moist dense nutrient-rich pumpkin bars for the postpartum mom. the natural goodness in these bars give quick energy and boost immune system.

i am amazed at the natural goodness in these bars that give quick energy. these pumpkin bars are wonderful for the newly delivered mom during postpartum to nourish and replenish her body after carrying a baby for nine months and all the energy required for labor to birth the baby the new mama. i have renamed these pumpkin bars: energy bars.

according to my research from healthline.com, pumpkin is high in vitamin A, C, fiber, and antioxidants which help boost your immune system, the fiber in the cereal aids in digestion. the banana gives potassium. raisins are a great source of cooper, manganese, magnesium, and many B vitamins. molasses is full of iron. so much goodness in one bar.

here is the original recipe by janice baker, a registered dietitian educator. shared with me by my sister in law, kathy wesley. my version of this recipe is below this with just a few additions.

ingredients for pumpkin bars.

1 cup of canned pumpkin

1 ripe banana

¾ cup sugar or 1 cup splenda for baking

2 eggs

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

½ cup raisins

1 box of fiber one cereal or all bran cereal (may use 5 cups oatmeal instead, or mix 1/2 and 1/2)

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

¼ cup honey

instructions

mix all together, pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish coated with nonstick spray and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

recipe: pumpkin bars by grammie doula

grammie doula’s recipe for pumpkin bars/energy bars is the very same as above but i added some things.

ingredients

1 cup pumpkin,

1 ripe banana mashed,

3/4 cup of white sugar, for healthier version i have used date sugar or maple sugar.

2 eggs

1 box cracklin’ oat bran cereal

1 cup chopped pecans

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon molasses

1/4 cup flaked coconut

instructions

put the cereal in the food processor and pulse a few times to make smaller pieces. you can add the cereal right out of the box to the mixing bowl if you prefer.

chop the nuts.  add to the food processor and then to the mixing bowl.

mash the banana.

add the raisins to the food processor with the mashed banana. then add to the mixing bowl.

add the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, nuts, cereal, honey, coconut, and spice to the mixing bowl.

line the pan with parchment paper. mix everything together using electric mixer and pour into a 13 by 9 inch pan.

bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

when cooled, i cut them into bars and wrap individually and place them all in a gallon freezer bag. they are ready to share with friends or just enjoy anytime.

final thoughts

*this recipe changes every time i make it. this time i added almonds, pecans, ¼  cup coconut, and a little taste of molasses.

today,i also put the nuts, cereal, raisins and banana in the food processor separately before adding it to the mixing bowl. i loved the outcome. i feel energetic. next time i am thinking about adding collagen and some nutritional yeast to the batter.

postpartum moms love my chicken soup recipe. it’s my favorite right now.