Pecan & Pumpkin Spice Oat Bars

It is almost October which means it’s almost pumpkin spice season! These pecan & pumpkin spice oat bars are a healthy way to satisfy your pumpkin spice craving. These treats make a great pair with your afternoon tea. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of coconut oil
• 2 cups of oats
• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• 2 Tbsp of chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of nutmeg
• 2 tsp of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut oil. Whisk until blended evenly.
3. Add the remainder of the ingredients. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
4. Line a square pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and pat down until the batter is completely flat. 
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
7. Store in the refrigerator to preserve the freshness. 

 

Benefits of this recipe:

-Pumpkin helps maintain healthy eyes, improves immunity, and is good for your complexion.

-Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, helps digestive health, regulates cholesterol, boosts energy and metabolism, and is a great source of omega-3s.

-Oats are high in fiber, reduces heart disease risk, and lowers cholesterol.

The benefits of these ingredients were researched from http://www.draxe.com

 

No-Bake Vegan Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars

Recently I have been obsessed with making healthy treats with a sneaky ingredient: CARROTS! If you haven’t already checked out my Sweet & Creamy Carrot Pudding recipe, you must try it. Adding carrots to your healthy treats is great because you are getting so many extra health benefits, yet it does not taste like you are eating vegetables. Today I am sharing with you my easy, no-bake, vegan carrot cake oatmeal bars. These are good as a delicious breakfast or snack. I like to add a dollop of coconut yogurt on top of mine. Enjoy!

Preparation + Chill Time: 55 minutes

Makes about 9-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 5 Pitted Medjool Dates
• 2 T Melted Coconut Oil
• 1 lb Carrots (peeled)
• 1/3 C Almond Butter
• 6 T Maple Syrup or Honey
• 2 t Vanilla Extract
• 3 t Cinnamon
• 2 t Allspice
• 2 t Ginger Powder
• 1 T Ground Flax Seed
• 1 T Orange Juice
• Dash of Salt
• 1 1/4 C Pecans (divided)
• 2 C Oats

Instructions:

1. Put all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender except the pecans and oats. Take 1 C of the Pecans and add to the blender, leaving 1/4 C aside. Blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth.
2. Transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Add the 2 C of Oats. Mix with a large wooden spoon until evenly incorporated.
3. Chop the remaining 1/4 C of pecans into small pieces. Add to the large bowl and evenly mix into the batter.
4. Scoop the mixture from the bowl into a square 8″x8″ pan. Press down with a spatula until it is completely flat and evenly distributed. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove from the freezer and cut into bars.
6. Store the bars in the fridge.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

-Dates have high levels of soluble fiber which optimizes digestion. They also decrease cholesterol, boost energy, and boost bone health.

-Oats are high in fiber, reduces heart disease risk, and lowers cholesterol.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com