Pumpkin Seed Bars with Chocolate Swirl Topping
Pumpkin Seed Bars. What comes to your mind when you hear pumpkin seed bars? Hold that thought, let me show you this pumpkin seed bar! Today I am sharing an unforgettable pumpkin bars recipe that sets the bar! I know you will absolutely enjoy it as a treat, snack or treat. This pumpkin seed bar…
Pumpkin Seed Bars.
What comes to your mind when you hear pumpkin seed bars? Hold that thought, let me show you this pumpkin seed bar! Today I am sharing an unforgettable pumpkin bars recipe that sets the bar! I know you will absolutely enjoy it as a treat, snack or treat. This pumpkin seed bar recipe is a no-bake (well, there is a bit optional toasting initially) and they are made with seeds, nuts, and dates! Think about perfect gluten-free pumpkin snack that you and your family will absolutely adore; the best part is that this bar has chocolate swirl topping, aka covered in chocolate! Can I get an AMEN? 🙌🏾
You can choose to opt-out of the chocolate part but let me tell you, everything is perfect with chocolate! To make this pumpkin snack bar, we will be using pumpkin seeds instead of pumpkin puree. In addition to pumpkin seeds, we would need sunflower seeds and coconut flakes. Also, these pumpkin seed bars require no added sugar; I used dates instead. I opted for Sacred Valley Pink Peruvian salt from Spice Tribe to bring all of these flavors together. This salt is authentic and always my first choice on most of my sweet/savory finishings. I also used it when I made my coconut cream parsley pesto for bacon-wrapped baby potatoes, and it was glorious!
Why pink salt? Benefits of Pink Salt:
First of all, all salt is not created equal! Sacred Valley Pink Peruvian salt from Spice Tribe is not overly processed. Second, it is packed with several nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium! I love sprinkling this coarse salt on my pumpkin bars, and it is incredibly tasty! If you have never tried pink salt before, well, now may be the time to check it.
[bctt tweet=”These healthy pumpkin seeds bars are made with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, dates, pink salt, and then topped with chocolate swirl. They are gluten-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free, as well as a no-bake! Make sure to make these pumpkin bars during thanksgiving!” username=”NkechiAjaeroh”]
Ingredients for Gluten-free Pumpkin Seed Bars.
The ingredients for making these gluten-free pumpkin bars are super simple; aside from the chocolate, you only need five ingredients – pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, dates, and salt. Though the chocolate makes this recipe come together so well, I still think you can exclude it if you are not just feeling the melted chocolate drizzle. Let’s recap; all you will need to make these healthish pumpkin bars (in reality, pumpkin seed bars) includes:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Coconut flakes
- Dates
- Salt
- White chocolate
- Semi-sweet chocolate. If you are ready, let’s get making.
- Coconut oil (optional & for melting the chocolate)
If you are looking for grain-free, gluten-free pumpkin seed bars, you are in the right place. Let’s just say one more thing to make with a pumpkin that absolutely requires no time or expertise! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
How to make Pumpkin Bars with Seeds, Nuts, and Dates.
- Soak the dates in hot water to soften; if possible, soak overnight to soften completely. Pit, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and lay the pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes.
- Toast for 7 – 9 minutes. Please keep an eye on these seeds and nuts as not to burn them. Remove after toasting and allow cooling.
- Place the dates in the food processor and process until almost smooth; add the toasted seeds, nut, and salt. Then process until barely smooth; I like to see the textures, so smooth isn’t in my dictionary when it comes to this snack bar.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom of the 9×9 parchment-lined baking pan using a spatula or your hands (while wearing gloves).
- Melt the chocolate separately. I typically melt them in the microwave at 10 seconds intervals, and by the 30th second, they would have melted.
- Drop spoonfuls of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the bars, repeat for melted white chocolate; use a skewer or knife to cut through the melted chocolate, making a swirl. Allow to set; 5 minutes in the freezer or up to 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the refrigerator. I am usually impatient, so I always go the freezer route but do not allow this to freeze.
- Gently pull with the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and cut into bars; this made nine pumpkin seed bars. Sprinkle a little Sacred Valley Pink Peruvian salt, and enjoy!
How to Make this Seed Bars step-by-step (in photos):
Step 1: Process the ingredients.
Step 2: Press the mixture, pour the chocolate, and swirl.
Step 3: Allow setting, before cutting, enjoy.
Pumpkin Seed Bars Variations:
- Make it Vegan. You can easily make these vegan pumpkin bars by using vegan chocolate. That the only change you need to make!
- Keep it nut-free: you can see from the ingredients that I added coconut flakes and coconut oil. Well, you can exclude those things and keep this recipe nut-free! Add another seed if you wish.
- Use other seeds and nuts you want: I always encourage people to start with the seeds they know, love, and use. Flaxseed, chia seed are great ones to try.
- No-Bake Pumpkin Bars with seeds and nuts; this recipe is a no-bake pumpkin bar if you exclude the initial toasting.
