Monday, November 19, 2012

Grain-Free Pumpkin Bars

  Since Thanksgiving is in a few days I thought it would be a good time to share this delicious dessert recipe that also happens to be healthy{which can't be said for many holiday desserts.}This Thanksgiving we are gathering at my aunt's house and I'm in charge of bringing the stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, and a dessert which will be these bars. Even if you don't have anyone in your family that has to follow special dietary needs {I'm the only one in my family} these bars will pass the taste test.  

  The texture of these bars is a mixture between the creamy custard  like these pumpkin pie cups and a soft cake. When you take a bite of the soft bars you will first notice the creamy pumpkin flavor paired with the spices before tasting the nutty almond butter. I have made this twice since I found the recipe online and both times the bars were gone in less than 2 days. You could even try using pureed acorn squash or sweet potato instead of pumpkin and pecan butter would give the bars a nuttier, richer taste.
  This dessert is good plain, dusted with confectioners' sugar, or you can take it to the next level by topping it with a dairy-free maple pecan glaze.
Here are some other recipes that are delicious to make for the holidays:

Sides: sweet potato casserole, Roasted green beans & potatoes,  
Dessert: Pumpkin pie cupsPumpkin roll cakeCarrot cake whoopie pies, Cinnamon sugar almonds
Leftovers? Homemade turkey stock & turkey pot pie


 Grain-Free Pumpkin Bars
Grain/Gluten/Dairy/Refined Sugar free; Paleo
Recipe: Detoxinista 


1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup creamy almond butter
1/3 cup honey
2 large eggs
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt -omit if your nut butter contains salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a 8"x 8" with parchment or spray with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth. 
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are brown and the middle is firm when touched. 
4. Cool completely before serving plain or with a glaze.
Store in an air-tight container for a few days. 

Notes:
-Vegan? Try using the chai or flax egg for the 2 eggs in the recipe and use agave syrup instead of honey. 
-Banana can replace the pumpkin puree.

2 comments:

  1. This is such a perfect healthy treat! I love that there's no grains involved and the fact that you use almond butter which is so delicious and full of protein. I bet this treat turned out fabulously and I can't wait to try it!

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  2. Just made this and it is absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making this for Christmas dinner! Thanks!!

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