Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars
Is there anything more satisfying than a homemade treat that’s both healthy and indulgent? Today, we’re diving into a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe—Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars. With just two core ingredients, dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, this treat brings together the richness of chocolate and the crunchy, nutty flavor of seeds to create a perfect snack or dessert.
Dark chocolate, the star of many of our dessert recipes, is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which are known to boost heart health. Not only does it taste good, but dark chocolate also contains essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, supporting various functions in the body, from blood production to muscle health. So, if you ever feel guilty about eating chocolate, remember that with dark chocolate, you can indulge a little more consciously.
Then we have pumpkin seeds, tiny but mighty. Packed with magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, pumpkin seeds are fantastic for maintaining strong bones, boosting immune function, and even helping regulate blood sugar levels. Including them regularly in your diet means adding essential nutrients that support heart health, skin, and metabolism. Whether sprinkled over salads, eaten as a snack, or combined with chocolate (like in this recipe), they offer plenty of benefits.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the best part? You can customize it to your taste with different add-ins like other seeds, nuts, or spices. Let’s dive into this fun, festive, and nutrient-packed treat!
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (100 g) pumpkin seeds
- ¾ cup (100 g) dark chocolate
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt (optional)
- 5 g chocolate curls (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray. Roast them for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely.
- You can use raw pumpkin seeds if that what you prefer. Roasting the seeds adds both crunch and flavor without much affecting their nutritional benefits.
- While the seeds cool, melt the dark chocolate using either a microwave in 30-second intervals or a double boiler. For smoother chocolate, you can stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (optional).
- Once melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly, but keep it in liquid form.
- Stir the cooled pumpkin seeds into the melted chocolate. Add a pinch of salt if desired and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into bar molds (or any preferred shape) and distribute it evenly.
- Gently tap the molds on the counter to remove any air bubbles and spread the chocolate-seed mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle chocolate curls on top for decoration if you like.
- Place the molds in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Once the bars are firm, remove them from the molds and enjoy your homemade chocolate treats!
Prep Time & Baking Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 12 minutes
- Setting Time (Fridge): 1 hour
- Servings: 9 bars
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 132
- Protein: 4.27 g
- Fat: 10.42 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage Recommendations:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Additional Notes:
- For a personalized twist, you can substitute pumpkin seeds with other nuts or seeds or try different types of chocolate.
- These bars make excellent homemade gifts when wrapped in festive paper or placed in a cute gift box.
Hi! Quick question – do you use dark chocolate without sugar? Is it 70% cocoa chocolate? Thanks!
Yes, the chocolate I’m using in this recipe is a 70% cocoa dark chocolate.
If you like a more sweet version, you can use another milk chocolate or add a sweetener of your choice.
Most my recipes are only moderately sweet and we love that
Where did you get the chocolate mold?
You can get them on Amazon
https://amzn.to/4esQgrc