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Pumpkin Pie Bars
PIN THIS RECIPE!I know what you’re thinking. What the f*ck Juli. It’s the second day you’ve posted something sweet AND something pumpkin…where the hell is the real food?? Where is the originality?? I know, I get it. BUT in my defense, I had to use up my leftover pumpkin from yesterday’s waffles. Leave no food behind. It’s an act. Like the law kind of act. Look it up. So to make sure I didn’t get in trouble with the law, I made pumpkin pie bars. CAN YOU SAY OMG?! I can!
I want to talk about some random stuff:
Like the murdered squirrel outside my house. Don’t worry, he was murdered by his own kind, so it was a fair fight. That sounds real bad. BUT he’s been run over prooooobably 256 times, been rained on, been snowed on, probably been stepped on, and well, he smells like legitimate hell. Like, I have to hold my breath while getting out of the car.
Facebook messaging. And chat. I despise both. Mostly because I never check my messages then I look like a real asshole when I don’t write back.
Dark chocolate. I’m having a real love-hate relationship with it right. I bought a little tiny 80% bar last week and now it’s all I’m thinking about. I hate how Whole Foods has the chocolate bars in the check out isle. I stare at them for probably 5 minutes while moving slowly through the line, going through an insanely obsessive internal battle on whether or not to buy one. I’ve stayed strong so far…but I’m leaving for Whole Foods in probably 5 minutes. Sh*t.
And I need to mention the fact that I drank wine two nights in a row over the weekend. Friday night was awesome because I was home by myself, so I poured myself a glass of chardonnay, ate a steak, then proceeded on to make brownie batter ice cream. I didn’t know that’s what I was making, but it worked out that way. Bomb Friday night. THEN Laura and I thought it was a good idea to drink some wine before we called a cab to go out on Saturday. Wellllll, turns out wine makes you sleepy. And that’s what we did. Me on the couch, her on the floor. What’s up with me drinking wine? So weird.
PrintPumpkin Pie Bars
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
For the crust
- 6 dates, pits removed
- 1 cup almond butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
For the filling
- 1 (14oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup coconut butter, melted to be just a bit soft
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/16 teaspoon ground cloves (don’t measure, just splash)
- pinch of salt
For the toppings
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- First we will make the crust. Add your dates and almond butter to a food processor and pulse until it breaks down together.
- Then add your 2 eggs, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt and puree until smooth.
- Grease an 8×8 glass baking dish with some coconut oil and pour in your crush. Use a spoon to smooth off the surface and level out all over.
- Place in oven to bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is firm and cooked through when you poke it with a toothpick. Then let cool.
- While your crust is baking, make your filling ingredients.
- Add your pumpkin puree along with all other ingredients and puree until completely smooth. Coconut butter should be incorporated in, not chunky.
- When your crust is cool, top it off with your pumpkin puree filling and smooth evenly through.
- Last but not least, make your topping.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to a small skillet to heat under medium heat. Then add your chopped pecans.
- These will burn easily so be careful.
- While constantly mixing the pecasn, add your maple syrup, cinnamon, and a bit of salt and continue to stir until pecans have roasted a bit. About 3-4 minutes.
- Pour pecans on top of pumpkin puree filling.
- Set in freezer to cool for 20+ minutes.
- Cut and serve. Keep in fridge or freezer to keep intact and from melting.
Oh, Hi! I’m Juli.
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97 thoughts on “Pumpkin Pie Bars”
You just sit around and come up with recipes to tempt me into over-indulging in paleo treats, don’t you?
Dear 21 DSD please, PLEASE be over soon ! (day 18 today !). Looks amazing !
amen.
currently doing a Whole30 and this is going to be my celebration at the end! this looks AMAZEBALLS!
These look amazing! One question, though. My husband is allergic to eggs. Is there anything that I could substitute for the eggs?
