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Spiced Pumpkin and Chia Seed Energy Bars
Original recipe: 12 servings · Prep: 15 min · Cook: 25 min · Total: 40 min
Spiced Pumpkin and Chia Seed Energy Bars with measured ingredients, 40-minute timing, 12-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for protein-focused meals, snacks, smoothies, and meal preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/3 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined into a thick, sticky batter.
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Fold in chopped nuts and shredded coconut if using, distributing evenly.
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Press mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden and center is firm to the touch.
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Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out.
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Cut into 12 equal bars.
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Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for extended storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I meal prep Spiced Pumpkin and Chia Seed Energy Bars?
- Yes. Portion it into airtight containers and keep toppings, sauces, or crunchy finishes separate when that will protect the texture.
- How can I increase the protein?
- Add a little more chia or pair the recipe with a compatible high-protein side such as Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, beans, or lean meat depending on the recipe style.
- Can I make it lighter?
- Use measured oil, lighter dairy or sauce options, and a larger vegetable portion while keeping the main protein amount steady.
- What should I watch when swapping ingredients?
- Keep moisture, salt, and cooking time in mind because high-protein swaps can dry out or firm up faster than the original ingredient.
Storage
Cool Spiced Pumpkin and Chia Seed Energy Bars before storing, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keep crisp toppings or fresh garnishes separate when useful, freeze only if the main ingredients tolerate thawing well, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid or a short oven, skillet, microwave, or air-fryer warm-up that matches the recipe texture.
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