These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are a tasty treat that’s soft and chewy! Made with pumpkin and creamy peanut butter, they are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy snack at home.
Honestly, who can resist the combo of pumpkin and peanut butter? It’s like a warm hug in bar form! I love having them with a cup of tea—it’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can make your own by roasting a sugar pumpkin and blending it until smooth.
Natural Peanut Butter: I prefer using creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but chunky gives nice crunch. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter instead.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners add flavor. Maple syrup is vegan, whereas honey isn’t. If you want a lower-calorie option, agave nectar or a sugar substitute can work too—just adjust to taste.
Rolled Oats: They’re essential for texture! Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they might make bars slightly softer. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
Chocolate Chips: I love using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. If chocolate isn’t your thing, swap them for dried fruit or nuts like walnuts or almonds!
How Do I Ensure My Bars Don’t Fall Apart?
The secret to perfect pumpkin peanut butter bars lies in the mixing and baking process. You want a consistent mixture that bakes together well. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your wet ingredients are fully combined before adding the oats and peanuts.
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking pan; this helps the bars hold their shape.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. This step is crucial! If they’re still warm, they can crumble easily.
- If you like fudgy bars, don’t overbake—check them at 20 minutes!
How to Make Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20-25 minutes to bake. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Overall, you can expect to spend about 45 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, you can prepare your baking pan. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Add Spices:
Next, add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to your wet mixture. Mix it well so that the spices evenly distribute throughout the batter.
4. Incorporate Oats and Peanuts:
Now, gradually add the rolled oats and chopped peanuts to the bowl. Stir until all of the oats and nuts are thoroughly coated with the pumpkin mixture.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, but save a few for later to sprinkle on top. This will give your bars a beautiful finish!
6. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Transfer the mixture into your lined or greased baking pan. Press it down firmly to ensure it’s packed evenly across the bottom.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top, pressing them lightly into the mixture so they stick.
8. Bake:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden and the center is set. Avoid over-baking for the best chewy texture!
9. Cool and Cut:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is super important to help the bars hold their shape when you cut them.
10. Optional Topping:
If you want an extra indulgent treat, you can warm up additional chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled bars for a delicious topping.
Now you’ve made delicious, chewy Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars! Enjoy them as a snack or a sweet dessert treat!
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! If you need a nut-free option, you can substitute natural peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Both will give a similar texture without the nuts!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey as your sweetener, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy these bars without any animal products.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins) or different types of nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for added texture and flavor!