You may be able to use a banana of flax seed meal. i’ve heard of people using both
My husband surprised me with these today. Yes, he is awesome 🙂 Anyway, he forgot to put the eggs in the crust and it was so yummy anyway! It was just like a crust rather than cakey. So, I think you could just completely omit them and it will be delicious.
★★★★★
YEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!! :0
Would it be ok to use the pumpkin pie spice I have on hand instead of buying each spice individually?
absolutely!!!
Just closed my eyes and imagined doing snow (er pumpkin snow?) angels in a big pan of these. Is that strange?
OK, I have the coconut cream concentrate and it’s intimidating the hell out of me. It’s in two layers in the jar; one solid white on the bottom, and a clear liquid layer on top. And I can’t seem to get it to incorporate. The bottom layer is hard and chunky when broken up. Do I heat it slightly to soften it so it will mix better? Is it like almond butter that just needs to be stirred before use because it always seperates out? I’m dying to try some of these recipes that use cococut cream concentrate but I can’t figure out how to use the stuff! Save me from my ignorance (and the concentrate – it’s just sitting in m pantry mocking me!)!
there’s an instructional video on the TT site that you bought it from!! that’s helpful! I usually dump some of the oil, then heat it up in a saucepan with water boiling around it then mix!
HI There!!
Juli, Love your blog!
I make coconut butter. It will always be hard at temp below 66 or thereabouts.
I keep mine in a small pot that’s halfway filled with water and when I need to use it, if it’s hard, I turn the stove on to a low flame. In about 5 or 10 minutes it will all start to melt. I never pour any of the clear oil out. That helps to keep the coconut butter soft and smooth as you use it up, since it becomes condensed.
Make sure to keep stirring the butter as it melts and don’t keep it on the flame for too long or it will start browning on the bottom. Which is OK too. Just adds a carmel-y flavor.
I make about 5 different flavors and they are so creamy they pour like syrup. Best eaten when hot!
Hope this helps
★★★★★
My kid keeps asking me for paleo candy. I’m gonna shove this in front of him and watch him stuff his face in delight. And then I’m gonna do the same. Thank you for another drool-worthy recipe.
★★★★★
My mouth is going to have a party later when I make this.. p.s. I made my mother in law a few of your sweets this weekend because she wants to try paleo and she proceeded to put butter and sugar on all of them.. It made me mad. I was like “seriously, you just ruined that and your thighs are gonna pay” I loved the zucchini chocolate bread/cake.. HOLY COW.
★★★★★
These look absolutely amazing. It is fall and pumpkin is “in,” therefore multiple pumpkin recipes are very justified. I have a question though. First, let me thank you for your blog. It was passed to me a few months ago, and is the only blog I read – extremely entertaining. Being a bachelor I don’t make too many complex recipes, but I have tried a couple and they have been really good. My question references back to being a bachelor. We are having the end of our Paleo Challenge “potluck” this Saturday and everyone is bringing a side as BBQ is the main dish. Any suggestions from your recipe for a fairly simple tasty side to feed 20-25 people? As I also attempt a social life I don’t want to spend all night in cooking, but I also don’t want to be the chump carrying in steamed brussel sprouts. Thanks again, and keep up the the entertaining posts!
Absolutely Bachelor Chris!! Check out my cinnamon bacon backyard sweet potato recipe! You can just multiple that by 3 or 4 or even more and make a crap ton of it. Doesn’t need many ingredients and you could also cook it in the oven if you don’t have a grill. But you better if you’re a bachelor.
I will give those a try and report back. I kind of have a grill. I live in a condo on the lake here so HOA doesn’t allow grills no the decks, nazis! We have grills on the beach and by the pool, but it’s 42 degrees so even though I now sound like a chump I will not be utilizing this resource. Pick your battle I guess. Speaking of chumps, start doing more articles for Again Faster. All the articles are very good and informative, but all are so serious with the exception of yours. Loved the piece on muscle-ups, they truly are the anti-christ.
