Tag Archives: Healthy Treats

Gingerbread Pumpkin Cups

You are definitely going to want to pop these in! These are a healthier homemade treat with all the flavors of gingerbread and pumpkin! The warming spices and the melty, but chewy texture of these Gingerbread Pumpkin Cups are so delicious and a special way of treating yourself without a lot of added sugar. The flavors are comforting and a perfect treat for fall and winter. The depth of flavor from just a small amount of molasses and the maple sugar makes these next level good! There is real pumpkin in them and also some wonderful, healthy spices.

The primary fat used in this recipe is delicious coconut butter. Coconut butter is a source of healthy fats, primarily saturated fats in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs are believed to be metabolized differently in the body and can provide a quick source of energy.

There is the perfect amount of sweetness to these Gingerbread Pumpkin Cups using a little maple sugar, which is derived from maple trees and is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than white table sugar, and molasses which is rich in minerals and flavor. Both of these flavors together give these cups a really special, yummy flavor.

There is also pumpkin in these cups to give them a softer texture and a little pumpkin flavor to compliment the spices. Just two teaspoons of ghee gives them the buttery flavor. I like ghee because it is lactose and casein free for those with dairy intolerance, and it is tolerated by many. It is also rich in vitamins. A small amount was used in this recipe. It is a saturated fat, and should be enjoyed in moderation. I do love that ghee contains antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have various health benefits, including potential anti-inflammatory properties. Ghee has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cooking. It is often praised for its potential health-promoting qualities. It also has a higher smoke point for cooking, so it is a good choice for roasting vegetables. These cups are gently warmed. I chose the ghee for the flavor in this recipe, and only used 2 teaspoons.

I have been enjoying one or two of these delicious Gingerbread Pumpkin Cups a day. I keep them in the refrigerator. If you want to make them vegan, substitute more coconut butter for the ghee. They will be a little firmer in texture.

Here’s the recipe. This will make ten using mini muffin cup liners. These are about two bites.

Gingerbread Pumpkin Cups

Line a mini muffin pan with ten paper mini liners.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup plus 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Butter (my favorite brand)

2 Tablespoons of Canned Pumpkin

2 Tablespoons of Maple Sugar

1 Tablespoon of Blackstrap Molasses

2 Teaspoons of Ghee

1/4 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

1/8 Teaspoon of Nutmeg

1/8 Teaspoon of Allspice

a pinch of Ground Ginger

a pinch of Sea Salt or Pink Himalayan Salt

Directions:

Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan, and warm over low heat, whisking until the coconut butter and ghee is just melted and everything is completely incorporated. You just want to warm and melt the ingredients not bring them to a simmer, because the coconut butter will seize and get hard. Scoop the melted ingredients evenly into the mini muffin cups, tap the pan on the counter to level the cups or smooth gently with a butter knife. Then, refrigerate until firm. Remove the Gingerbread Pumpkin cups from the muffin tin, and store in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

As always, I love to hear from you. Share this recipe with a friend.

Nutty Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispies

Calling all Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers! There is no need to sweat or slave in the kitchen with these no bake bars. You can be in and out in just under 20 minutes without starting your oven.

Nutty Chocolate Crispy Bars

These delicious bars are sweetened with pure Maple Syrup and have natural peanut butter in them along with whole grain brown rice crispies! They also have half the sugar of a traditional crispy treat!

Nutty Chocolate Crispy Bars, Dairy and Gluten Free

In fact, even with the chocolate chips they still contain just about half the amount of sugars that those famous marshmallow treats do. Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pair, and the nut butter bumps up the nutrition of this bar with protein, plus there are whole grains from the brown rice cereal.

Peanut butter is the bomb in these, but feel free to exchange it for other nut butters if you desire.

Nutty Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispies

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

10 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Ingredients

1 Cup of Natural Peanut Butter with just salt added no sugar

1/2 Cup of Pure Maple Syrup

1/2 Cup of Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips or dark chocolate chips of your choice

2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil, Butter or Ghee

3 Cups of Brown Rice Crispies Cereal (I use Erewhon Brown Rice Cereal)

1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Directions

  1. Grease a square baking dish with a neutral flavored oil (or butter if preferred).
  2. Add the syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and peanut butter to a medium saucepan.
  3. Heat over low heat until creamy and smooth.
  4. Stir in the chocolate chips until they melt.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in rice crispies.
  6. Gently press into your prepared baking dish and allow mixture to set until firm and cool. (about 30 minutes).
  7. Cut into squares and enjoy!

You may have noticed that I am now writing recipes outside of the Paleo template, but you will still see plenty of Paleo friendly recipes. I personally still eat Paleo 80% of the time, but I have developed sensitivities to some of the major Paleo foods used in baking……coconut and almonds. So, I have experimented, had a new food sensitivity lab test, and have found I am doing well with a broader range of healthy choices. All my recipes will continue to be Gluten Free.

Life is a journey, and I hope it is a journey for all who are seeking to better health and happiness!

Food should be a part of the celebration of life, and is meant to be enjoyed. It should help us thrive however, and not hinder our ability to have energy and vitality, as well as longevity. There is a time to celebrate and let go a little, because there is a danger in becoming too rigid beyond what is necessary. However, I have myself been really sick and helped myself greatly through food. Our bio-individuality makes us all unique.

Now go make some delicious, better for you, Nutty Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispies and share them with your friends, kids and family!

XOXO

Sandra

Nutty Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispies! Gluten Free and a Dairy Free Option with Half the Sugar