Wednesday 4 November 2015

Pumpkin Pie Protein Squares

 

There is something so incredibly special about pumpkin pie.


And no, I don't mean in the basic b**** way. Although, rock on my basic warriors -- because that's a great reason to love pumpkin, too!


Last year my life was in a different place. I had a bit more time to blog and allow my pumpkin head to  be filled with wonderful ideas like pumpkin cheesecake bars, pumpkin scones, pumpkin brownies, pumpkin pie muffin top cookies, and my grandfather's (and mine!) favourite -- pumpkin pie.


This year my life has been more of a scramble. As I try and sort out some of my business stuff and, of course, go to work every day and try to get some me time (aka going to the gym for an hour if I am lucky!). I found myself screaming "OH LORD ALMIGHTY IS IT OCTOBER?! IS THIS REAL LIFE!?!?"


Yes.


Yes it is.


So if your year has been like mine, which, let's be real -- we live in a world where MORE is MORE and too much is never enough -- then maybe you don't have time for pie.


Maybe picking up a box of Halloween candy BEFORE Halloween would actually be the biggest *win* you've had in a while.


I hear you, brotha/sista man/woman. I hear you.




For the pumpkin pie lovers, protein savvy, the health conscious and the people who are just there for the free food --- I present to you....





Pumpkin PIE protein squares.



Oh yes.


No one understands the importance of pie more than I do. Really. From rolling out the dough to patiently waiting for it to cool -- to slicing a piece with a dollop of whipped cream teetering gently over the edges. It's what I live for.


But as time escapes me -- I need all the satisfaction but without the fuss.




I think these bars are incredibly versatile, too. Dessert, snack, breakfast -- you name it. This bar is good for it. Not only that but the pumpkin helps retain moisture keeping these bars DELICIOUS for up to a week! Not that they will last you, mind you.




Once you see how easy they are -- you won't be able to resist ;)


Pumpkin Pie Protein Squares             

Yields 16 Squares

Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, High Protein, Vegan Option 

Ingredients:


For Base:

  • 1 1/3 cup oat flour 
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 cup vanilla protein powder of choice
  • 1/2 cup honey, agave or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup nut butter of choice
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) 
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/8th teaspoon Lorann Oils Buttery Sweet Dough Emulsion or Wilton's Butter Extract 
  • 5 -10 drops English Toffee Stevia Drops (optional)


Chocolate Ganache Layer:

  • 1/2 cup chopped chocolate of choice (sweetness level of your choice-- I used white chocolate!)*
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top!



Directions:



  1. Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and set aside
  2. In a small saucepan combine sweetener, butters, extracts, pumpkin and oil until fully combined, if using flavourings or stevia drops add those into this mixture -- set aside when finished
  3. Pour sweetener/butter mixture over our dry ingredients and stir thoroughly, If your dough is too dry -- add a few spoons of almond milk until it comes together!
  4. Press dough into an 8x8 pan lined with foil or plastic wrap 
  5. Set in fridge for 15 minutes before adding ganache
  6. To make ganache, melt chocolate in the microwave with the coconut oil -- stir together -- spread over bars and top with additional pecans, if desired.
  7. Allow to set in the fridge until chocolate is firm to the touch -- slice into 16 bars and serve!
  8. Keep leftovers in the fridge for 5-7 days





The great thing about having a small and humble blog is I can pretty much say whatever I want and not have to worry about it biting me in the bottom. Not that I am ever that loose with my tongue, er, fingers?


But here is the honest to God truth. Since I have started making my protein bars I have never let a week go by without making a batch, or two, or sometimes 3.


In that time I have never bought store bought bars -- until a few weeks ago. I was out shopping and I picked up a quest bar because everyone always talks about them.


Honest to goodness I thought I would cry. It was dry and chewy and tasted incredibly artificial. Now I understand the macros are ON POINT!


But I wouldn't give up my bars if my life depended on it. And these pumpkin ones have provided me with emotional comfort and the wherewithal to come to terms with winter soon approaching in Canada.





I'm not sure if Quest does a pumpkin pie flavour? I tried the mint chocolate one and that is my FAVE flavour combination.


Sorry if this offends you, it's all personal preference -- but I would rather just whip up a batch of THESEEEEE:







Soft, moist, sweet and spicy. With a bit of crunch.







Sorry store bought bars, but there really is no going back. Unless I am in a pinch and spending all my money out shopping and forgot to eat lunch and need to go to GNC to buy pre-workout....

BUT ONLY THEN!







I have heard 'Oh Yeah' bars are pretty good, though.


Any thoughts? Do you like Quest bars like the other 99% of the fitness world? Any flavours I should try that may win me over??


Happy Pumpkin Pie Munchin'!


XO

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