Just put this recipe in my Paleo Thanksgiving menu file. Perfect substitute for pumpkin pie. Thanks!!
Yummers!! … but hang on a sec, did you say brownie batter ice cream?? Holy jesus on a trampoline, pleeeeease post that recipe! That shizz sounds illegal awesome.
★★★★★
YUM! I have a ton of pumpkin in my fridge right now, mostly because I’ve been cooking with it constantly and buy 2 cans of organic pumpkin puree every time I set food in trader joe’s. The cashier’s call me out on it now…I’m wondering if they refer to me as “pumpkin girl” or something equally lame. Anyway, I’m rambling, but this is next on my list to make. Gracias.
Also, those pumpkin muffins from Civilized Caveman are AMAZING. I brought a batch to my “help the coach kick his own ass” WOD this weekend…they were a hit. And my husband and kid love them. Scores all around.
Oh, heck yes, I will be making these! One of my fave combos, pumpkin and pecans. Your paleo desserts are seriously to die for, I don’t think I’ve made a single one that I didn’t love.
I love pumpkin flavored everything and I can’t WAIT to make these. Question though….could I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?? Ok, one more question…is there a substitute for coconut creme concentrate??
yes you could use almond milk. and if you don’t have coconut cream concentrate, make your own homemade coconut butter. there is a recipe for it in the ingredients section of the recipe
is it supposed to be 1 cup of almond butter in the crust? or is it almond flour?
yep almond butter!
Just drooled all over my keyboard… this is happening very very soon. Are you eating nuts again?!
no, just used nuts for this recipe for people who still are eating nuts!
These pumpkin pie bars were freakin amazing..and i’m not saying that just because i’m your roommate 😉 I also enjoyed the smell of pumpkin in our house last night. Definitely a “make again” for Thanksgiving!
Looks amazing. I’m excited to try it. Making paleo treats instantly turns me into Goddess of Food Magic with my family, so this recipe will definitely increase my stock value ’round here. And I now know how to make coconut butter, so thank you!
you should drink tequila instead of wine!
Speaking of cookbooks is yours going to be available in print and electronic? I cook your recipies off of my iPad and would love to have your cookbook in electronic form!
Oh my gosh I am totally making this!!! I have everything but Pumpkin & Pecans at home!! You would be proud Juli my pantry and fridge is full of things JB cooks with on a daily!! 🙂
Wait a second! Brownie Batter Ice Cream?! What’s this?! Where is this? (Sorry that I’m completely neglecting the sole purpose of this post: the pumpkin bars, but really. Brownie Batter Ice Cream!)
I am SO on the pumpkin bandwagon this year! Cant get enough of the stuff!
We all need things to do with odds & ends pumpkin. Also I’m glad someone else hates Facebook message & chat… I suck at responding too.
YUSS! MORE PUMPKIN!
★★★★★
Just made this recipe!! My apt smells amazing! used almond milk instead of coconut concentrate and almond butter instead of the coconut butter…Nothing is an exact science right?? haha. Looks good 🙂
★★★★
Are you sure there is no almond flour in this recipe? It looks like it may but it is not listed in the crust ingredients? I want to make for my kiddos but I want to be sure I have everything 🙂
im sure, the crust uses almond butter instead of flour
Wow! These beat pumpkin cookies any day! You are my cooking hero!
You have amazing willpower! There’s no way I could make this while not eating nut butter… kudos to you!
I made this tonight and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait for the cookbook!
Yes! Will try these tonight. Can’t wait, can’t wait 😉
★★★★★
I really dislike fall flavors (pumpkin, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, etc.) but for some reason this is seriously calling my name. How is it possible that you can make things look so amazing!? I’m definitely going to try this 🙂
Holy pumpkin balls!! I love you Juli!! I don’t know how I’d make it through my 63 day paleo challenge w/o you!! Making some of these goodies to help get me through the Masters this weekend!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Any substitutes for covonut butter concentrate (etc)? I a, 1/2 wat thru the recipe without either :). Help!!
you could make your own coconut butter!!
