Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark, made at home! This chocolate-y, vegan, & gluten-free recipe tastes store bought but is easily made at home. Full of heart-healthy nuts nuts and oats, it's great homemade autumn snack.
Homemade Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark
Recipe inspiration comes for me in a variety of places. Sometimes I'll see recipes online that I want to vegan-ize, or I'll brainstorm some nostalgic childhood classics in a plant-based way. Even eating at restaurants can spark new ideas. Often times, the easiest source of inspiration is the grocery store.
If you've ever gone to a Trader Joe's, you know they are famous for a wide selection of ready-made foods. While they carry many types of produce and other goods, their snacks and treats are what seem to make up the bulk of their profits, for good reason. This seasonal treat, pumpkin spice granola bark, caught my eye.
At this time of year (in many stores) pumpkin is everywhere. In pasta sauce, cookies, coffees, ice cream, drinks, breads, cakes, and more. I love granola and though I do not normally like a chocolate/pumpkin combination, I wanted to give this one a try. I am happy I did, but knew a homemade version could be just as delicious. Pumpkin seeds have 12 grams of protein per cup, making them a wonderful addition to any snack or sweet treat!
What Ingredients Are Needed for Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark?
- Oatmeal - for the main granola base
- Maple syrup & sugar - for sweetness of course
- Nuts & seeds - for staying power and protein
- Neutral oil- to bind (you can also use applesauce)
- Pumpkin puree & pumpkin spice - for a classic fall flavor
How to make Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark
- First, you'll mix the dry ingredients of oats, nuts, sugar, spices, and salt
- Then, you'll make a wet mixture of pumpkin, oil, and maple syrup.
- After combining wet and dry, you'll bake the mixture in one layer on a baking sheet at 350 degrees F. Unlike conventional granola, you'll want this to be all in one piece (no stirring into clumps).
- After about 30 minutes, you'll remove the bark from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cool, you'll top with melted chocolate and more pumpkin seeds!
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I hope you love this recipe! If you're looking for more Trader Joe's-inspired treats, try these Rosemary Spiced Nuts next!
More Oatmeal Recipes
Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled outs gluten-free if necessary
- 1 cup chopped nuts a mix of walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 Â TBS sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ⅓ cup oil
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- 3 - 6 TBS maple syrup again depending on your preferences
- For topping: 1 cup vegan chocolate chips + 1 TBS coconut oil melted in microwave and combined
- Additional pumpkin seeds for topping optional
- Flaky salt for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine oil, pumpkin puree and maple syrup, stirring until completely incorporated.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry, making to sure coat evenly.
- On a silicone mat-lined baking sheet, spread the granola in a thin but consistent layer. Pat it down a little with your spatula to insure even sides.
- Bake for 15 minutes, rotate pan in oven, and bake for another 5 - 10 (watching to insure it doesn't burn). While this is baking feel free to whip up your chocolate topping, if using.
- Remove granola from oven and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Once cool, spread with melted chocolate mixture, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds, and let set in the freezer for about one hour. Remove from freezer and slice into whatever shapes you'd like!
Nutrition
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SWH says
I think I will make this for a get together I’m going to. Thanks for posting!
Emily says
Fun, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for reading!
Susannah Weis Frigon says
This seems like an excellent idea.
Emily says
Thank you! Sans- chocolate also good!
mencanmakehomes says
good one !
Emily says
Thank you!