PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING!

WARNING: If pumpkin spice isn't your "thing," stop reading now! 

I developed an addiction to all things pumpkin a few years back, when I tried my first PSL from Starbucks.  While I no longer frequent Starbucks, my love for pumpkin has remained.  From adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, coffee, and more, you could say I'm hooked.  

​Add to pumpkin season cooler weather, falling leaves and a growing bump and you have a recipe for lots of tasty, gluten free goodness!!!

Read on to check out 4 of my favorite Fall recipes:

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
BONUS: Paleo Banana Bread

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients (for 3 pancakes):

• 1/4 cup dry, gluten free oats
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (only ingredient should be pumpkin)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts/pecans, unsweetened coconut, chocolate chips, raisins, etc...
  

How to:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. Using a 1/4 cup scoop, pour batter on skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook until golden-brown on each side.
4. Top with extra cinnamon or unsweetened coconut and serve with your favorite breakfast side!

Time Saving Tip:
Make a double or triple batch as an easy grab-and-go meal for later in the week!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ingredients: 

• 8-10 oz. unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp. maple syrup
• Pumpkin pie spice (t0 taste)
• 1 scoop (or packet) vanilla Shakeology
• 1/4-1/2 cup pure pumpkin (your preference)
• Ice
• Optional: top with chopped pecans

How to:

1. Blend all ingredients together.
2. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip/Chunk Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1-15 oz can pure pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 2 cups almond flour
• 1-2 tsp (depending on preference) pumpkin pie spice. 
• 1/3-1/2 cup chocolate chips (We love the Enjoy Life Mega Chunks)

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. In a medium sized bowl mix all ingredients together, until they create a dough-like consistency.
3. Roll into heaping tablespoon sized balls and flatten with a spoon (optional). (Makes about 15-20 cookies, depending on size).
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and let cool. 

Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree
• 2 ripe bananas
  
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp each - ginger and nutmeg)
  
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
  
• Optional toppings: chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut, chopped pecans or walnuts, etc...
  

How to:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. Scoop mixture into lined muffin tin.
4. Top with optional toppings, if desired.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes.
6. Let cool and then place in refrigerator to help firm.

Note:
These "cupcakes" have a pumpkin pie-like, soft texture so you may want to use a fork or a spoon to eat them!

Paleo Banana Bread

Paleo Banana Bread

How to:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix 2 mashed bananas, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, 3 eggs, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract until combined.  (You could also use a food processor).
3. Add in 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup coconut flour, 1.5 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a dash of salt.
4. Pour mixture into a greased loaf pan.
5. Top with chopped walnuts and unsweetened coconut.
6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes (or until you can put a knife through and have it come out clean).
7. Let cool for 10 minutes. 
8. Cut, serve and enjoy!

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