I originally sent this recipe out in my last newsletter, but have had so many requests of where to find it since then, that I decided to post it on my blog!
I’ve taken the past few weeks away from my blog, as I’ve needed to focus my energy on my husband, Mike, who just had a major knee surgery. My Doberman, Tyson, also injured himself while he was playing and dislocated a joint in his ankle. They both hurt the same leg, what are the odds? My husband had a full ACL reconstruction as well as a bone graft to repair a cartilage defect. Mike injured himself all within a split second, right in front of me, while training for his biggest passion – American Ninja Warrior!
Thankfully, Tyson was able to avoid surgery at the very last minute. I brought him in for surgery last week and the surgeon called me a few hours later surprised to see that sweet Tyson had no inflammation and he was walking on all four legs! He originally thought that he would have to put Tyson’s bone back into place using screws, but he said that he now thinks he can recover on his own. Now he’s in a full leg cast for the next four weeks, followed by a slow rehab. I can’t wait to see him run again!
Mike is healing well and is finally able to get around our house more. It’s so strange being on the other side of things, it was always me that was glued to the couch and my hubby was the one taking care of me! It’s not easy being on either side, and I’m so thankful that Mike is healing so quickly! He’s determined to come back better than ever, and can’t wait to be on American Ninja Warrior in the future!
Life became very overwhelming for a bit, but now I just have so much to be thankful for! I’m always reminded how much worse it can always be. Both my husband and Tyson are going to be just fine, and they’ll both make a full recovery. I have no doubt, and for that, I am so grateful!
Now, back to the food!
These bars are full of healthy fats, are only sweetened with dates, and take only minutes to get into the fridge. Plus they’re incredibly delicious! Does it get any better?!
Don’t be thrown off by the addition of the avocado, I promise you won’t even know it’s there, it makes these bars incredibly creamy! They cut like fudge and have the texture of mousse, so basically they taste like heaven! I’ve made these five times already and everyone has absolutely loved them, so I know they’re a huge hit. They’re perfect to bring along to your holiday gatherings! Or just keep the entire batch for yourself. I don’t judge.
Enjoy!
** Want to make this recipe Autoimmune Protocol Friendly? Leave out the cacao powder (you could sub carob if you’d like) and pecans, and swap the pumpkin pie spice for 1½ tsp cinnamon (2½ tsp total cinnamon for the recipe) ¾ tsp ground ginger, and ½ tsp ground cloves. Easy peasy!
Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Bars
Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 12 medjool dates
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup raw pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place a small pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans to the pan, stirring frequently, until they start to brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them, they'll burn quickly! Once they're toasted to your liking, remove from the heat and place the pecans on a clean plate. Set aside.
- Place all of the ingredients, except for the pecans, into your food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Line an 8"x8" glass dish with parchment paper. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dish and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Top with the toasted pecans, and an extra sprinkle of salt (optional).
- Place the dish in your refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until the center is set.
- Eat up!!
These look and sound delicious!! Yesterday, I finally roasted a pumpkin that had been hanging around from Halloween. Now I have TONS of pumpkin puree sitting in my fridge. Looks like I know what to use some of it for. Will let you know how they taste. 🙂
Thanks, Amy! I already saw that you loved them! 🙂
Hope everyone is doing well. These bars look like a great treat to heal anybody’s leg! 🙂 Pumpkin season is not over!!! haha
Thanks, Laura! We’re all doing great now 🙂 Pumpkin all the things!
Hi! I’m somehow missing the recipe?! Not sure why I’m not seeing it. I’m a huge fan of your pumpkin butter and the pumpkin pudding. My favorite breakfast items of the season!
So happy you’re loving the pumpkin butter & pudding recipes, Meredith! This mousse recipe is right on the post, just above where you’ll see the comments 🙂
Hi Kristin
I’m gluten free and hypothyroid. I stick to a strick AIP diet(autoimmune protocol) and these fit right in. Just eliminated the nuts. Delish!!!
Yay! I am so glad Domenica 💕 Thank you!