You may have noticed that it’s October and if you scan back through the last month or so of posts, you haven’t seen a single “pumpkin” recipe. No pumpkin lattes, no muffins or breads, no smoothies or oatmeals — none of it. I am vehemently opposed to pumpkin before October.
Starbucks, Dunkin and the rest of them have ruined pumpkin season for those of us who have more patience than a 2-year old. I think they’re in bed with the same people that require Black Friday to start the week before Thanksgiving and the Christmas displays that show up at Target before the kids go back to school. Calm down, people — we’re gonna get there….
Now, that we’ve crossed the October divider, I’m very gingerly dipping my toe in the “holiday” flavor scene with these Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars.
To be fair — there’s no pumpkin in these bars… unless you count the pumpkin seeds, and I do. Instead, the flavor comes from the spices that scent your holiday pie. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, a bit of cloves and ginger.
Granola is one of those things I prefer making at home – which is why you’ll find several renditions here at Garlic & Zest. It’s cheaper than buying the “artisan” stuff for $8 and you can flavor it however you like!
I made these into bars, but you can just as easily make a crumbly granola to spoon over your morning yogurt. Instead of pressing it firmly into a pan, spread it out on a cookie sheet and toast it, then store it in an airtight container. Either way, you’re assured a crispy, chewy granola with a subtle nod to autumn.
If you have school-age kids, these granola bars make a great addition to their lunch box, or an after school snack — and they also act as a convenient on-the go breakfast or mid-afternoon pick-me-up for us worker bees!
More granola recipes you’ll love:
- Naturally Sweetened Granola
- Coconut Almond Granola Bars
- Maple Pecan Cinnamon Granola
- Crunchy Pistachio Date Granola
- Cherry Almond Granola Bars
- Apple Walnut Spice Granola
- Pineapple Macadamia Granola Bars
Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger ground
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice ground
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups rolled oats not quick cooking
- 1 ½ cups pecans chopped
- ½ cup wheat germ
- ¾ cup pumpkin seeds pepitas
- 1 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 8 x12 inch baking sheet with vegetable spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Spread the oats and pecans in an even layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves and salt. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine the butter, honey and brown sugar, stirring constantly until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the vanilla and the spice mixture and set aside.
- Transfer the oats and pecans to a large bowl. Add the wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and golden raisins and toss to combine. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well coated. Pour the granola mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly and firmly into the pan. Bake the granola for 25-30 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature — at least 2-3 hours.
- Remove from the pan and cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
As a mature cook whose mom was a professional cook, my comment on your granola bars is EXCELLENT! I use a tad less sweetener and a little more cinnamon and I will stock my grandchildren with healthy go- to snacks with this recipe for a long time to come! Nice thing is that there is room to improvise for varying seasons. Thank you so much! Carol Huggins
I’m so glad you like them Carol! Yes, there’s plenty of room for flavor improvisations in this. I do hope the grandkids enjoy!
These are a perfection. Luv your granola bars…
Oh, thank you Anlet!
LOL I’m cracking up over your intro!
Thanks – yeah, I feel like the holidays are being rolled out way too early!
This looks super cute and delicious! Also, very simple to make!!
Your granola bars look fabulous and I love how you have wrapped them into pretty little packages. I’m certainly ready for pumpkin 🙂
I like your full about no pumpkin until October and I couldn’t agree with you more! Why do we have to rush through every season?? Having said that your pumpkin spice granola bars look amazing. There full of so many fall spices, nuts and seed – yum!
These are ultra beautiful! Great pictures and instructions.
Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice! I could also see adding some flax seed in here or chia to amp up the health benefits even more.
Absolutely!
Haha you are so funny! But seriously, right?!?! We will get there. It is officially October, bring on the pumpkin.
Agreed – happy October!
Loved the post! I’ve seen some stores starting on Valentines Day! Geeze-Louise! Can we just wait a bit? I stay confused going into stores with so many holidays going on at the same time. Anyway, those granola bars look delicious. I’d have to find a store that sole pepitas in more than a 3/4 oz bag. Thanks for sharing you holiday perspective and your great recipe! PS…Hang in there. Our plywood went up on the windows today.
Thanks so much for your perspective! BTW – my patio furniture has been relocated to my dining room. Thanks, Hurricane Matthew!
I was testing pumpkin recipes in August so I could have them ready to go on my blog this fall and it felt SO strange, so I totally get where you are coming from! 🙂
These granola bars look so good! I love the pumpkin spice/pumpkin seed combo, and I don’t think I’ve ever actually had pumpkin seeds in granola bars before. I am going to have to try it this fall!
From how “prepared” you are, you’re probably making egg nog these days!
I’m a recent pumpkin-everything addict.. can’t wait to try this!
XOXO,
Mei
Let me know how you like them, Mei!
lololol.. you’re hilarious. I have no patience.. I’m pumpkin obsessed, but I admire your restraint!!! 😉
These sound delicious!
That’s ok, I think I’m in the minority on the pumpkin thing… Enjoy!
These granola bars are packed with everything delicious plus protein. This is exactly what I need to serve my busy teenagers. Thanks
I hope they enjoy them!
Ha ha! Lisa what a funny intro to this post! I do agree, the world really does over-do the pumpkin stuff way too much this time of year!
You and I are probably the only ones who share that sentiment, but I appreciate the solidarity!
Keeping all of you in the path of this storm in my prayers! Stay safe! Look forward to trying these granola bars.
Thanks Betty – We’re prepared as much as we can be. Fingers Crossed!