Warm cinnamon
  • Fragrant nutmeg
  • Aromatic vanilla extract

Stir everything together until the mixture looks beautifully blended and inviting.

Step 3: Add Delightful Crunch

Gently fold in your favorite mix-ins:
  • Roughly chopped nuts
  • Decadent chocolate chips

Distribute these goodies evenly throughout the mixture for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Bar Shape

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or clean hands to press the granola firmly and evenly, ensuring a compact and consistent texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for those beautiful golden edges that signal your bars are ready.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them set and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, slice into perfect rectangles and enjoy your homemade treat!

Granola Bar Tips That Elevate Pumpkin Maple Flavor

  • Boost Oat Absorption: Mix pumpkin puree thoroughly with dry ingredients to ensure even moisture and prevent crumbly bars.
  • Customize Nut Selection: Swap almonds or pecans with your favorite nuts like walnuts or cashews for personalized flavor and texture.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust maple syrup quantity to make bars less sweet or more indulgent based on personal preference.
  • Prevent Sticking Disaster: Line baking pan completely with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy bar removal without breaking.
  • Enhance Texture Trick: Press mixture firmly and evenly into pan to create compact, sturdy granola bars that hold together perfectly.

Save Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars the Easy Way

  • Store cooled granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Layer bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm refrigerated bars on a baking sheet at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and revive their original texture.
  • Heat refrigerated bars for 10-15 seconds to slightly warm them, but be careful not to overheat and make them soggy.

Pumpkin Granola with Maple Flavor Ideas

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Complement the pumpkin and maple notes with a fragrant, spicy chai tea that echoes the granola bar's warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones.
  • Serve alongside Greek Yogurt Drizzle: Create a creamy contrast by topping the bars with tangy Greek yogurt and a light honey or maple syrup drizzle for extra richness.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's sweet caramel notes will beautifully enhance the nutty, chocolatey elements of the granola bars, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Enjoy with Apple Cider: A crisp, slightly tart apple cider will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, dense texture of the pumpkin maple granola bars.

Pumpkin Delights Treat Options

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular oats with certified gluten-free oats and use almond flour as a binding agent for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Nut-Free Version: Swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter and substitute chopped nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a school-friendly alternative.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate chips, and ensure maple syrup is pure plant-based sweetener.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce maple syrup quantity, add mashed ripe bananas for natural sweetness, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips for a diabetes-friendly version.

FAQs

  • Are these granola bars healthy?

Yes, they’re packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, pumpkin puree, and nuts, providing fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. They’re a wholesome snack option with natural sweeteners.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire recipe is gluten-free. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

  • How long will these granola bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will remain fresh for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days.

  • Can I customize the mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to swap nuts or chocolate chips with seeds, dried fruit, or alternative mix-ins that suit your taste preferences. Experiment and make the recipe your own.

Granola Bars That Blend Maple Warmth with Pumpkin Cheer

  • Whip Up Seasonal Comfort: Capture the cozy autumn vibes with these warm, spiced granola bars that bring pumpkin and maple flavors together in one delightful treat.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap nuts or add chocolate chips to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences or pantry ingredients on hand.
  • Super Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, press into pan, and bake – no complicated steps or advanced baking skills required for these foolproof bars.
  • Healthy Snack Solution: Packed with nutritious oats, natural sweeteners, and optional nuts, these bars offer a wholesome alternative to processed store-bought snacks.
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Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars Recipe

Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade Pumpkin Maple Granola Bars bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with a delightful blend of hearty oats, sweet maple, and rich pumpkin spices. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these bars a perfect snack for morning energy or midday comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) almond butter

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped nuts
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix rolled oats, creamy pumpkin puree, rich maple syrup, smooth almond butter, aromatic ground cinnamon, warm nutmeg, and fragrant vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Gently incorporate roughly chopped pecans or walnuts and optional dark chocolate chips into the dense mixture, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
  4. Transfer the granola blend into the lined baking pan, pressing firmly and smoothing the surface to create a compact, uniform layer using a spatula or clean hands.
  5. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, watching for a golden-brown perimeter and a slightly firm center that indicates perfect doneness.
  6. Remove from oven and allow the granola slab to cool completely within the pan, which helps solidify the texture and makes precise cutting easier.
  7. Once entirely cooled, lift the parchment paper to extract the granola block and slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife, creating uniform portions.

Notes

  • Customize nut selection by swapping almonds or pecans with your favorite varieties for personalized crunch and flavor profile.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra protein and minerals.
  • Create gluten-free version using certified gluten-free oats and ensuring all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent crumbly texture by allowing bars to cool completely before cutting, which helps them hold together perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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