Raw Pumpkin Energy Squares

Hey it's been a minute! I couldn't post a new recipe last week (damn, I hate to put my blogging tasks on hold) but I'm back with a really nice (and healthy) sweet snack that will help you kick those late afternoon cravings right in the butt.
These energy squares are a powerhouse of energy, packed with superfoods like chia, sesame and pumpkin seeds, sprouted oats, maca and carob powder. A lot of goodness in just one small bar...and most importantly: they taste super good!
I'm eating one of them right now as I'm typing this post, it's my treat of the day after a pretty intense core workout and I love their pumpkin taste and how well they combine with the carob flavor. I'm really into carob these days, it smells so good! That nutty and sweet aroma drives me crazy (almost as much as pure chocolate...almost!).
Next time I'll add some carob powder to the dough to give these energy squares a chocolaty flavor.
Have you ever tried cooking with carob powder before? Which are your favorite recipes? I need suggestions! 



Raw Pumpkin Energy Squares
(Yield: 16 squares)

Ingredients
10 Medjool dates (or 170 g dates).
3/4 cup sprouted rolled oats.
2 tablespoons raw chia seeds.
2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds.
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds.
2 tablespoons maca powder.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or agave syrup).
1/3 cup natural almond butter.
Carob powder, to decorate the tops.

Directions
Place all the ingredients in the bowl of your food processor and pulse until a sticky dough forms. The dough should be thick and compact, you'll need to stop the food processor a few times and scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
To make sure the dough is ready simply scoop a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball, if you can easily give it a round shape and the ball doesn't crumble then you can proceed with the next step.
Line a shallow square tin (like a small brownie pan) with parchment paper leaving some extra paper on the sides to easily unmold.
Firmly press down the dough using your fingers and silicone spatula, make sure the dough is well compacted so the bars will keep their shape once they are chilled.
Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) until the dough is firm.
Once chilled, cut into 16 equal squares and dust the tops with carob powder. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


Notes:
- You can leave the bars au natural or dust them with raw cacao powder or pure cocoa powder.
- Replace the maca powder with your favorite protein powder or if you wanna give them a chocolate flavor use raw cacao powder instead.





Comments

  1. These look perfect for a post workout treat or a mid afternoon pick me up when Im flagging at work. Ive never tried carob before I must give it a go as it sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rebecca! I've just started using carob powder and it has surprised me in a really nice way. Will add a tablespoons to my breakfast milk tomorrow, I've read carob is good for sensitive stomachs!

      xoxo

      Delete
  2. Mmmm, almond butter, carob, maca, dates....so many of my favorite things. There's so much healthy goodness packed in these bars! Definitely a great reward after any workout. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Nicole! Honestly, I can't stop eating them! :-p...these little bars are helping me to conquer the sugar cravings!

      xo

      Delete

Post a Comment