Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients until they are well mixed, ensuring a uniform texture.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to your mixture: baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4: If you’re adding a twist to your bars, fold in raisins or chocolate chips now. This step is optional but can add a sweet or fruity note to your bars.

Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the surface is smooth for even baking.

Step 6: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 7: After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares.

Variations

• Nut-Free: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and protein.