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Healthy Pumpkin Bars with Greek Yogurt Frosting

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These Healthy Pumpkin Bars with Greek Yogurt Frosting are incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and naturally sweetened. Made with Greek yogurt instead of oil or butter, they’re a guilt-free dessert that tastes like fall in bar form.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper overhang onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. While the bars cool, make the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  9. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt. Room temperature ingredients incorporate better. Measure flour correctly by fluffing, spooning, and leveling. Check for doneness at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Bars get better after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy pumpkin bars, Greek yogurt frosting, pumpkin dessert, fall baking, healthy dessert, pumpkin bars with yogurt frosting

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/healthy-pumpkin-bars-with-greek-yogurt-frosting/