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Healthy Pumpkin Bars

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup of pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup of maple syrup
  • ½ cup of natural creamy almond butter just almonds and salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ tsp. of vanilla extract
  • ½ cup of blanched almond flour
  • 2 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ tsp. of baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. of kosher salt increase to ½ tsp. if using unsalted nut butter
  • ½ cup of chocolate chips plus extra for a chocolatey topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and give it a light spritz of cooking spray.
  • In a big bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, eggs, and vanilla until it's all smooth.
  • In another smaller bowl, stir together almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
  • Combine the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ones, stirring until they just come together. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Transfer this delightful mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top if you're feeling fancy.
  • Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely before cutting them into 12 squares.

Notes

A couple of helpful notes:
  • I've tried making these bars with cashew butter and peanut butter, and they both turned out great. However, I personally love the texture and flavor when using almond butter.
  • When it comes to storage, these healthy pumpkin bars can chill at room temperature for the first 1 to 2 days but should be refrigerated afterward. Due to their high healthy fat content, they're not as room temperature-friendly as bars made with wheat-based flour. After refrigeration, they'll stay good for an extra 4 days. Wrap them up in plastic cling wrap or store them in an airtight container.
  • If you're thinking long-term, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice them up, toss them into a gallon-sized, freezer-safe storage bag, and remove as much air as possible. For the best thawing results, let them sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.