Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars – festive Halloween snack for fall

There’s just something magical about the way the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air this time of year—it instantly brings back the cozy feeling of fall afternoons spent baking in grandma’s kitchen. These Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars capture that exact warm, cinnamon-kissed vibe! Imagine biting into a chewy, nutty bar with just the right touch of sweet autumn spices—and that hint of pumpkin that makes every Halloween snack feel like a little celebration. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love having these bars ready to grab when the cool breeze is blowing and the leaves are crunching beneath your feet.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. This mix will give you that classic autumn crunch and spice aroma straight away.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, honey, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil melts easily and helps bind everything while adding a subtle richness.

Step 3:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture and stir well, making sure every oat is coated in that gorgeous orange-spiced glaze. If you’re adding mini chocolate chips or cranberries, fold them in now for bursts of sweet or tart surprises!

Step 4:

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers dipped in water will help you press it down without sticking—this is key for bars that hold together nicely but won’t crumble apart.

Step 5:

Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and you can smell that soulful pumpkin spice aroma filling the kitchen. Let it cool completely before slicing to keep the bars from falling apart.

Step 6:

Once cooled, lift the whole slab out and cut into 12 bars. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for an extra chewy texture. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack for school, work, or a pumpkin patch picnic!

Variations & Tips

• Try swapping pecans for almonds or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
• For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Add 1/4 cup flaxseeds or chia seeds for a fiber boost and extra crunch.
• If bars are too crumbly, add a tablespoon more coconut oil or a splash of milk to the wet mix.
• Mix in some shredded coconut for added texture and a tropical twist.
• To make bars nuttier, toast the nuts lightly before mixing—they’ll be golden and fragrant!

How I Like to Serve It

These Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars make a fantastic afternoon pick-me-up paired with a hot cup of chai or pumpkin-spiced latte. For a festive Halloween party, serve them alongside caramel apples and roasted pumpkin seeds. They’re also lunchbox-friendly and a sneaky but wholesome treat to slip into your kids’ backpacks during busy fall days.

Notes

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temp up to 4 days, or in the fridge up to a week.
• If you want softer bars, warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave before eating.

Closing: These Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars are a fall kitchen staple that’ll fill your home with warmth and keep your snack game cozy all season long!