If you’re looking for a wholesome, delicious snack that balances cozy fall flavors with natural sweetness and satisfying texture, these Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars are exactly what you need. They bring together creamy pumpkin puree, ripe bananas, and hearty oats, all spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, creating bars that are moist yet hold together beautifully. Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a guilt-free dessert, these bars are as versatile as they are tasty. Once you try this recipe, these Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars might just become your new favorite pantry staple.

Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple, wholesome, and plays a key role in shaping the flavor, texture, and appearance of the final bars. From oats providing hearty chewiness to pumpkin adding a rich moisture and gorgeous color, let’s break down the list.

Quick cooking rolled oats: The foundation of the bars, oats lend a satisfying chew and bind everything together.
Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic fall spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint that deepens the spiced aroma.
Pumpkin pie spice: The secret blend that brings signature pumpkin flavor to life.
Overripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moistness to keep bars tender.
Peanut butter: Adds richness and a touch of protein, plus helps bind.
Maple syrup or honey: Liquid sweeteners that elevate sweetness and aid in chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a smooth, aromatic note.
Coconut oil: Brings a subtle richness and helps set the bars once baked.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient delivering moisture, color, and classic pumpkin flavor.
Raisins: Small bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F. Line an 8×11-inch baking pan with parchment paper and leave some overhang for effortless lifting of the bars once they are baked. This step ensures your bars come out cleanly, preserving their shape perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer and combine the quick oats, sea salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these spices with the oats first helps distribute their warm flavors evenly throughout every bite of your granola bars.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Using your paddle attachment or a sturdy spoon, mix in the mashed banana, peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and pumpkin puree. The natural sweetness from bananas and pumpkin blends with the richness of peanut butter and oils to create a moist, sticky mixture that will hold together once baked.

Step 4: Add the Raisins and Mix

Stir in the raisins gently, making sure they are dispersed evenly throughout the mixture. These little pockets of sweetness offer delightful texture contrasts in the final bars, giving you something to look forward to in every bite.

Step 5: Press and Bake

Transfer your granola mixture to the prepared pan and use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly. This pressing is crucial for helping the bars stick together so they don’t crumble. Place the pan in the center rack of your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center feels set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before trying to slice. For best results, chill the pan in the fridge for at least an hour to let the bars firm up nicely. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift them out and cut into bars or squares at your desired size.

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars

Garnishes

Try topping your Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars with a light drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of chia seeds. These simple garnishes add a touch of extra nutrition and elegance whether serving at breakfast or snack time.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small serving of fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries. The creamy or fruity contrast complements the wholesome, spiced flavor while balancing textures and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, assemble a granola bar parfait by layering crumbled bars with yogurt and pumpkin pie spice dusting in a glass. They also make an excellent packed snack for lunchboxes or picnic baskets when wrapped individually in parchment paper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator, which helps maintain their firmness without drying them out.

Freezing

To enjoy these bars weeks later, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars can last up to 2 months and thaw quickly when taken out before snacking.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat briefly in a toaster oven. Warming brings out the fragrant spices and softens the bars, making them feel freshly baked every time.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking rolled oats?

Yes, old-fashioned oats work well here but may give the bars a chewier texture. Quick oats break down a bit more and help the bars bind together easily, but the substitution won’t dramatically change the flavors.

Is it necessary to use peanut butter, or can I substitute something else?

If peanut butter isn’t your favorite or if allergies are a concern, you can substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini. Each will add a unique flavor and maintain the moisture needed to hold the bars together.

Can I omit the raisins if I don’t like them?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace raisins with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or mini chocolate chips. These variations add different textures and flavors that keep the bars exciting.

How sweet are these granola bars?

The natural sweetness comes mainly from the overripe bananas, maple syrup, and raisins, providing a balanced flavor that isn’t overly sugary. Adjust the maple syrup or honey if you prefer them sweeter or less sweet.

Are these bars vegan?

They can easily be vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your peanut butter and other ingredients don’t contain animal products. This makes Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars a great plant-based snack option.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about these Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars that makes you want to bake them again and again. They bring together simple pantry staples into a snack that’s nutritious, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them on a busy morning or as an anytime treat, I hope you find as much joy in making and eating these bars as I do. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret adding this gem to your snack rotation!

Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pumpkin Banana Oat Granola Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack, combining the natural sweetness of overripe bananas with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and chewy oats. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a nutritious snack, these bars are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with fiber and flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (177˚C). Line an 8×11 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make removal easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the oats, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Using the paddle attachment or a large spoon, mix in the mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and raisins. Continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a sticky mixture.
Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press and flatten the mixture firmly and evenly, ensuring the bars will hold together well.
Bake: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mixture is golden brown and set.
Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars or squares to ensure they hold their shape.

Notes

Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
Use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly recipe instead of honey.
Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
These bars are great for a quick breakfast, snack, or post-workout energy boost.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American