Description
These pumpkin bars are a healthier version of your traditional pumpkin bars. They are made grain free by using nutritious almond flour. The cream cheese is kept light by sweetening it with honey.They are a delicious fall-time treat that will be a big hit at any party.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the pumpkin bars
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- For the honey-sweetened cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 stick butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons mild-flavored honey (or more if desired)
Instructions
- For the pumpkin bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 x 8 baking dish. I use melted coconut oil.
- In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl whisk together the eggs, honey, pumpkin puree, and vanilla.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and evenly spread the batter.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the batter is set and the center comes clean with a toothpick.
- Set aside and allow the bars to cool completely.
- For the honey sweetened cream cheese frosting:
- Add all ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer that is attached with the balloon whisk. Whisk for 5 to 10 minutes on the highest speed, or until the frosting has formed peaks and is smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is incorporated. Taste-test and add extra honey if needed.
- Alternately you could use a hand mixer.
- Using an offset spatula evenly spread the frosting onto the pumpkin bars (make sure the pumpkin bars are completely cooled). Place the bars in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until the frosting has set.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Pumpkin Bars Adapted from: Elana’s Pantry
