Deliciously Healthy Pumpkin Bars With Maple Pecan Glaze
Imagine savoring a cozy fall treat, like pumpkin bars with maple pecan glaze. The combination of leftover pumpkin puree and almond butter creates a moist, flavorful base. Sweetened with honey and topped with a glaze that balances maple’s sweetness with pecan’s nuttiness, these bars are a warm hug in dessert form. Perfect served warm with whipped cream or alongside chai tea, they promise a delightful journey into autumn flavors. Curious about the preparation?
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars
When it comes to crafting these delightful pumpkin bars, the ingredients are both simple and incredibly satisfying. One starts with 1/2 cup of leftover pumpkin puree, ideal for repurposing autumn’s bounty.
The creamy richness of 1/2 cup almond or cashew butter complements the pumpkin beautifully. A drizzle of 1/3 cup honey adds just the right sweetness, while two large eggs bind everything together.
For a burst of cozy flavor, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice are introduced. A dash of salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda guarantee perfect texture, while a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar provides a gentle rise.
Preparing the Baking Dish
Alright, friends, let’s get our baking dish ready for these scrumptious pumpkin bars!
The key to perfect bars lies in the preparation. First, grab an 8-inch square baking dish. Lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
Next, press parchment paper into the bottom; this guarantees easy removal later. The oil helps the parchment stay put, like a cozy blanket for your batter.
Imagine the aroma filling the kitchen as you prepare:
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Light spray of oil
- Parchment paper snugly fitted
- Oil to anchor parchment
- Even surface for flawless baking
With this setup, your pumpkin bars will turn out perfect!
Baking Instructions
Before diving into the oven magic, let’s gather our ingredients and prepare for baking! Start by preheating the oven to 350°F; it’s like setting the stage for a cozy, aromatic performance.
Combine 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of almond butter, and 1/3 cup of honey in a bowl. Add two large eggs, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Don’t forget the secret ingredient, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, for that extra rise. Pour the batter into a prepared 8-inch pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!
Creating the Maple Pecan Glaze
As the aroma of baking pumpkin bars fills the kitchen, it’s the perfect moment to prepare the delicious maple pecan glaze. The process is simple: blend pecans, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The glaze should be creamy, with the pecans adding a rich texture. Adjust the consistency with extra water if needed. This glaze not only tastes divine but also adds an elegant touch to the bars.
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Serving and Enjoying
Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, it’s time to indulge in their deliciousness. With a generous drizzle of maple pecan glaze, these bars transform into a feast for the senses.
Each bite offers a delightful blend of rich pumpkin spice and the nutty sweetness of pecans. Serve them on a charming platter, perhaps with a steaming mug of chai tea.
If feeling adventurous, top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a nut-free version, replace pecans with sunflower seeds.
Enjoy these treats at a cozy gathering, evoking autumn warmth and camaraderie.