As the leaves change colors and the weather cools down, nothing screams fall more than pumpkin-flavored treats. And what better way to indulge in this seasonal flavor than with some homemade pumpkin bars with nut crust! This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, making it a crowd pleaser for any fall gathering or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, chopped pecans, melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well and press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut milk, 1/3 cup maple syrup, vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 36mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions:
These pumpkin bars with nut crust are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup. They make for a great dessert or snack, and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Variations:
Feel free to switch up the nuts in the crust to your liking. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or cashews would all work well. You can also add a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for an extra burst of fall flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have almond flour, you can use regular flour or oat flour instead. For the coconut oil, you can substitute with melted butter or ghee. And if you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar would be great alternatives.
Storage:
These pumpkin bars with nut crust can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing, as they will be easier to cut and hold their shape better.
- If you want to make these bars ahead of time, you can prepare the crust and filling separately and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- For a fun twist, try using cookie cutters to cut the bars into festive shapes like pumpkins or leaves!
Notes:
These pumpkin bars with nut crust are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. They are a healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, but still taste just as delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe since canned pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices that may alter the taste and texture of the bars.
Can I use a different type of nut for the crust?
Yes, you can use any kind of nut you prefer or have on hand. Just make sure to chop them finely so they adhere well to the crust.
Can I make these bars vegan?
You can try using a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for the eggs in the filling. You can also use a vegan butter substitute in place of the coconut oil.
These pumpkin bars with nut crust are the perfect fall treat that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your health. They’re easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and taste absolutely delicious. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!