Pumpkin Coconut Energy Bars (Vegan)

One week until Thanksgiving!  'Tis the season for baking too much, cooking too much, and eating too much. 

Sometimes you don't want to wait until Thanksgiving for a slice of pumpkin pie, yet you don't want to ruin it, or sometimes you just want something of a lighter nature that you can feel good about eating.  The upcoming season of delicious foods and feasting does not mean that you should be eating plain lettuce, carrot sticks, and rutabaga all day to "save up" for the holidays.  In fact, if it's not delicious, then you shouldn't eat it.  I believe food is a good gift and should always be enjoyed, and never suffered through.  If it's not delicious, then something isn't being done right.  Nutritious can be delicious.  But delicious does not always have to be nutritious.  Everything in moderation.  Do you follow me?  Well, never mind. 

Now for something that falls into the three most important categories: Delicious, Nutritious, AND Festive. 

Namely, Pumpkin Coconut Energy Bars. They’re pumpkin spiced, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free (if you use gluten-free oats), so most everyone can enjoy them! They’re sweetened with dates which also makes them refined sugar free.

Eat them as dessert, snack, after-workout boost, or for on the go. By nature they’re a bit soft, so if you prefer them harder keep them in the fridge or freezer until you need a little nutritious pick-me-up.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Nutritionist in the Kitch


Pumpkin Coconut Energy Bars

Makes 8-10 Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup / 160g pitted dates

  • 1/2 cup / 75g nuts of choice, raw and unsalted

  • 2 Tbsp / 24g pumpkin seeds or chia seeds

  • 2 Tbsp / 14g unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut

  • 1/4 cup / 23g oats

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/4 tsp cloves

  • 1/4 tsp ginger

  • 1/4 cup / 60g pumpkin puree

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.  Blend for several minutes, until slightly chunky or completely smooth, as you wish.

  2. Line an 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking dish with parchment paper.  Lightly sprinkle with oats or coconut to prevent mixture from sticking too much.

  3. Scoop mixture into dish and carefully spread to the edges.  Use lightly oiled or wet hands to help this process.  Sprinkle with more coconut, pumpkin seeds, or both.

  4. Place in the freezer for a couple hours, then slice into bars.  Store in at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer, depending on how firm you want the bars to be. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • I used a combination of almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts.  Why use only 1 or 2 varieties of nuts when you can use 5?? Haha

pumpkin, pumpkin spice, fall recipe, no bake, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free, pumpkin seeds, raw, coconut
dessert, snack
American
Yield: 8-10 servings
Author:

Pumpkin Coconut Energy Bars (vegan)

No-bake pumpkin bars with plenty of fall spice, coconut, and pumpkin seeds. Vegan, gluten-free if using gluten-free oats, refined-sugar free, and dairy-free.
prep time: 15 Mcook time: total time: 15 M

ingredients:

  • 1 cup / 160g pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup / 75g nuts of choice, raw and unsalted
  • 2 Tbsp / 24g pumpkin seeds or chia seeds
  • 2 Tbsp / 14g unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup / 23g oats
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 cup / 60g pumpkin puree

instructions:

How to cook Pumpkin Coconut Energy Bars (vegan)

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Blend for several minutes, until slightly chunky or completely smooth, as you wish.
  2. Line an 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle with oats or coconut to prevent mixture from sticking too much.
  3. Scoop mixture into dish and carefully spread to the edges. Use lightly oiled or wet hands to help this process. Sprinkle with more coconut, pumpkin seeds, or both.
  4. Place in the freezer for a couple hours, then slice into bars. Store in at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer, depending on how firm you want the bars to be.

Calories

149.51

Fat (grams)

6.45

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.46

Carbs (grams)

22.40

Fiber (grams)

3.70

Net carbs

18.70

Sugar (grams)

13.99

Protein (grams)

3.46

Sodium (milligrams)

32.30

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00
Nutritional information is approximate and based on 8 servings.
Created using The Recipes Generator