Peanut Butter Pumpkin Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
If you love pumpkin spice season but want something more useful than another slice of pumpkin bread, add these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars to your fall baking list.
They’re soft, lightly spiced, packed with rolled oats and pumpkin, and finished with mini chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness. Even better, they’re made in one bowl, use everyday ingredients, and store well in the refrigerator or freezer for easy breakfasts and snacks.
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The pumpkin and applesauce keep these homemade granola bars moist, while peanut butter adds richness and makes them satisfying. And because they’re made without eggs or dairy, they’re vegan; use certified gluten-free oats to keep them gluten-free too. So if you’re looking for an easy pumpkin granola bar recipe that’s vegan, gluten-free, freezer-friendly, and packed with fall flavor, grab a bowl and let’s make them.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Granola Bars
These pumpkin granola bars are an easy fall snack that combines creamy peanut butter, pumpkin puree, warm spices, oats, and chocolate chips in one simple recipe. They’re soft and chewy rather than crunchy, making them easy to pack for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a lunchbox treat.
There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe in your fall baking rotation:
- One bowl: Mix everything together in one bowl for minimal cleanup.
- Vegan: This recipe has no eggs or dairy.
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free chocolate chips if needed.
- Full of fall flavor: Pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice give these bars plenty of seasonal flavor.
- Easy to customize: Change the chocolate chips, nut butter, or add-ins to suit your preferences.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze individual bars for quick snacks.
The pumpkin and applesauce combination also gives these bars a soft, moist texture. Because they contain more moisture than traditional crunchy granola bars, they’re especially good if you prefer a tender, chewy snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make these pumpkin granola bars. Each one plays an important role in texture and flavor, so it’s worth using the listed ingredients rather than making too many substitutions the first time.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rolled oats: These provide the structure and hearty texture of the bars. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds pumpkin flavor, moisture, and that unmistakable fall color. Use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and helps keep the bars soft without needing eggs.
- Peanut butter: Adds richness and helps bring the ingredients together. Creamy peanut butter will give you the smoothest texture.
- Maple syrup: Provides sweetness while adding enough moisture to help bind the mixture.
- Molasses: A small amount adds depth and pairs especially well with pumpkin and warm spices.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a little extra sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg: These give the bars their warm, cozy fall flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips work particularly well because they distribute chocolate throughout every bite.
For the best results, use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling already contains added sweeteners and spices, which can change both the flavor and texture of the finished bars. Use your leftover pumpkin puree in these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles or go savory with this Creamy One Pot Pumpkin Pasta.
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Pumpkin Granola Bars, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats*
- ½ cup pumpkin pureé
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and prepare an 8-inch square pan for baking by lining it with parchment paper.
- Combine the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup, peanut butter, molasses, and vanilla extract) in a large bowl and stir well to combine.
- Add in the oats and remaining spices and stir well to evenly combine.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Place the mixture in the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with a rubber spatula or your hand to press it into the pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until well set.**
Notes
- *if you don’t need gluten free, substitute regular old fashioned rolled oats, but do not use quick oats.
- **because of the pumpkin and applesauce you want the middle of the pan of bars to be well set so they will not remain soggy after baking.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Calling all pumpkin spice lovers! Making your own pumpkin pie spice is easy and only takes a few pantry staples. Simply combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for a warm, fragrant blend that’s perfect for these granola bars and all your favorite fall recipes like this Pumpkin Spice Popcorn!
To make your own pumpkin pie spice mix to use all season long, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cloves
Stir everything together, portion out what you need for this recipe, and store the rest in an airtight spice jar for up to 6 months. It’s that simple!
Choosing the Right Oats
The oats are one of the most important ingredients in these pumpkin granola bars because they provide much of the structure. For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick-cooking or instant oats.
Rolled oats are larger and retain more of their texture during baking, giving the bars something to hold onto as they set. Quick oats are more finely processed and can absorb moisture differently, which may produce a softer or less structured bar.
If you’re making these bars gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free rolled oats. While oats themselves don’t contain wheat, barley, or rye, they can come into contact with gluten-containing grains during growing, transportation, or processing.
For the best results:
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Choose certified gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Avoid instant oats, which can change the texture.
- Don’t substitute the entire amount with oat flour—the bars need the structure provided by whole rolled oats.
If you’re making the recipe for the first time, I’d stick with rolled oats exactly as written. Once you’ve made the original version successfully, you can experiment with different oat combinations or add-ins.
How to Tell When Pumpkin Granola Bars Are Done
Knowing when these bars are finished baking is especially important because pumpkin and applesauce add extra moisture to the mixture. Unlike a crisp granola recipe, these bars should remain soft, but the center still needs enough time to set.
Look for a few signs rather than relying on color alone:
- The edges should look set and may be lightly golden.
- The center should no longer look wet or loose.
- The surface should feel set when lightly touched.
- The bars should hold their shape rather than appearing liquid or overly soft in the middle.
Don’t worry if the bars still feel somewhat soft when they first come out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Let them cool completely before cutting so they have time to finish setting.
Why Are My Granola Bars Falling Apart?
If your pumpkin granola bars are falling apart, they may need a little more baking time or may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan. Since pumpkin and applesauce add moisture, make sure the center is fully set before removing them from the oven. Let the bars cool completely before slicing, or chill them in the refrigerator for firmer, cleaner cuts.
Granola Bar Variations
These pumpkin granola bars are easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins. Keep the basic recipe the same, then switch up the flavors depending on what you have on hand.
- Chocolate & Cranberry: Swap some chocolate chips for dried cranberries for a sweet, slightly tart combination.
- Nutty: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Pumpkin Seed: Stir in pepitas for more pumpkin flavor and added texture.
- Coconut: Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a subtle tropical twist.
- Extra Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or chocolate chunks if you’re a serious chocolate lover.
- Nut-Free: Replace the peanut butter with a seed butter, such as sunflower seed butter, if appropriate for your dietary needs.
For the best texture, avoid adding too many extra ingredients at once, as they can make the bars harder to hold together. Start with a small amount of your favorite mix-in and adjust from there.
How to Store Pumpkin Granola Bars
Store cooled pumpkin granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to help maintain their texture and freshness. For longer storage, wrap individual bars and freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, thaw it in the refrigerator or let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more pumpkin-everything questions or comments, write to us below!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
We recommend canned pumpkin puree because it has a consistent texture and moisture level. Fresh pumpkin can vary significantly in moisture, which may affect how well the granola bars hold together.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture and structure for these bars. Quick oats are more finely processed and absorb moisture differently, which can make the bars softer or more crumbly.
Can I freeze pumpkin granola bars?
These granola bars freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead snack. Wrap individual bars and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, then thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
How do I keep homemade granola bars from falling apart?
Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking, and make sure the center is fully set when they come out of the oven. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to help them firm up and hold their shape.
Pumpkin Granola Bars Bring the Fall Flavors
These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are an easy way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of fall in a simple, homemade snack. With pumpkin, warm spices, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips in every bite, they’re perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon treat.
Best of all, they’re easy to make in one bowl and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so you can have a batch ready whenever a pumpkin craving hits. Give them a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite mix-ins to make them your own!
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
We’re big fans of all things pumpkin around here, so if you are too, be sure to try some of these pumpkin recipe favorites!
Made These Pumpkin Granola Bars?
If you give these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars a try, leave a rating and let us know how they turned out in the comments! Did you add your own favorite mix-ins or make any substitutions? Save this recipe for your next pumpkin craving and share it with a fellow pumpkin lover!
