‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin! For those of you who love the fall season, but are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it can be difficult to stay away from all the sweet pumpkin treats like lattes, breads, and baked treats that decorate the grocery aisles, and tempt you from the coffee shop window. Achieve your pumpkin fix with these delicious healthy pumpkin recipes, without the added guilt this holiday season!
1. Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are the first thing I crave when the fall season hits each year. This lightened up version of this popular recipe includes white whole wheat flour and is sweetened naturally with honey and banana to make it a more nutritious choice than your average muffin. These muffins are slightly sweet and are so good as a delicious breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. In this version, we added a cream cheese frosting to make these muffins more of a fun treat, but they’re great (and a bit healthier) on their own.
Muffin Ingredients:
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
- ½ Cup Honey
- 1-2 Bananas, mashed
- 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
- ¼ Cup Plant-based Milk
- 2 tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 ¾ Cup White Whole Wheat Flour
- ½ Cup Chocolate Chips
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ Cup Butter, softened
- 1-3 Cups Powdered Sugar (depending on desired level of sweetness and consistency)
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- Milk if needed
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 12 liners or non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix eggs, coconut oil, and honey.
- Add in banana, pumpkin puree, milk, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until well combined.
- Add in flour and mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour into muffin tin.
- Bake at 350 for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While muffins are baking, prepare frosting. Mix cream cheese and butter at high speed.
- Once well combined and creamy, add powdered sugar in small amounts at a time until well incorporated.
- Add vanilla, mix well. Taste, and add more sugar if needed, or a small splash of milk if frosting is too thick.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte Protein Shake
Let’s be honest, what screams fall more than a pumpkin spice latte? I’ll wait. This protein shake version of a pumpkin spice latte has all the incredible flavor of the real thing, and so much healthier than the coffee shop version. Better yet, the protein makes it a great option for refueling post-workout or for a more nutritious and filling afternoon snack! With this healthier option available, you get your pumpkin craving fix without the added calories or guilt.
Ingredients:
- 1 Frozen Banana
- ¾ Cup Almond Milk
- 2 Tbsp Pumpkin Puree
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1-2 shots Espresso
- ¼ tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- 1 serving Protein Powder
Instructions:
- Blend and enjoy!
3. No Bake Pumpkin Spice Bars
These no bake pumpkin spice bars have way less added sugar and cost a fraction of the price of regular store-bought bars. They’re dairy, gluten, and egg-free so they make a great allergy-friendly choice, plus they taste amazing. The white chocolate drizzle really takes the pumpkin flavor to the next level, but you could also just sprinkle in the white chocolate chips to make it easy. Give them a try, they’re great as a snack or dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Peanut Butter
- ½ Cup + 1 Tbsp Coconut Flour
- ¼ Cup Honey
- ¼ Cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the white chocolate chips.
- Press into a 9x9 pan.
- Place in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Temper the white chocolate by melting in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, spoon into a piping bag, and drizzle over the pumpkin bars.
- Allow to cool until the chocolate hardens and enjoy!
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
I hope these delicious pumpkin recipes add a healthy option for your cravings this fall season. If you enjoyed these recipes be sure to check out 8 Easy & Healthy Fall Recipes, 4 Delicious Smoothie Recipes to Refuel Post Workout, or Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Going Back to Work. Bon Appétit!
