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As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting flavors of fall. Cozy Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars serve as the perfect embodiment of this season, offering a delightful snack that is both wholesome and satisfying. These bars not only capture the essence of autumn but also present a host of nutritional benefits, making them an ideal choice for breakfast on-the-go or a midday pick-me-up.

Warm Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

Fall is here, and it's time to enjoy the cozy flavors of the season with delicious Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, and almond butter, these bars are not just tasty but also nutritious. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they are easy to make and can be customized to your liking with dried fruits or chocolate. Embrace fall's essence and satisfy your cravings with this delightful treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup creamy almond butter

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your choice of dried fruit)

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

    Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure they are well combined.

      Blend the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the almond butter, pure maple syrup, canned pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

        Combine and Mix: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are fully coated. For optimal mixing, you may find it helpful to use your hands, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

          Fold in Add-Ins: Carefully fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips (if using), ensuring they are well incorporated into the mixture.

            Transfer to Baking Pan: Spoon the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or your hands, press the mixture down firmly to create an even compact layer. This step is crucial for achieving good structure in the final bars.

              Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.

                Cool and Slice: Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to gently lift the granola out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to cool completely before slicing it into bars.

                  Store: Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for a soft texture, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | Makes 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola bars on a rustic wooden platter, and consider drizzling a little extra dark chocolate over the top or sprinkling some sea salt for an added touch. Enjoy your cozy snack!