Chewy Pumpkin Pecan Maple Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

I followed the directions on this and only baked for 15 minutes.  They tasted quite doughy so I returned them to the oven for a bit longer.  I'd like to make them once more and try again baking it longer this time.  I used only pumpkin spice, no individual spices with it. 


1 3/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/4 cup oat flour/finely ground oats (may use whole wheat or all purpose flour)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (1/2 t. cinnamon, 1/4 t. ginger, 1/8 t. nutmeg, 1/8 t. cloves)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Optional 1/4 cup mix-ins of your choice such as: wheat germ, dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, cherries, or raisins; chopped nuts like walnuts, peanuts or almonds; seeds like sunflower, sesame, pumpkin or flax; even fun additions like crushed pretzel or graham cracker pieces, white chocolate chips, shredded coconut flakes, M&M's, or candy pieces
1/4 cup vegetable oil*
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (may substitute honey or corn syrup)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup pumpkin puree (100% canned or fresh pumpkin, NOT canned pumpkin pie mix)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract *Sub half of the oil for a fruit puree (applesauce, mashed banana, etc.) for a healthier, low-fat version.


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper or foil (along the bottom and up the sides of the pan) for easy removal.

In a medium size bowl combine oats, flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt. Toss in chocolate chips, pecans and mix-ins of your choice. In a separate bowl, combine oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, pumpkin puree and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combine. Gently press into prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes until lightly golden.

Let cool and remove from pan by lifting by the parchment or foil. Cut into bars or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes. Store in an air tight container or zip lock baggies at room temperature. Enjoy!