And happy Friday! I am so excited to share my new favorite holiday treat with you today!
When a craving for something sweet, creamy, bread-y, and chocolate-y strikes... this treat is sure to make you happy!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cake Bars!
But they aren't just any pumpkin chocolate chip gingerbread cake bars... they have a modern nutritional twist! Instead of using whole wheat flour, they are made with almond flour!
We all know almonds are amazing for you... but what can you tell people when they ask you "why would someone want to use almond flour?" Here's why...
Health Benefits
Almond flour, because it is simply ground almonds, offers the same health benefits as eating whole almonds. Eating nuts regularly can help your cholesterol, and a meta-analysis study published in the May 2009 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" verified previous claims that almond consumption results in lowered total cholesterol. When you have lower total cholesterol, you may reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Beneficial Nutrients
Almond flour contains 160 calories in 1/4 cup, and 320 calories in 1/2 cup. In contrast, whole-wheat flour has 204 calories in 1/2 cup. Almond flour is high in fat, with 1/4 cup containing 14 g of total fat, 1 g of saturated fat and no trans fat. The fat in almond flour comes mainly from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. You get about 35 percent of your vitamin E requirement for the day, 20 percent of your magnesium needs and 6 percent of your daily requirement for both iron and calcium. Your body uses vitamin E for the health of your red blood cells, and magnesium for your muscle function, bone strength and energy needs. Almond flour also gives you 6 g of protein and 3 g of fiber per 1/4 cup, which is about 12 percent of your fiber requirements, if you aim for consuming 25 g a day.
Source: Livestrong
These cake bars can be enjoyed by everyone, because they are free of dairy and gluten! Here's the recipe!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cake Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup agave nectar
4 eggs
2 cups blanched almond flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. In a food processor, combine pumpkin, agave, and eggs and pulse until mixture is consistent and smooth.
2. Combine pumpkin mixture with almond flour, salt, baking soda, and spices in a mixing bowl. Mix on high until batter is mixed well.
3. Pour batter into a greased 10"x15" casserole dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
4. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
5. Cut into cake bars of desired size. Serve and enjoy! You can also freeze them to enjoy later!
They are heavenly over banana soft serve!
Have an amazing day! xoxoxo
