Pumpkin Granola Bars

It's pumpkin season, I know.  But pumpkin granola bars sounds amazing no matter the season, right?

These were chewy and delicious.  I subbed the chocolate chips and nuts for more chewy goodness in the form of raisins and dates.  I think white chocolate chips would have been amazing, but I didn't have any on hand.

Due to the pumpkin, it was hard to tell when these reached "golden brown" status.  I baked them for 40 minutes and they were great.  The edges, by that point, had crisped up, and the inside pieces didn't fall apart.

These would be great for a morning treat or an afternoon snack.  Got the idea for this recipe here.

 Pumpkin Granola Bars

• 3 c old fashioned oats
• 2 t pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 t salt
• 3/4 c packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 c pumpkin puree
• 1/4 c applesauce 
•  1/4 cup honey
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 c dried cranberries
• 1/2 c raisins
• 1/2 c chopped dates

--  Combine the oats, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a bowl
-- In a large bowl, mix together sugar, pumpkin, applesauce, honey, and vanilla.  Add in those oats and coat well.
-- Fold in your "extras" (and feel free to play around here!) and stir
-- Press firmly into a foiled/oiled lined 8x11 or 9x9 baking dish
-- Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350