I just made this. The pecan topping is to die for.
★★★★
Simply Awesome, I love it as my morning “pastry” Keep up the amazing work!
★★★★★
Hey, Juli Im the dude that emailed you last week telling you all my clients love your stuff. Had one og them tell me I had to try these, giving them a shot this weekend! Look amazing……should last me all of about 15 minutes.
★★★★★
this was such a hit in my house!! my non-pumpkin-pie-eating 4yr. old devoured almost 1/2 the tray and my real-deal-pumpkin-pie-loving husband couldn’t believe it wasn’t “bad” for you… so happy to add another successful recipe to my foodfolio box!
★★★★★
Ok, someone help me out here….On Paleo are you or are you not suppose to avoid things that have salt, or adding salf to foods?
Also…very excited to try this reciepe, love this blog Juli thanks for everything you do, and for being yourself!
Do you happen to know if any stores carry Coconut Cream Concentrate or if you can only order it online?
Artisana sells coconut butter is some stores (which is the same as coocnut cream concentrate)
I don’t know where you live, but even here in Wyoming, where everything the least bit unusual is hard to find, many grocery stores are starting to carry almond and coconut butter. Also, tropical traditions has it. Hope this helps.
★★★★★
Totally made this just now!!!! Just waiting for them to set so I can eat them!!!!
I made these this weekend and wowza! Very yummy! They were the hit of the party, that was not a paleo party. I gave out the recipe to many people. Score! (I did add more spices though)
★★★★★
contemplating substituting sweet potatoes for pumpkin. Thoughts?
diggin it
I have a potluck at work tomorrow and have found what I’m bringing!!!!!!!!! Thanks lady
My crust doesn’t look anything like the pic…and there wasn’t enough pecan topping to make it look as dense as your pic. My topping looks sprinkled on. Regardless of looks, it is delicious!
★★★★
Made these last night…pretty darn tasty! Next time I think I will half the bottom layer and double the middle layer to make it a little less heavy. Great job though!!!
★★★★
I am making this for the teachers at my kids school. Some of them have gluten allergies so this is perfect. This is by far the BEST dessert ever!! or breakfast with coffee! YUm Thanks again Juli B!!!
I have made this recipe three times since you posted it. It is my new fav!! I added a tsp of vanilla to the filling to make it a little sweeter. Thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
What a pain in the ass the crust was! My kitchenaid food processor wouldn’t even turn until I put the dough blade in & then it worked for the most part…The thing I’m wondering is if you cook the filling? It doesn’t say?
that’s weird! and no, you don’t cook the filling!
Mine did the same thing! It got so gloppy it froze the blades on my food processor! Recipe aborted since it is Thanksgiving and nothing is open to go get replacement ingredients. 🙁
Made these last night and they’re pretty incredible. My crust didn’t look nearly as good or fluffy as yours, but it tasted great! I brought them to the office for my co-workers who think my eating habits are crazy/stupid… they couldn’t get enough.
My Kitchen Aid food processor really struggled with mixing the crust too. A couple of times it just stopped working. It was kind of a bummer since I just got a new one and this was the second thing I made with it. I’ll need to find a better way to mix the denser stuff.
★★★★★
I made these last night. BOMB DOT COM!!
★★★★★
I made this last night so yummy! I bought double the ingredients so I wonn’t run out for a while!
I do have a question. My topping doesn’t look as good the coconut oil has seemed to have congealed on the top. Any ideas of what I mayhave done wrong there?
★★★★★
your bars look an awful lot like these: http://www.anytimehealth.com/blog/15223-Recipe-Paleo-Pumpkin-Bars
What gives?
wow that’s pretty f*cked up. Thanks for showing me that!
