Pumpkin Granola Bars Recipe

These Homemade Pumpkin Granola bars are packed with flavor and fresh, simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. They are also a lot healthier than store-bought granola bars, so they’re better for your family. And you might be surprised to learn how easy - and cheap! - it is to make your own granola bars. Great for breakfast or the perfect fall snack to satisfy any pumpkin craving.

Why I Love This Pumpkin Granola Bar Recipe

• Most likely, all ingredients are in your kitchen now.
• Super easy and healthy-ish breakfast or great afternoon snack.
• SO easy to make and the whole family loves them.
• Make at the beginning of the week and let the kids snack throughout the week.
• Add mix-ins to cater it to your liking.
• The hint of chocolate in these chewy granola bars = OMG delish!

Fall is the time for all things pumpkin and when I especially love making these chewy Pumpkin Granola Bars. They’re easy to make, cost pennies per bar, and they are just absolutely delicious any time of year. I also love making them because they don't take a lot of time to put together, are packed with healthy ingredients, and did I mention they’re delicious?! 

These pumpkin flavor granola bars are healthier than the boxed ones from the grocery store, but they are no less delicious. I’ll make a batch of these for the week and they’ll be gone in 24 hours! That’s why, if your family is anything like mine, I recommend making a double batch.

You can also use this easy granola bar recipe to make all sorts of tasty bars! Add a little orange zest or chopped nuts into the mix. Or sweeten things up a bit with some chocolate chips for  truly delicious pumpkin chocolate chip granola bars. Mmmmmm, chocolate.

Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients you might just have in your kitchen already!

Oats - Use rolled old-fashioned oats for best results. Check the label if you require gluten free oats.

Pumpkin pie spice - (sub: 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp nutmeg to make your own pumpkin pie spice).

Salt - Use any variety.

Brown sugar - Light or dark brown sugar can be used.

Pumpkin puree - Make sure you get the 100% pure pumpkin puree and not the pumpkin pie filling.

Honey - Use agave or maple syrup for a vegan version.

Vanilla extract - Use quality extracts for the best flavors.

Mix-ins - Add your favorite mix-ins for a personalized flavor. Chocolate chips are my fave and go so well with pumpkin, but I’ve included a lot more ideas in the Mix-Ins Section below.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars

These homemade granola bars come together so easily in just a few simple steps.

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin pie spice and salt.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk or stir the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, honey and vanilla extract. 

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 5

Pour the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture in an even layer, making sure to pack in the corners.

Step 6

Bake granola bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown. 

Let cool in the baking sheet and lift the parchment paper from the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 3x1-inch strips.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Make sure you get the 100% pure pumpkin puree and not the pumpkin pie filling which already has spices and sweetener added.
• Sub agave nectar or maple syrup for the honey.
• Use the add-ins of your choice to personalize the bars to your family’s tastes.
• Check the ingredients label if you require certified gluten free ingredients.

Pumpkin Puree vs Canned Pumpkin

“Pumpkin puree” and "canned pumpkin” are interchangeable terms for the same thing. Both refer to canned pureed pumpkin that usually doesn't contain any ingredients other than 100% steamed and pureed pumpkin. Canned pumpkin pie filling, however, will usually contain additional ingredients like spices and sweeteners. Do not use pumpkin pie filling in recipes that only call for regular canned pumpkin puree.

Is It Safe To Eat Raw Pumpkin?

You can safely eat raw pumpkin, and it happens to be a tad more nutritious than when you cook it, especially if you cook it into a pie! But the taste and texture of raw pumpkin is a little bitter and kind of fibrous while roasted pumpkin is sweeter and smoother. Most people will puree or grate or shred raw pumpkin for salads, smoothies, garnishes, etc.

Granola Bar Mix-ins

Use your favorite additions to give these bars a personal touch.

Chips - Dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and toffee chips all work great with the flavor of these bars. 

Nuts & Seeds - Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Shelled sunflower seeds or, of course, pumpkin seeds are another great option.

Dried fruit - Add pieces or dried fruit like pineapple, ginger, mango, etc.

How to Serve Pumpkin Granola Bars

Serve these tasty pumpkin granola bars as part of a large breakfast with fruit and yogurt or just eat a couple on their own with your morning beverage. 

My favorite way is to add a healthy schmear of peanut butter or almond butter on them for breakfast or when having them as a snack.

These bars also make a great dessert option. Use them as the base for ice cream or top them with some jam and a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store Homemade Granola Bars

Wrap the bars in plastic wrap and store your pumpkin granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

You can also freeze these granola bars for up to 2 months in a freezer safe bag. I like to put a small piece of parchment paper between the bars so they don’t stick together when freezing. Thaw at room temperature fully before eating.

How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last In The Fridge

Pumpkin puree can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Transfer any pumpkin puree from the can to an appropriately sized airtight container with as little space for extra air as possible and place  in the coldest parts of your fridge. 

You can also freeze pumpkin puree for up to a year. I like to portion it out in ice cube trays or muffin tins first, freeze it that way, then transfer frozen pumpkin portions to a freezer bag. Write the date on the bag and store.

More Granola Recipes

Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bars
Blueberry Granola Bars
Homemade Granola with Honey
Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars