Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
This classic, fall sweet treat is so moist, it could easily be mistaken as a cake! Each bar has an ultra soft, fluffy bite that oozes with chocolate chips. These omit such a cozy smell as well, drawing any person around to have the first slice. I guarantee these will become an annual, more like weekly, staple in your home, given you’ll only need to keep nine ingredients on hand. I recommend adding a little extra of everything, to give more room for devouring the vegan batter, before it hits the pan! Serve the bars up cold or warm, with a big scoop of coconut whip or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
2 (flax) eggs
3/4 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 cup almond butter, creamy
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted + cooled
3 tbsp coconut sugar (optional)
1/2 cup almond flour or 1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp pink salt
1/2+ cup chocolate chips
Directions:
Prepare the flax eggs, if using, by combining 2 tbsp of flax seed meal and 5 tbsp warm water. Set aside, until a gelatinous consistency is reached.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a small, preferably 8x8, dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the prepared eggs, pumpkin purée, almond butter, and melted coconut oil, as well as the coconut sugar (if using). Stir until everything is incorporated well.
In a small, separate bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and pink salt.
Mix the dry ingredient mixture into the larger bowl of wet ingredients.
Once smooth, fold the chocolate chips in.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and add extra chocolate on top, if desired.
Bake for 34-38 minutes. Less time means an extra gooey and moister texture, whereas cooking for longer means slightly crumbly and less moist.
Let cool for at least five minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Notes:
Any creamy nut/seed butter is welcome here, but another neutral one (like cashew butter) is recommended.
These are free of added sugars, minus whatever is in the chocolate chips you choose! If you generally like things to be sweeter or want this to be, I recommend adding closer to 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips and/or 1/4 cup coconut sugar. If using, add the coconut sugar in on step three.
