And……the pumpkin fun continues with a healthy pumpkin bar recipe. I adapted this recipe from one I found on FitSugar. These bars can easily be made vegan by using an egg substitute and dairy free chocolate chips. Of course, I couldn’t wait for the bars to cool before I sampled them, and I wasn’t disappointed. They were bursting with a wonderful blend of pumpkin, chocolate, and coconut flavors. What a delicious combination!!

Pumpkin Coconut Chocolate Chip Bars

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg or vegan egg substitute equivalent
1 can pumpkin
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 – 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions

1. Mix sugar, applesauce, egg, and pumpkin until well blended.
2. Stir in flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and chocolate chips.
3. Pour into a prepared 13 x 9 inch pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle on the coconut.
4. Bake at 350° for 25 to 35 minutes. Cool in pan completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to enter the $50 San Marco Gift Certificate Giveaway!