Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter for an alternative flavor)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (depending on your sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for added spice)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add Spices and Baking Soda
- Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- If using, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for almond butter to cater to nut-free diets.
- Add-ins: Consider mixing in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and nutrients.
Notes
These bars are naturally moist from the pumpkin. Ensure they are fully cooked by checking with a toothpick for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars as a healthy dessert option or a grab-and-go breakfast. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Tips
- Smooth Batter: Ensure the wet ingredients are well combined with the spices before adding to the dry to prevent clumps.
- Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting, to ensure clean, even squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 150 per bar
- Protein: 4 g per bar