It’s officially fall and we love all things pumpkin! Pumpkin is a type of winter squash, which is one of the October Foods of the Month. Cooking with pumpkin can be tricky if you’re a newbie to this food. Remember to always choose canned or boxed pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix for optimal nutrition. Plain pumpkin has a mild, nutty taste that is delicious in both baked goods and savory dishes like risotto. Pumpkin is naturally high in vitamin A and low in sugar, fat and calories.
This recipe for Pumpkin Power Bars is a great idea for a quick breakfast. These bars are incredibly filling thanks to the whole wheat flour, oatmeal, and pumpkin. The chocolate chips give them a tasty surprise that everyone will love. This recipe for Pumpkin Power Bars is the perfect fall treat!
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup natural maple syrup
- 2 tsp. creamy almond butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, spices, and salt).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (pumpkin, milk, egg, maple syrup, and peanut butter) until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then stir until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and the dried cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan completely, then slice into rectangular bars.
- These taste best when eaten within 3 days of cooking.
