Food Friday!

Another great pumpkin recipe for our October pumpkin theme.

These Pumpkin Spice Squares are a perfect alternative to other treats. 

They have a delicious wholesome taste with a hint of pumpkin flavour. 

I love when treats even taste "clean" because of the healthy ingredients...

but what do I love even more?! The fact that these squares have a healthy icing!

Ingredients for Squares:

- 1 1/4 cup walnuts (soaked and dried)

- 1 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut

- 1 3/4 cup organic pumpkin puree

- 20 pitted dates

- 1 tbsp agave or honey

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 2 tsp cinnamon

- 1 tsp ginger

- 1/2 tsp nutmeg

- 1/2 tsp ground cloves

- 1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions for Squares:

- pre-heat oven to 350〫

- grease an 8" x 8" glass baking dish with Pam or olive oil.

- in a large bowl, stir together the coconut and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, sea salt). Set aside.

- in a food processor, blend the walnuts and dates until evenly crumbled.

- add the nut mixture to the coconut mixture using an electric mixer. Set aside.

- in a small bowl, mix the pumpkin, honey and vanilla. 

- in increments, combine the pumpkin mixture with the other previously combined ingredients. 

- press into the prepared 8" x 8" glass baking dish. (I did have a bit left over that I didn't press into the dish because I felt the squares were becoming too thick.)

- bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when poked into the center of the dish.

- remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into squares. 

- chill the cut squares in the refrigerator while preparing the icing.

- makes approximately 9 larger squares or 16 mini bites.

Ingredients for Icing:

- 1/2 cup cashews (soaked overnight then patted dry)

- 1/2 cup coconut oil

- 2 tbsp agave or honey

- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

- 1 tsp vanilla

Directions for Icing:

- blend the cashews in the food processor until smooth. (I didn't have cashews so I tried it with almonds. The taste is great but the cashews are smoother and don't leave flecks of brown skin in the icing like seen in the photo)

- add the coconut oil, honey, lemon juice and vanilla. Blend again.

- using a knife, spread the icing on the chilled squares. 

- store in the fridge and allow them to warm slightly to soften the icing before serving.

- hope you enjoy this delicious, healthy treat!

This recipe was inspired by ones found on Fragrant Vanilla Cake and DAMY Health.