Paleo pumpkin pie bars have homemade Nutella swirled through a layer of pumpkin pie filling, on a shortbread crust – gluten free, dairy free, and paleo!
Getting into paleo baking is like starting from scratch. I feel like I should forget everything I know and treat it like a whole new world.
At this point, I consider myself a novice who’s had some beginner’s luck that has a lot to learn from the pros. It’s a weird place to be in after running this blog for a few year, but it’s also sort of fun.
One of the things I’ve learned is that making frosting that doesn’t need to be refrigerated is basically impossible and that I should probably stop trying for a while because I might actually lose my mind trying.
Paleo Nutella
I’ve been taking the route instead of stuffing things with chocolate chips, drizzling them with honey, and — as of this recipe — swirling the tops with homemade paleo Nutella.
I found this recipe and I have to admit, it was easier than I thought it would be. It kinda makes me mad at myself for not making it sooner! Whip some up, store it in a jar, and use it as you like.
But first – use it for these pumpkin pie bars.
What you need to make these bars
To make these, you don’t need anything crazy. You don’t have to deal with making a pie crust, stressing out that it might crack.
Just grab some:
- real maple syrup
- coconut flour
- coconut sugar
- eggs
- a can of pumpkin puree
- some spices
- and plenty of coconut oil
Coconut oil is essential
Coconut oil has become essential for me in paleo baking. It acts as a great replacement fat, and can be used in either liquid or solid form to get different kind of textures in your finished product.
I’ve been buying so much of it, but I only ever find it in small containers and I blow through them in no time flat. I probably look like a crazy person with a cart full of coconut oil all the time. I bet the people at the store call me coconut lady or something… I just know it.
You’re going to use the coconut oil twice
Once in the shortbread crust, and again in the homemade Nutella.
You can just leave your jar in a cabinet at room temperature and it will be just the way you need it – unless you live in Antarctica and “room temperature” is 40 degrees, in which case it will be too cold.
This crust makes a nice base for the pumpkin pie filling, and makes for a lovely layered effect when you sink your fork in for a bite.
When I originally made this, I wasn’t even going for that but it was a pleasant surprise!
That swirl, though. Just look at it.
You can top yours with whipped cream, as is traditional. Or be a rebel and it eat without any topping at all.
I’ve added a sprinkle of sea salt on top before and I’d highly recommend it. It gives it a certain… je ne sais quoi.
You know who else likes it? This freaking cat. This freaking cat that will never leave me alone when I’m in the kitchen.
This freaking cat that thinks, “No, get off the table!” actually means “Please, climb up here and help yourself”.
SIGH.
Word to the wise: Indulge yourself in as many as you can before your crazy cat tries to make off with them.
Tis the season for all the (paleo) pumpkin things!
- The Best Grain Free Pumpkin Pie by Evolving Table
- Pumpkin Cookie Dough by Feasting on Fruit
- Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes by Evolving Table
- Paleo Pumpkin Scones with Pumpkin Spice Drizzle by Paleo Running Momma
- Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping by Evolving Table
- Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles by One Lovely Life
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls by Evolving Table
After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!
Paleo Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- ½ cup coconut oil, room temperature
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1-15 oz can organic pumpkin puree
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup homemade paleo Nutella
Instructions
Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an stand mixer, combine coconut oil and maple syrup on high speed until combined and creamy.
- Add coconut flour, ground cinnamon and salt and mix on low speed until completely combined.
- Press batter into prepared pan and flatted into an even layer and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside.
Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, coconut sugar, coconut milk, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until completely combined and mostly smooth.
- Pour over the prepared crust, smoothing with a spatula if necessary.
- If it's not already a pourable consistency, warm your homemade nutella in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Place large dollops of Nutella on top of the pumpkin filling, then drag a knife between the dollops to create swirls.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is set and no longer jiggles if you lightly shake the pan. Let cool completely in pan.
- Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, slice into 9-16 pieces and enjoy!
jack li
Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
your recipes is so delicious hats off.https://lotterysambadresult.su
Mary
Monday 30th of September 2019
I loved these! I think I may have overcooked them a little but they were still delicious
Leslie Kiszka
Tuesday 1st of October 2019
Glad you liked them - thanks for stopping by to leave your feedback and a rating!