Another hit for Thanksgiving dessert!!!!!!!! Everything I tried for the holiday was a hit from your website. Thank you!!!!!
★★★★★
I want to spend my whole life eating this crust *drool*
Hi Juli, I had to thank you for this recipe because it was amazing! I made it for myself for Thanksgiving dessert as I am following the GAPS diet (yes, the maple syrup was a cheat, but since it wasn’t much I didn’t bother to substitute with honey) and ended up serving it to guests as well. I was a little nervous since I hadn’t tasted them, but EVERYONE, all of whom are non-paleo, LOVED them! They were so good my husband declares this recipe a keeper, and we polished the rest of the pan off the next day, starting with breakfast! I can’t wait until your cookbook comes out, thank you for providing everyone with such wonderful recipes!
★★★★★
My family & I just started the Paleo Diet. I’m so glad I stumbled across this site. I made this recipe last night & it was SO GOOD. I repeat, SO GOOD. The different flavors of each layer go great together. I cannot believe how happy I’ve been with the Paleo diet and my success so far in just one week. Tonight I’m going to make those blueberry lemon donuts (going to go out & buy my donut pan today). Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
So, looks like AnytimeHealth removed your copycat paleo pumpkin bar recipe only to put it back up. Probably to remove the comments that your fans left.
I haven’t been closely following this, but I was clearing out my Firefox bookmarks and noticed that it was a valid link again.
They’ve really got a lot of nerve.
http://www.anytimehealth.com/blog/394993-Recipe-Paleo-Pumpkin-Bars
About to make these scrumptious treats! Can’t wait for the fall aroma in my kitchen and of course the tasty aftermath 🙂 would
Cooking time differ if I use a dark baking pan vs glass dish?
No clue
Is there any way I could use sunbutter in place of the almond butter? (I’ll also have to skip the topping) BIG nut allergy in our family 🙁 This looks amazing.
absolutely!! it will taste a little different but still great im sure!
Maybe you could show that squirrel some respect and pick/scrape him up and bury him…
Just made these.. Half with pecans half without.
Also, I made your mango tilapia last night and used red kale. My boyfriend told me I could have the last piece because it was very clear I was in love… Then I made it for breakfast for him again. Don’t judge me. I might love you.
I hope these are delicious because they are not easy to make with a hungry toddler hanging off of you!!! 🙂
I must have did something wrong? because my crust did not come out as fluffy as yours, nor did it come out in nice little squares. I was pretty disappointed because I made this for a party and everyone used spoons to dig it out, despite the lines I cut prior.
With looks aside, it tasted great. No complaints there, but this was a slight hassle. I’d like to know how to improve because I did enjoy the taste of this recipe!
★★★
Is the pumpkin part supposed to be sort of mushy? I let it in the freezer for longer than 20 minutes but it not firm at all.
i don’t know if mushy is the right term for it, but it is definitely softer like pumpkin pie filling is
I made this, because we are traveling for Thanksgiving and I can’t make a paleo pumpkin pie. They turned out so good. Thank you.
i know the worst thing ever is when people are like “oh i made this recipe, except i added 12 ingredients and left out the pumpkin, but other than that it was great.” so i’m sorry in advance for this comment…..BUT i did do that. ha. i omitted the coconut butter/concentrate, added a couple tablespoons of coconut flour and 2 eggs to the filing then baked it like pumpkin pie. um YES. just yes all around.
★★★★★
I made my own coconut butter last night per your directions….I don’t even know who I am any more! Thanks for helping me believe I can do good things in the kitchen! Will be making these tonight, can’t wait.
Why does it matter if you have a treat everyday as long as it’s all Paleo? I hear that comment a lot , and these deserts are full of things good for you! I have lost 25 plus pounds on Paleo in five weeks, and I have a treat at least every two days. Depending on PMS. lol
you can do whatever works for your body 🙂
Can you use store bought coconut butter (such as Organic Raw Coconut Butter ar by Artisana)?
yes!