Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal of the bars.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter (or peanut butter), and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until smooth.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Stir in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until the spices are fully incorporated into the batter.
• If using, fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add texture and extra flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean, indicating they are perfectly baked.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly before cutting.

Step 4: Serve

• Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares.
• Serve the pumpkin bars as a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall.

Variation

• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter in place of almond or peanut butter and omit nuts from the add-ins.