PUMPKIN PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BARS

One bowl + One spoon + Oven = Bars in about a half hour 
The pumpkin flavor really shines through. Between the pumpkin puree and the pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin lovers can rejoice. The peanut butter is nicely balanced with the pumpkin and the flavors complement each other, but these are definitely pumpkin-peanut butter bars, not peanut butter-pumpkin bars. 

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are also Vegan, Gluten-Free.
• 1/2 c peanut butter 
• 1 c pumpkin puree (i.e. Libby’s in a can and if you don’t have pumpkin puree in your market, use sweet potato puree either canned or sweet potatoes that you boil/puree yourself) 
• 2 c oats (whole rolled, not quick cook) 
• 1 c brown sugar, packed 
• 1/2 c white sugar 
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (reduce/increase to taste) 
• 1 tsp cinnamon (reduce/increase to taste) 
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract 
Optional: Add raisins, nuts, chocolate/white/peanut butter chips to the mixture. I’d suggest starting with 1/3 to 1/2 c and going from there based on taste preference. 
Directions: Combine all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir by hand. Spread batter (it will be pretty moist) into a foil-lined and spayed 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan. Bake at 350F for 22-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The bars may still look underdone, but that’s ok because they will continue to set up as they cool. Allow to cool very well before slicing. Store extras on the counter top, refrigerator, or in the freezer for long term storage. 
Notes: All measurements are approximate and if you love peanut butter or pumpkin puree, add a bit more of either. 
Reduce the sugar amounts if you wish or even attempt a sugar-free version by making with Stevia.