The perfect union of chocolate and pumpkin will have you reach for more of these crunchy, mellow-flavored bars. A delightful, healthy snack or dessert with the right balance of sweetness and texture!
Pumpkin Chocolate Barley Bars
The perfect union of chocolate and pumpkin will have you reach for more of these crunchy, mellow-flavored bars. A delightful, healthy snack or dessert with the right balance of sweetness and texture!
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl, Nonstick cooking spray, Oven, Square baking pan (8-inch / 20 cm), Mixing bowls, Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup 244 g pumpkin purée
- 1 cup 116 g wheat and barley cereal (e.g., Grape-Nuts)
- 1 cup 78 g quick-cooking oats
- 3 ounces 85 g nondairy semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons 42 g nondairy butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup 27 g chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup 64 g raw sugar
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4).
- Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and butter.
- Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until melted and smooth.
- Stir the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cereal, oats, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and slightly golden on top.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, chill in the fridge while still in the pan for easier slicing.
- Slice into 6 bars and enjoy!
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Tip:
Serve chilled for a firmer texture and a cool, indulgent treat!
Wine Advice:
A lightly sweet white wine, such as a Riesling, pairs well with the richness of the chocolate and mellow pumpkin flavor.