Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

A BALANCED DESSERT BAR? YOU BET!

Welcome to pumpkin perfection! Obviously, I’ve got all the fall vibes on the brain with another pumpkin recipe coming your way – but this one is a sure-fire must have for the coming fall months.

I threw these bars together for a work pot-luck when I’m sure everyone expected the dietitian to bring a salad. I love to create sweet treats and comfort foods with a healthier spin and drive home that you don’t need an excess amount of fat and sugar to create a delicious dessert. These bars are packed with nutritious ingredients like real pumpkin, almond meal, and coconut milk, as well as – wait for it – real brown sugar!

I often bake with maple syrup as my sole sweetener, but these needed a little more oomph from the sweet-flavor profile. A little goes a long way with any type of sweetener, and I think you’ll understand when you try these yourself!

These bars are a little sweet and totally satisfying, and a great transition dessert for those who need to kick the sugar habit! With almost as much protein (4.5g) as sugar, these are one sweet treat you won’t feel guilty about. Plus, dark chocolate chips? I’m in! Are you?

CHECK OUT THIS SIMPLY DELICIOUS DESSERT RECIPE!

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

Prep Time: 30 min
Servings: 16 bars

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c gluten-free all-purpose flour, I used Bob's Red Mill brand

  • 1 c almond meal

  • 1/4 c brown sugar

  • 2 tsp. baking powder

  • 2 tsp. pumpkin spice

  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

  • 1/4 c maple syrup

  • 1 c pumpkin puree

  • 2 eggs, whole

  • 1/2 c full-fat coconut milk

  • 1/2 c unsweetened almond milk

  • 1/2 c dark chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350 deg. F.

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, almond meal, baking powder, and spices).

  • Add in wet ingredients (milk, pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar and maple syrup) and whisk until thoroughly mixed.

  • In a non-stick, or parchment-lined pan, pour all of the batter and evenly spread it out with a spatula.

  • Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of batter.

  • Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven to create marbled chocolate pattern by dragging a knife diagonally in an "S" shape across the entire pan, or in whatever design you prefer.

  • Bake for 15 more minutes, checking with a toothpick of cake-tester in the center to ensure it is done. Add an extra 5 minutes of baking time if needed.

  • Allow to cool before cutting and serving.

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  • Enjoy!

NUTRITION INFO (1 BAR)

Calories: 163, Fat: 7.5g, Carbohydrates: 21g, Fiber: 3.2g, Sugar: 7g, Added Sugar: 4g, Protein: 4.5g

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MAKE IT VEGAN

  • Try with a flax egg or other equivalent substitute.

WANT A MORE DECADENT DESSERT?

  • Instead of a half cup of each type of milk, use all coconut milk!

  • Heat them up a bit (20-30 seconds in that microwave or toaster oven)

WANT MORE CHOCOLATE?

  • Stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before adding into the baking pan!

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These simple but delicious bars were a total hit at the potluck I brought them to – and my non-dessert-eating husband even enjoyed them! Whether you want to make them for a holiday party, work event, or just a treat to enjoy at home, these are bound to be a winner with everyone!

xx,
mallory

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