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In recent years, breakfast bars have surged in popularity as a convenient meal option for busy lifestyles. These portable snacks are perfect for those who need to grab something nutritious on the go or for families seeking a quick breakfast solution. Among the myriad of breakfast bar recipes that have emerged, Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Bars stand out due to their wholesome ingredients, seasonal appeal, and incredible versatility. These bars combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the nutritious benefits of oats, making them an ideal choice for a well-balanced morning meal.

Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Bars

Start your day off right with Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Bars, a delicious and nutritious option perfect for busy mornings. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a medley of spices, these bars offer a cozy taste of fall any time of year. They're easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite mix-ins, and provide sustained energy to keep you going. Enjoy a balanced breakfast that’s not only convenient but also incredibly satisfying, making it a delightful treat for the whole family!

Ingredients
  

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup pumpkin puree (can be canned or homemade)

¼ cup maple syrup (or honey as an alternative)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup chopped nuts (opts for walnuts or pecans)

½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips (to add a sweet touch)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps and that all ingredients are well distributed.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the mixture until just combined; be cautious not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bars.

          Add Mix-ins: Carefully fold in the chopped nuts, dried cranberries (or raisins), and optional chocolate chips. Ensure these are evenly incorporated throughout the batter for consistent flavor in each bite.

            Bake the Bars: Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Cool and Slice: Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, and transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing them into squares or bars.

                Store: These delightful bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or kept in the refrigerator for up to a week for freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the bars on a decorative plate and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious breakfast!