Healthy pumpkin bars are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of fall with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these bars are perfect. The blend of pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup creates a moist, flavorful base that’s not only delicious but also filled with nutrients. Plus, the addition of chocolate chips makes them a chocolate lover’s dream!
What Goes into This Delicious Pumpkin Bars Recipe
To make these healthy pumpkin bars, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup natural creamy almond butter (120 g; ensure it contains only almonds)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour (50 g)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (10 g)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (1 g)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (if using unsalted almond butter, increase to 1/2 tsp)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (90 g), plus more for sprinkling on top
Step-by-Step Recipe for Healthy Pumpkin Bars
Making these pumpkin bars is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Next, add the almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Whisk again until everything is well combined and there are no lumps.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely before slicing into 12 squares.
The Best Way to Serve It
These healthy pumpkin bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a snack with your favorite tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a light dessert after dinner. They’re also great for sharing at gatherings or potlucks. Just cut them into squares, arrange them on a platter, and watch them disappear! You can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch or drizzle with an extra bit of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Helpful Tricks for Healthy Pumpkin Bars
- Storage: Keep your pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter. The taste will be different but equally delicious!
- Spice it Up: Want to change things up a bit? Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a handful of oats for extra texture.
Healthy Pumpkin Bars FAQs
1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and is convenient!
2. How can I make these bars sweeter?
If you enjoy sweeter treats, feel free to add a tablespoon or two of coconut sugar to the batter.
3. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with oat flour or any other gluten-free flour blend you prefer.
These healthy pumpkin bars are not just a tasty treat, but also a great way to incorporate more nutritious ingredients into your diet. So why not give them a try? You may find them becoming a new staple in your kitchen! Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious bars!