Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (4.25 oz.) box Simple Mills Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins
- 1 ¼ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
Filling
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tapioca flour
Toppings
- 2 cups coconut whipped cream (dairy-free, such as So Delicious brand)
- ½ cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust – Grind Sweet Thins: In a blender or food processor, pulse the Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins in 30-second bursts until finely ground into crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl.
- Mix Dry Crust Ingredients: To the bowl with cookie crumbs, add almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk together until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Crust: Create a well in the dry mix. Add the beaten egg and melted coconut oil into the well. Stir with a spoon until a uniform dough forms.
- Press and Bake Crust: Transfer dough to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer using hands or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake on the middle rack for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Allow crust to cool completely.
- Prepare Pumpkin Filling – Combine Main Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt until smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Coconut Milk Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk coconut milk and tapioca flour until smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture into the pumpkin mixture and whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Fill and Bake Bars: Pour the pumpkin filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares.
- Serve: Top each bar with 2 tablespoons of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pepitas. Optionally, dust with additional cinnamon before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent a soggy base.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, rich filling texture.
- Room temperature eggs help the filling mix smoothly and bake evenly.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with a safe alternative, but expect textural changes.
- Leftover bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free