Moist dessert bars that are rich in flavor and antioxidants from pumpkin and spices, along with fiber from the oats. Instead of white flour, these use heart-healthy oat and almond flours, full of fiber and healthy fats. Topped with dark chocolate and salted toasted almonds, these cookie/cake bars are a scrumptious Fall treat!
1/2cupvegan butter, softened (recommend Country Crock Plant Butter) (See pic below)
3/4cupbrown sugar (heaping amount, not packed)(can substitute coconut sugar)
1/2cuppumpkin puree
1tspvanilla extract
1 1/2cupsquick cook oats
3/4cupalmond flour
1/2cupoat flour
1tspbaking powder
1/2tspbaking soda
1tspground cinnamon
1/2tspcloves
1/4tspnutmeg
1/4tspground ginger
1/4tspsalt
1/2cupchopped dark chocolateor semi-sweet chocolate chips
TOPPING
1/2cupchopped dark chocolateor semi-sweet chocolate chips
1tspcoconut oil
1/2tspmaple syrup(omit if using semi-sweet chocolate chips)
1/4cupslice almonds, toasted (see note below)
pinchsea salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar.
Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Whisk together to combine thoroughly.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oats, flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices (see note) and salt until combined.
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until combined into a doughy mixture. Add 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chips and stir to combine.
Press dough into a 9x9 inch baking pan. You can use an 8x8 pan for thicker bars. Bake about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool almost completely before adding topping.
TOPPING: In a microwave-proof bowl or measuring cup, add 1/2 cup dark chocolate or chips with the coconut oil and optional maple syrup. Heat in microwave in 1 minute intervals, stirring until smooth, melted and combined.
Drizzle/spread chocolate over bars. Sprinkle on salted, toasted almonds. Cool completely. Refrigerate for about an hour. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Toasted Salted Almonds: In a dry saute pan over med-low heat, stir almond and pinch of salt until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Cool. 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice can substitute for the four spices.