Enjoy a healthy and nutty fall-spiced snack with these Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars.

It's that time of year. Starbucks reminded us of it back in late August. #PSL is a cultural institution where we all come together, celebrating the changing of seasons, warm spices, and (some would even argue) being basic. Therefore, I had to make something to commemorate accordingly. I present you these Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars.

Up-close shot of pumpkin spice granola bars cut into squares-- the perfect healthy fall snack.

They're a portable, hand-held rendition on the pumpkin spice granola. And they're just as tasty, too. Honey and coconut oil are mixed together, warmed up, stirred with some spices and vanilla, and then tossed over a melange of oats, delicious seeds, almond flour, and a few other good-for-you-goodies.

They do require a 2-hour chill time, which I know, isn't the best for a last-minute recipe. But you'll be glad you did. After 3 attempts at this recipe, I know I sure was. That chill helps to bind the granola bars together and prevents them from falling apart when you cut them up to serve.

A corner of a large sheet of pumpkin spice granola bars before they are sliced.

Aside from that, though, it's a pretty easy granola bar recipe. Make it after work one evening and decorate the house, read a book, or make dinner while the bars chill. Then, after a quick pop in the oven, let these healthy fall snacks chill and throw them in your kids' lunches the next day, bring for a recovery snack after your running group meets in the evening, or even snag a bar to eat for breakfast on the way to work.

'Cause, even though we may like gourmet flavors and experiences. And even though we want to participate in PSL, we still have the rest of our lives to keep up with, so we might as well celebrate in our own little tasty way.

These Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars Are...

Sweet
Nutty
Spicy
Full of whole grains
Gluten-free

They're pretty much the perfect healthy fall snack -- crunchy, spicy, and sweet, but not so much that they feel like dessert.

An angle shot Up-close of pumpkin spice granola bars.

Questions about Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

Are granola bars good for you?

If a granola bar is made with minimal amounts of or no processed sugar sweeteners or unhealthy fats, they can be good for you! This recipe has only honey and coconut oil so it qualifies as such. Always read the labels when buying granola bars in the grocery store, however -- they can be chock-full of processed sugars and unhealthy fats like palm oil, canola oil, and hydrogenated oils.

Can you freeze granola bars?

Yes, you most definitely can freeze granola bars. Just wrap them in parchment paper so they don't stick to each other, place them in an airtight and freezer-safe bag or container, and they should last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How are granola bars made?

Granola bars are made by combining a sweetener -- often a liquid one but sometimes also a granulated sweetener -- and the fats together over heat until they are melted. Then, these melted liquids are poured over the oats, seasoning, seeds, and other granola ingredients and tossed together until the oats are covered with the sweetener mix.

Finally, the oat mixture is poured into a baking pan, pressed down, oftentimes chilled for 2+ hours, and then baked until golden brown.

Other healthy and easy snack recipes:

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Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

Name: Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats (certified gluten free if making these GF); 2 tablespoons raw hemp seeds; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 2 tablespoons almond meal; 1/4 cup. sunflower or pumpkin seeds; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons raw coconut oil; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend; 1 egg white, whisked lightly

Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Crispy, nutty, spicy, and lightly sweet granola bars that are the perfect healthy fall snack.

Make sure to let the granola bars rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before baking. Also make sure to let them cool completely to room temperature before cutting up and serving.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups old-fashioned oats (certified gluten free if making these GF)
2 tablespoons raw hemp seeds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons almond meal
¼ cup. sunflower or pumpkin seeds
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons raw coconut oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
1 egg white, whisked lightly

Instructions

Spray an 8x8 baking dish lightly with non-stick baking spray and then line the pan with parchment paper sprayed with non-stick spray.
Combine the oats through salt in a medium-large mixing bowl. Stir lightly until everything is thoroughly mixed together.
Heat the honey and coconut oil in a small, microwave-proof or glass mixing bowl. Heat on 50-60% heat for 1.5-2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds or so, or until the honey is bubbly and the coconut oil is melted.
Whisk in the pumpkin spice and vanilla and lightly whisk together until the spices are mixed into the liquids.
Add the honey mixture to the oat mixture and fold together with a rubber spatula until all of the liquid mixture covers the oat mixture evenly. Add in the egg white and toss that into the oat mixture until it's thoroughly incorporated.
Pour the oats into the baking pan and press the oats firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure to press the oats into the corners.
Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Once the oven is heated, add the baking pan to the oven and bake for 27-29 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown around the outside but not turning dark brown yet.
Remove the bars from the oven and place the baking pan on a wire rack. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Remove the bars from the pan by lifting up the parchment paper (not manipulating the bars themselves) and let them cool until room temperature on the wire rack.
Once cool, slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

1. Store the bars in a covered airtight container in the fridge. They also freeze in an airtight container in the freezer.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 181Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 76mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 4gSugar 12gProtein 5g

This nutrition breakdown is just an estimate of the nutritional value of this recipe and cannot be taken as facts. The owners of Mae's Menu are not nutritionists or dieticians and therefore cannot be held accountable for this nutrition estimate. Please contact your nutritionist or medical professional for a nutritional breakdown of this food. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.