Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Squares {Vegan, Gluten Free, Sugar Free}

Pumpkin AND Butternut squash!!! Don't think I need to say much more...

I love experimenting with new pumpkin recipes or replacing any of my Banana recipes, like the easiest banana bread ever, with pumpkin in the fall. It not only adds a whole new delicious flavor profile, Pumpkin is also packed with nutrients and quite low in sugar. It's a healthy baker's dream!

Plus, to add something to give these little guys a little something "extra",  I added a touch of butternut squash. Banana also works. Or, if you want to keep ingredients to a minimal, just replace with more pumpkin!

These are naturally vegan, too. So technically can be eaten raw and kind of like a Pumpkin Chocolate frosting. Or bake for however long you want! I personally liked baked goods a tiny bit underdone, so I found 20 minutes worked perfectly for these squares!

HEALTHY PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE SQUARES
By The Granola Diaries 
You will need:

• 1 Can Pumpkin
• ¼ C Squash Puree/More Pumpkin/Applesauce OR 1 Mashed Banana
• 2 T Coconut Oil
• Optional: 2 - 4 Tbsp Maple Syrup
• 2 Cups Oat flour
• ½ C Cacao Powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Small handful of pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips
• Optional: 2 - 4 Tbsp Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Mix pumpkin, coconut oil, and spices. Also stir in maple syrup if you want to use it.
2. Add dry ingredients: oat flour, cacao powder, baking soda. Stir until all combined. Fold in chocolate chips and seeds. Mixture will be thick.
3. Pour into greased loaf or square pan, topping with more mix-ins. Bake for 20 minutes for squares or 28 - 30 minutes as a loaf, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Note: The recipe is naturally vegan so if you like an almost raw texture, bake for less time. For a firmer texture, bake for longer. Tag me and use #thegranoladiaries in your recipe recreations on Instagram and Facebook!