Pumpkin Spice Energy Bars

Do you have a sweet tooth or energy lulls mid afternoon? HealthKitchen's Pumpkin Spice Energy Bars are a great way to curb your hunger and sweet tooth cravings. With the holidays around the corner we thought it was fitting to make a bar with pumpkin. Our recipe was created with whole food ingredients that are healthy and provide you with lasting energy. 

HealthKitchen wishes you a happy holiday season!

Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds or walnuts
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup medjool dates, pitted and soaked for 30 minutes
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup almond or peanut butter
1/3 cup pepitas
3/4  cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1+ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Tools:
Food processor
Large storage container
Large mixing bowl
Plastic Wrap

Directions:

1. Place almonds into food processor and process the nuts until finely ground
2. Add soaked dates, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and process until mixed together
3. Add almond butter and process until ingredients are mixed well
4. Remove mixture from food processor and scoop into large bowl
5. Fold pepitas, oats, and chia seeds into mixture
6. With washed hands roll the mixture into 1 inch thick balls
7. Coat each energy bar with a thin layer of shredded coconut
8. Place the energy bars in a storage container, with plastic wrap between each layer
9. Place in fridge or freezer 
10. Enjoy 1-2 bar per serving!