Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Get into the pumpkin season without the guilt! 

These are easy to make and easy to grab for a to-go snack! AND they are pumpkin AND peanut butter, potentially my two favorite foods. 

Original recipe from Averie Cooks, found here:

 http://www.averiecooks.com/2011/10/pumpkin-peanut-butter-oatmeal-bars.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+LoveVeggiesAndYoga+%2528Love+Veggies+and+Yoga%2529

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 c peanut butter
• 1 c pumpkin puree (or you use sweet potato puree either canned or sweet potatoes that you boil/puree yourself)
• 2 c oats (whole rolled, not quick cook)
• 1 c light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 c granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Averie Cooks also suggested adding in some add ins like cranberries, chocolate chips, nuts, etc! 

*If I had read through the recipe prior to making I think I would have cut back on some of the brown and/or granulated sugar because for me the peanut butter is already sweet and adding too much extra sugar could make it too sweet. 

Instructions: 

Preheat: 350 Degrees F

Time: 22-25 minutes 

1. Combine everything together.

 *Special tip: I like to melt my peanut butter a little before adding to make it combine easier. Microwave for 10 seconds at a time. 

2. Place mixture in a parchment lined 8x8 or 9x9 pan and bake for 22-25 minutes

The bars will be soft when taken out and need to rest until they cool to room temperature to cut. They will harden as they cool. 

Store in the fridge, freezer, or countertop! 

Puppy Photobomb