Chocolate Pumpkin Granola Bars – Pumpkin Delights Recipe Series

Even though I officially broke out the pumpkin back in July, now it's really pumpkin weather. I bought a couple of cans of pumpkin this week and have been brainstorming new ways to use it. Well I am happy to say that today's recipe is one you're sure to enjoy! I love a quick breakfast or snack that you can eat on the go and what better than a granola bar? This recipe is an adaptation of the one I made several months ago, inspired by an episode of the Barefoot Contessa, only with pumpkin instead of fruit. I loved the way they smelled baking in the oven; the combination of pumpkin, cinnamon and chocolate make the taste even more delicious than they smell. The resulting bars are crunchy, sweet and filled with fall-time goodness; enjoy and happy baking!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 c old fashioned oats
3/4 c chocolate chips, I used miniature
1/2 c pumpkin puree, I used canned
1/2 c flax meal
1/2 c honey
1/3 c brown sugar, packed
1 Tbs coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350º, line a large baking sheet with parchment and a 9"x13" baking pan with parchment, hanging the paper over the edges. Spread the oats over the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. In a large bowl combine the baked oats, flax meal, cinnamon, ginger and salt. In a sauce pan add the pumpkin, honey, coconut oil and sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat, cook for one minute. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine, set aside and cool 30-45 minutes, or be impatient like me and throw it in the freezer for 15. Stir in the chocolate chips and press the mixture into the 9"x13" pan, bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely, cut into bars and serve.

Yields 12-16 bars