Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars
Are you craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy? These Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars are the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, almond butter, pumpkin puree, and dark chocolate, they make a nutrient-dense treat that's perfect for fall—or any time of year! Whether you’re following a gluten-free, vegan, or just a healthier lifestyle, these cookie bars are easily adaptable and incredibly satisfying.
Enjoy,
SiLLibake
Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars
These healthy pumpkin chocolate cookie bars combine the warming spices of pumpkin pie with the richness of dark chocolate for a truly delicious and nutritious snack. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or packing them as a treat for work, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars
Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup or coconut sugar, these bars have no refined sugars.
High in Fiber and Healthy Fats: Almond flour, flaxseed, and olive oil provide fiber and healthy fats to keep you feeling full longer.
Customizable: You can swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs—use flax eggs for a vegan option or replace almond butter with peanut butter if preferred.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These cookie bars store well in the fridge or freezer, making them an easy, grab-and-go snack.
The Health Benefits of Pumpkin
1. Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants:
Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s loaded with vitamin A, thanks to its high beta-carotene content, which helps boost eye health, supports the immune system, and promotes glowing skin. Additionally, pumpkin contains vitamins C and E, which act as antioxidants, helping to protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress.2. High in Fiber:
Pumpkin is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel fuller for longer. The fiber in pumpkin can also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote a healthy heart by lowering cholesterol.3. Low in Calories:
Despite being rich in nutrients, pumpkin is surprisingly low in calories. This makes it an ideal ingredient for those looking to enjoy decadent treats, like these cheesecake bars, without the guilt. It’s a great way to add volume and nutrition without adding excessive calories.4. Supports Immune Function:
The beta-carotene in pumpkin, along with its vitamin C content, gives your immune system a natural boost. Vitamin C helps the body fight off infections, and the combination of antioxidants found in pumpkin can reduce inflammation and improve immune responses.5. Promotes Healthy Skin:
Pumpkin’s high vitamin A and E content promotes healthy, youthful skin. The antioxidants found in pumpkin help prevent signs of aging by protecting the skin from damage caused by UV rays and other environmental factors.6. May Aid in Weight Management:
Because pumpkin is nutrient-dense and low in calories, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. Its high fiber content helps control appetite, making it easier to avoid overeating. In this recipe, pumpkin adds natural sweetness and texture without needing excess sugar or unhealthy fats.Nutrition Highlights
These healthy cookie bars are more than just a sweet treat—they're packed with nutrients!
Oat Flour & Almond Flour: These provide a great source of fiber, helping to regulate blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer.
Pumpkin Puree: Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, pumpkin adds not only a subtle sweetness but also nutritional value.
Almond Butter: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E.
Dark Chocolate: When using 70% or higher cocoa content, dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants.
Tips for Success:
For a Vegan Version: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon ground flax seed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
Substitutions: If you don't have almond flour, simply use more oat flour. You can also swap almond butter for peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Texture Tip: If you love fudgy desserts, slightly underbake the bars for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars
PREP TIME: 10 MIN
COOK TIME: 18-22 MIN
SERVING: 12
Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars
These Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, almond butter, pumpkin puree, and dark chocolate, they make a nutrient-dense treat that's perfect for fall—or any time of year! Whether you’re following a gluten-free, vegan, or just a healthier lifestyle, these cookie bars are easily adaptable and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups oat flour (you can blend oats to make flour)
1/2 cup almond flour (or substitute with more oat flour)
2 tbsp ground flax seed
3/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1/3 cup maple syrup (or use coconut sugar or any sweetener)
1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (70% dark chocolate or higher for a healthier option), plus 2 tbsp for the top (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Spices and Baking Agents: Stir in the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the oat flour, almond flour, and ground flax seed. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips. Reserve 2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top if desired.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for an extra chocolatey finish.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the cookie bars.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Storage: Store the cookie bars at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for 5-7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Pumpkin Chocolate Cookie Bars:
Nutrition (Approximate) per serving (makes 12 bars):
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 19.4g | Protein: 5g | Fats: 7g | Fiber: 3g
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