Pumpkin Paradise: Healthy Recipes for a Spooktacular Halloween

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As Halloween approaches, it's time to indulge in the festive spirit with delightful treats that don't compromise your diet. These creative recipes offer a range of gluten-free, dairy-free, and high-protein options, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your nutritional goals in check. 

From spiced pumpkin oatmeal cookies to pumpkin spice mug cake, each recipe features wholesome ingredients like pure pumpkin purée, nut butter, and natural sweeteners, making them not only delicious but also nourishing. Embrace the season's flavors with these healthy Halloween treats that will please kids and adults! 

Cocoa-Glazed Pumpkin Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup mini dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Roll into bite-sized balls and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.
3. Serve chilled, topped with nuts or granola.

Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons almond flour
• 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin purée
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1 egg 

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix all ingredients until smooth.
2. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until set. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Cool before serving.

Pumpkin and Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. In a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.