Gluten Free Pumpkin Protein Oat Bars with Applesauce

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These soft, moist pumpkin bars are packed with protein and have all the fantastic Fall flavours. There is NO PROCESSED SUGAR, and they are also naturally gluten-free. Warm speculaas spice balances really well with the pumpkin and pumpkin seeds add extra crunch as well as healthy Omega-3 Fats. They would make a great filling breakfast on-the-go or a post workout snack. If you don't use agave syrup, just substitute with 70 grams of honey or maple syrup.

300 g Homemade pumpkin puree 270 g Unsweetened applesauce 150 g Egg whites 50 g Agave syrup 1 tsp Vanilla extract 2 tsp Speculaas spice mix 1 tsp Baking powder 1/2 tsp Baking soda Pinch of sea salt 70 g Vanilla protein powder 130 g Old fashioned rolled oats 85 g Pepita

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Grease a 15x26-cm baking pan with a little coconut oil.
2. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg whites, agave syrup, vanilla extract, speculaas spice mix, baking powder, baking soda, salt and protein powder.
   
3. Add in rolled oats and pepita, stir well. Pour the batter in the prepared baking pan, level with spatula and bake for 40 minutes or until a wood skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
4. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack to cool to room temperature. Cut with a serrated knife into 8 or 10 bars.

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