Step 1

Place the dates in a bowl, pour hot water over them and let sit for 15 minutes then drain well.

Step 2

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 3

Add the soaked and drained dates, oats, spice and pumpkin to a food processor and process to combine into a thick, doughy batter. About 20-30 seconds should do the trick.

Step 4

If adding additional ingredients like chocolate chips or walnuts, add them now and pulse a few times to distribute throughout the dough.

Step 5

Lightly spray a 7-8 inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper then firmly press the dough into the pan.

Step 6

Bake for 12 minutes then let then cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Slice into 16 bars and carefully lift out the pan with a knife.

Step 7

Let cool completely before storing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 2 months.