- Keto pumpkin bars? Totally make this keto by using unsweetened coconut flakes!
Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds aka why you should eat them:
Antioxidants:
Pumpkin seeds have tons of antioxidants and nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin b2, folate, carotenoids, etc. Because of their high content of antioxidants, pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory powers.
Bladder Health.
Pumpkin seeds or its supplement is known to promote bladder health as it can treat the symptoms of overactive bladder. On the other hand, it improves prostate health as well.
More Minerals.
Get the magnesium your body needs from pumpkin seeds as they are very rich in it! Magnesium is essential for proper body function.
Heart-healthy.
Pumpkin seeds are heart-healthy seeds; they can reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.
Health-Improving.
It can lower blood sugar; everything pumpkin is excellent for people with diabetes. Add some healthy serving of pumpkin puree to smoothies or oatmeal bowl. Pumpkin seeds are excellent for healthy bones.
Improves Performance.
More pumpkin seeds for the manhood; well, science says pumpkin seeds are great for sperm quality.
Pumpkin Bars with Seeds and Chocolate Swirl Topping is a treat!
[bctt tweet=”Who would resist tasty pumpkin bars covered in the chocolate swirl? The best part is that this pumpkin treat is ready in 20 minutes or less. Filled with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, and dates! Make this sugar-free snack all year round, and you will be happy you did!” username=”NkechiAjaeroh”]
PrintPumpkin Seed Bars with Chocolate Swirl Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Food processor
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These healthy pumpkin seed bars made with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, dates, pink salt, and then topped with a chocolate swirl will make your day. These bars are gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, as well as a no-bake! Make sure to make these pumpkin bars during thanksgiving and other occasions! Serve this pumpkin (seed) bars as healthy snacks, dessert; make a lot, and freeze the remaining.
Ingredients
½ cup of Pumpkin seeds/Pepitas (Raw and Shelled)
½ cup of sunflower seeds (Raw and shelled)
½ cup of coconut flakes (you can use unsweetened)
½ teaspoon of Sacred Valley Pink Peruvian Salt from Spice Tribe
½ cup White chocolate
½ cup of Semi-sweet chocolate (any brand works)
2 teaspoons of coconut oil (optional. For melting the chocolate; one teaspoon each)
Instructions
- Soak the dates in hot water to soften; if possible, soak overnight. Pit, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- place parchment on a baking sheet; lay the pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes on it. Toast for 7 – 9 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove and allow cooling.
- Place the dates in the food processor, blend until almost smooth, then add the toasted seeds, nut, and salt. Process until barely smooth; textures are great for this recipe.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9×9 parchment-lined baking pan using a spatula or your hands (while wearing gloves).
- Melt the chocolate separately. If using the microwave, melt at 10 seconds intervals and not more than 30 seconds.
- Drop spoonfuls of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the bars, repeat for melted white chocolate; use a skewer or knife to cut through the melted chocolate, making a swirl. Allow to set; 5 minutes in the freezer or up to 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the refrigerator. I am usually impatient, so I always go the freezer route but do not allow this to freeze.
- Gently pull with the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and cut into bars; this made nine pumpkin seed bars. Sprinkle a little Sacred Valley Pink Peruvian salt, and enjoy!
Notes
Keep an eye on the seeds and nut when toasting them
Use seeds you know, and love – check the variations to see so many ways you can enjoy this pumpkin seed bar!
MORE HEALTHY SNACK RECIPES:
If you like these pumpkin bars with seeds and nuts, you will enjoy other healthy snack recipes.
- Almond Raw Cacao cookies
- Healthier Cinnamon Rolls with Date Filling (Sticky Buns)
- Healthy Plantain Balls
- Nutty Granola bites
- Zucchini and Cashew Bites
- Baked plantains and guacamole
We got some Juice!
- Homemade Grapefruit Juice Recipe
- Sugar-free Pineapple juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Celery Juice Recipe (for celery juice cleanse)
- Homemade Beet Juice Recipe
- 3-Ingredients Watermelon Lemonade
- Breakfast Smoothies
- How to Seed Pomegranate
Did someone say Pumpkins?
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Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! This looks so good. Love how it turned out. Must taste delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Glad you like it! Hope you can try it!😊
This pumpkin bars looks so delicious and healthy. Since I need to lose weight, I think this is perfect for me.
I hope you like it, Saif!
These pumpkin bars look incredible! I love the touch of pink salt on top. Yum!
Thank you, Katherine! That pink salt nailed it!
love this pumpkin bars! They look really yummy! Thanks a lot for sharing this! Will surely try!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Allyssa!
I can’t believe these decadent looking bars are healthy!! I am always looking for better for me desserts!
Thanks so much, Pam! Hope you can give it a try!
I’m all in when it’s no bake and especially when superfoods are incorporated in! Great recipe, thank you!
Same here, yes to no-bakes!
These pumpkin bars were so decadent and delicious! Loved it!
Glad to hear your enjoyed this recipe, Michelle!
Thanks for the feed back.🙏🏾