Pumpkin Pie Bites
The topping, which contributes about 10 calories per bar, is optional, though I think the crystallized ginger adds a lot of zing to these tasty bites. They improve with age, so consider making them a day ahead of serving.
The topping, which contributes about 10 calories per bar, is optional, though I think the crystallized ginger adds a lot of zing to these tasty bites. They improve with age, so consider making them a day ahead of serving.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated)
- 1 1/2 cups quick or rolled oats* (divided)
- 1 cup sorghum (or other whole grain flour)
- 1/2 cup apple sauce or apple butter
- 15 ounces pumpkin (canned or cooked and water pressed out)
- 12 ounces extra-firm silken tofu (lite preferred)
- 1/2 cup turbinado sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup quick or rolled oats*
- 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger
- Carbohydrate 4.188505319909 g
- Cholesterol 0.0340277777087408 mg
- Fat 0.0115219097070698 g
- Fiber 0.0601305544912625 g
- Protein 0.0405034235547585 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00577691665721504 g
- Serving Size 1 1 bite (22g)
- Sodium 2.51446735944291 mg
- Sugar 4.12837476541774 g
- Trans Fat 0.00189790277700111 g
- Calories 17 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch nonstick baking pan with parchment paper.
- Crust: Place 1/2 cup of the oats in a blender and crush them to a fine powder.
- Pour the oat flour into a medium mixing bowl and add the remaining oatmeal and the other dry crust ingredients.
- Add the apple sauce and water and stir until well-moistened. If necessary, add additional water a teaspoon at a time until all flour is moist.
- Pour it into the prepared pan and press it into the pan until the bottom is evenly covered.
- Filling: Place all the filling ingredients into a blender or food processor.
- Process until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour filling on top of crust and smooth with a spatula.
- Topping and Baking: Mix the topping ingredients together and sprinkle on top of the filling.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until pumpkin is set in the middle.
- Remove from oven and run a non-metal knife or spatula around the edges.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into 48 squares.
My Unexpected Pumpkin Pie Bite Adventure
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, packed lunches, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. Finding time for myself, let alone creating something delicious from scratch, often feels like a luxury. But last weekend, fueled by a craving for something sweet and a sprinkle of unexpected free time, I decided to embark on a baking adventure – making pumpkin pie bites. I’d seen the recipe online and the images looked simply divine, promising a delightful balance of autumnal spices and a satisfyingly crumbly crust.
The recipe itself was surprisingly straightforward, a welcome change from some of the more complex baking projects I’ve attempted in the past. The ingredient list was manageable, and I even managed to substitute a few items I didn’t have on hand with similar alternatives. The process of making the crust, a delightful blend of oats, whole grain flour, and applesauce, was surprisingly therapeutic. I loved the feeling of the ingredients coming together, the way the dough transformed from individual components into a cohesive, ready-to-bake base. The pumpkin filling, a smooth, creamy blend of pumpkin puree, tofu (who knew!), and warming spices, was equally satisfying to prepare. It was a simple process, but it provided a sense of calm amid the chaos of my daily routine. The final touch, a sprinkle of crystallized ginger on top, added a delightful unexpected zing.
The baking process itself was relatively easy, the aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon filling my kitchen with a comforting warmth. The anticipation of the first bite was almost unbearable, but after the recommended cooling period, the moment finally arrived. The taste was… magical. The crust was perfectly crumbly, offering a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy, spiced filling. The subtle hint of ginger added a delightful complexity to the flavor profile. These weren't just pumpkin pie bites; they were miniature masterpieces, a testament to the magic that can happen when you take the time to create something special.
What surprised me most, however, was the impact these little bites had on my family. My usually picky eaters devoured them, requesting seconds and even thirds. It was a wonderful feeling, to see them so enthusiastic about something I had made with my own hands. It was a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, it’s possible to find time for simple pleasures, to create something beautiful, and to share it with the people you love.
Beyond the delicious taste and the joy of creating, I discovered something else entirely – a sense of accomplishment. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of our own achievements, both big and small. Baking these pumpkin pie bites, however, provided me with a tangible sense of satisfaction. It was a small act of self-care, a moment of mindfulness amidst the chaos, and a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of motherhood and career, there's always room to savor the simple joys of life. And to create something delicious along the way.
This baking experience was far more than just a culinary adventure; it was a journey of self-discovery, a reminder of the importance of taking time for myself, and the immense satisfaction of creating something special. The pumpkin pie bites were a success, but even more so, the experience of creating them was a triumph. I’d highly recommend trying this recipe; not just for the delicious result, but for the joy of the journey itself. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself along the way.
Ingredients I used (minor variations from the original recipe):
- Instead of agave nectar, I used maple syrup – it worked perfectly!
- I substituted regular sugar for turbinado sugar, simply because I had it on hand.
- My kids are not fans of walnuts, so I omitted those and sprinkled some chopped pecans instead.
Feel free to experiment with different spices or toppings to personalize this recipe to your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for success:
- Don't overmix the crust; just until the ingredients are moistened.
- Press the crust firmly into the baking pan to ensure even baking.
- Let the pie bites cool completely before cutting; otherwise, they may crumble.
Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!
