Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have a serious weakness for anything chocolate... or really just sweet in general! These sweet potato health bars are both sweet and chocolatey, making it my kryptonite. They're a great option for those looking for a cheap, healthy dessert that can be eaten on the go. You could also just use these bars as a sweet, healthy snack during the day.
We got this recipe from Plate It Up Kentucky Proud at https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/recipe/butternut-squash-health-bars. PIUKP is an awesome resource! They have recipes focused on produce available during each season, as well as awesome educational resources.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups cubed sweet potato
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
3. In a medium bowl combine flours, old fashioned oats, sliced almonds, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
4. Place squash cubes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Boil squash for 20 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, drain and puree in a food processor.
5. In a small bowl, mix the pureed squash and the pumpkin pie spice.
6. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
7. Add squash mixture and blend with the mixer.
8. Add the dry ingredients to the squash mixture and continue to beat until fully blended. 9. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown. Allow to cool and cut into bars.
11. Melt the chocolate chips by placing them in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on low power for 30 second increments until smooth, stirring often. Drizzlechocolate over top of bars.