Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.

Prepare the oats: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oats with 1 glass of warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the oats absorb the water and become soft. This will make the bars chewy and help bind the ingredients together.

Prepare the pumpkin: Peel and grate the pumpkin half (about 400g). Set it aside. If using pre-cooked or pureed pumpkin, adjust the texture by mashing it slightly before combining with other ingredients.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon (if using), a pinch of salt, sesame seeds, chia seeds, chopped dried apricots, finely chopped nuts, and the mixture of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Stir in the baking powder as well.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the grated pumpkin to the softened oats. Then mix in the vegetable oil (if using), the sweetener (if you prefer a sweeter bar), and the dry ingredients prepared earlier. Stir everything together until well combined.

Shape the mixture: Once the mixture is evenly combined, pour it into the lined baking tray. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to flatten and even out the mixture to form a thick layer.

Bake the bars: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are firm and golden on the edges. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are ready.

Cool and slice: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles. The cooling process helps the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut.

Optional garnish: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle more sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving.