Looking for a delicious and nutritious fall treat? Learn how to make Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars from scratch with my easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with the flavors of pumpkin and cranberries, these vegan homemade bars are perfect for satisfying your cravings. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free pleasure that will leave you wanting more!
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Hi beauties! With back to school in mind, I'm coming at you with these easy yet delicious pumpkin cranberry granola bars! So if you are craving a delicious and wholesome snack that embodies the flavors of autumn... I've got you covered here! These pumpkin cranberry granola bars are packed with the warm, comforting taste of pumpkin and the tart sweetness of cranberries, these bars are the ultimate treat to enjoy on a crisp fall day.
In this blog post, I'll guide you through the simple steps to make these homemade granola bars. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, our recipe is undeniably easy and fun to make. Plus, these bars are not only full of flavor but also packed with nutritious ingredients – a guilt-free pleasure that you can indulge in whenever you like.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of spices and to create a batch of Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars that will leave everyone eagerly reaching for more. Why settle for store-bought snacks when you can create your own homemade goodness? Follow along and be prepared to impress your family, friends, and yourself with these incredibly satisfying and wholesome bars.
How to Make Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars
If you're a fan of wholesome, easy-to-make snacks that are perfect for on-the-go or as a midday pick-me-up, then this recipe is for you. Let's get started on making these irresistibly tasty Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars!
Ingredients
- maple syrup (or honey)
- coconut oil
- smooth peanut butter
- brown sugar
- pure vanilla extract
- salt
- old-fashioned rolled oats
- pumpkin seeds
- ground flax seeds
- chia seeds
- dried cranberries
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, coconut oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until the coconut oil melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring until smooth.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flax seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.
- Pour the warm liquid mixture over the oats, flax, chia, and pumpkin seeds. Stir to combine, ensuring that the oats are well coated with the liquid.
- Fold the dried cranberries into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch square casserole dish or baking pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a glass. Make sure it is tightly packed.
- Bake the granola bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You can bake them longer if you prefer crunchier granola bars.
- After baking, let the granola bars cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours but leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes before putting them into your fridge so the glass does not crack.
- Once cooled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into bars of your desired size.
Storage and Freezing Instructions:
- To store, place the granola bars in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week for softer bars, or in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
- For longer storage, individually wrap the bars in wax paper or parchment paper and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them before freezing, as they become difficult to cut once frozen.
Tips for making homemade granola bars
Here are some tips and tricks for making homemade granola bars:
- Use fresh, quality ingredients: Start with high-quality oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your granola bars.
- Bind them well: Use a sticky binder such as honey, maple syrup, nut butter, or melted coconut oil to help the ingredients stick together and form the bars. This will prevent them from crumbling.
- Toast the oats and nuts: Toasting the oats and nuts before mixing them into the granola bar mixture enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Add variety: Experiment with different mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your granola bars and add extra flavor.
- Press firmly: When transferring the mixture into the baking dish, make sure to press it firmly and evenly. This ensures that the bars hold their shape and don't crumble when cut.
- Chill before cutting: Once the granola bars have finished baking, allow them to cool completely and then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before cutting. Chilling helps them set and hold their shape.
- Store properly: To keep your granola bars fresh and crisp, store them in an airtight container or individually wrap them in parchment paper. This helps to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming stale.
- Get creative: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations. You can add spices, different types of nuts, or even incorporate ingredients like pumpkin puree or mashed bananas for added moisture and taste.
- Customize the texture: Depending on your preference, you can make your granola bars chewy or crunchy by adjusting the baking time. For chewier bars, bake for less time, and for crunchier bars, bake for a bit longer.
- Double the batch: Granola bars are perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacks. Consider doubling the recipe and freezing some for later. Individually wrap the bars in parchment paper and store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
In conclusion, these Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars are a delightful fall treat that will satisfy your cravings for a wholesome and delicious snack. With the comforting flavors of pumpkin and the tangy sweetness of cranberries, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
By making your own granola bars at home, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a nutritious option that is packed with wholesome goodness. These bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking, a quick breakfast bite, or a midday energy boost.
If you have any questions about this recipe, leave it in the comment section below and I'll make sure to get back to you on it! If you make any of my recipes please tag your photos with #nikkisplate so I can see your beautiful creations! Any feedback in the comments below is greatly appreciated. I hope you have fun!
Share this delicious recipe with the rest of the Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook world! Also, make sure to follow my account to see when I post new recipes or home-inspired content at Nikki's Plate.
More Pumpkin Recipes:
- PUMPKIN SPICE DATE ROLLS
- PUMPKIN COOKIES RECIPE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- PUMPKIN APPLE BUNDT CAKE RECIPE WITH CARAMEL GLAZE
- HEALTHY GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN COOKIES
Until next time,
PUMPKIN CRANBERRY GRANOLA BARS
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon smooth peanut butter (or other nut butter)
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoon ground flax seeds
- 3 tablespoon chia seeds
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, coconut oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until the coconut oil melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring until smooth.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flax seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.
- Pour the warm liquid mixture over the oats, flax, chia, and pumpkin seeds. Stir to combine, ensuring that the oats are well coated with the liquid.
- Fold the dried cranberries into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch square casserole dish or baking pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a glass. Make sure it is tightly packed.
- Bake the granola bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You can bake them longer if you prefer crunchier granola bars.
- After baking, let the granola bars cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours but leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes before putting them into your fridge so the glass does not crack.
- Once cooled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into bars of your desired size.
Notes
- To store, place the granola bars in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week for softer bars, or in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
- For longer storage, individually wrap the bars in wax paper or parchment paper and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them before freezing, as they become difficult to cut once frozen.
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