Healthy Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Bars
Looking for a wholesome snack that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? These Healthy Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Bars are the perfect answer. Packed with feel-good ingredients and naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, they’re a no-bake bar you can feel great about sharing with your family—or stashing away just for yourself. Whether craving something crunchy, chewy, or sweet, this easy recipe combines texture and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Healthy Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Bars are naturally sweet, nutrient-dense snacks perfect for lunchboxes, hikes, or mid-afternoon pick-me-ups. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, they’re as satisfying as they are wholesome. They’re naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup—no refined sugars or preservatives here.
The chewy tartness of dried cranberries pairs beautifully with the crunch of roasted pumpkin seeds, while warm cinnamon and vanilla bring cozy, comforting flavors in these healthy treats. These bars are easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins and come together with a food processor and a baking pan. They’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them a smart snack for almost any dietary need.
Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, a lunchbox filler, or a satisfying snack that fuels your day correctly, these bars have you covered with their focus on being deliciously healthy snacks.
Ingredients
Let’s break down what goes into these bars:
Dry Ingredients
- Rolled oats – Provide a hearty, chewy base. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) – Roasted or raw, they add crunch and healthy fats to these nutritious bars.
- Dried cranberries – For tartness and chew. Look for unsweetened if you want to keep the sugars completely natural.
- Cinnamon – Adds a cozy, fall-inspired warmth.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- Medjool dates – Naturally sweet, sticky, and the perfect binder in this healthy snack mix.
- Maple syrup – For added natural sweetness and flavor depth.
- Nut or seed butter – Almond, sunflower, or cashew butter all work here to help bind and add creaminess.
- Vanilla extract – Boosts flavor and complements the cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
Instructions
- Soften the Dates
If your pitted Medjool dates are dry, start by soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This helps them blend more smoothly and bind the mixture better. - Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal. - Process the Wet Ingredients
Blend the softened dates, maple syrup, nut or seed butter, and vanilla extract in a food processor until smooth and creamy. This step ensures a deliciously healthy base for the bars. - Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor. Pulse a few times to combine, but leave some texture. - Stir in Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir the cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan, using damp hands or a spatula to press it down firmly. - Chill to Set
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to firm up. This step helps them hold their shape when sliced. - Slice and Store
Once set, lift the bars using the parchment and slice them into 10–12 pieces. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer.
Healthy Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted (about 10–12)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup nut or seed butter almond, sunflower, or cashew
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups rolled oats certified gluten-free if needed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds pepitas, raw or lightly toasted
Instructions
- Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Blend dates, maple syrup, nut/seed butter, and vanilla until smooth in a food processor.
- Add oats, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until combined but still textured.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
- Press mixture evenly into pan and chill for 1 hour.
- Remove from the pan, slice into bars, and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- These bars can be made nut-free by using sunflower seed butter.
- You can swap cranberries for raisins, chopped apricots, or dried cherries.
- For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or hemp hearts.
Nutrition
With just a few pantry staples and no baking required, these Healthy Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Bars are a win for busy households, outdoor adventures, or anyone wanting a clean, satisfying and healthy snack. Make a double batch and keep your fridge stocked with goodness!
