Pumpkin Granola Bars (12 bars)

 7 dl (3 cups) old fashioned oats

 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

 ½ tsp salt

 1 3/4 dl (3/4 cup) packed light brown sugar

 1 dl (½ cup) pumpkin puree

 ½ dl (1/4 cup) applesauce (unsweetened)

 ½ dl (1/4 cup) honey

 1 tsp vanilla extract

 1 dl (½ cup) dried cranberries

 1 dl (½ cup) dark chocolate chips

 1 dl (½ cup) pecans, chopped

 ½ dl (1/4 cup) pumpkin seeds, shelled

 

Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F). Line a 23x23 cm (9x9 inches) baking pan with foil allowing for 2½ cm (1 inch) overhang on the sides of the pan. Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey and vanilla until smooth. Pour over oats and stir until oats are moistened. Stir in cranberries, dark chocolate chips, pecans and pumpkin seeds. Evenly press oat mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure not to underbake. Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely. Use a sharp knife or circular cutter to cut into bars.

 

 The pumpkin puree adds moisture to the recipe, so you definitely want to make sure you bake the bars enough so they'll hold their shape.

 Get creative with different nuts, chocolates and dried fruits.