Pumpkin candies
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that brings a touch of autumn flavor in every bite, you have come to the right place. Today, I invite you to discover how to make wonderful pumpkin candies, a perfect dessert for any occasion, and also a fantastic choice during fasting. These candies are not only tasty but also healthy, made from natural ingredients packed with nutrients.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12 candies
Ingredients for pumpkin candies:
- 350 g baked pumpkin
- 100 g almond flour or coconut flakes (coconut flakes can also be used)
- 50 g coconut sugar or honey
- 150 g coconut butter (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Ingredients for the glaze:
- 100 g coconut butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
The story behind the recipe:
Pumpkin candies are a culinary tradition that has been appreciated over time, bringing together simple and natural ingredients to create a sweet yet healthy delicacy. Pumpkin, a versatile ingredient, is often associated with the cold season, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe will delight you not only with its taste but also with its ease of preparation.
Step by step for pumpkin candies:
1. Preparing the pumpkin:
Start by baking the pumpkin. Cut it in half, remove the seeds and skin, then place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C for about 30-40 minutes or until soft. Once baked, let it cool. Then, scoop out the pulp with a spoon and weigh exactly 350 g.
2. Preparing the candy mixture:
Place the pumpkin pulp in the food processor bowl. Add the almond flour (or coconut flakes), coconut sugar (or honey), melted coconut butter, and cinnamon. Start the processor and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This texture is essential to ensure that the candies will be easy to shape.
3. Shaping the candies:
Using a teaspoon, take some of the mixture and form small balls, which you can shape with your hands. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. These candies can vary in size, but I recommend they be about the size of a ping-pong ball.
4. Cooling the candies:
After you have shaped all the candies, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until they firm up. This step is crucial as it helps maintain their shape.
5. Preparing the glaze:
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. In a small pot, heat the coconut butter until it becomes liquid, then add cocoa and mix well until you achieve a uniform composition.
6. Glazing the candies:
Once the candies have firmed up, take them out of the fridge and gently dip them in the glaze. You can use a fork to submerge them, then let them drain excess glaze on a rack.
7. Serving:
Once the glaze has hardened, your pumpkin candies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a healthy dessert, at a party, or simply to treat yourself.
Useful tips:
- You can also add chopped nuts to the candy mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, add a pinch of ground ginger to the mixture.
- These candies can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin is a convenient option, but make sure it is pure pumpkin without additives.
2. How can I make these candies sugar-free?
You can use only honey or a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
3. How can I vary the glaze?
You can try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt for a pleasant contrast.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
These pumpkin candies are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Each candy contains about 100 calories, but their nutritional benefits make this dessert worth every bite.
Serving and combinations:
These pumpkin candies pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or herbal tea, but they can also be a delicious accompaniment to a banana and spinach smoothie. For a complete culinary experience, try them alongside a serving of Greek yogurt, adding a drizzle of honey and a few nuts.
In conclusion, pumpkin candies are a wonderful choice not only for their divine taste but also for their exceptional nutritional value. I invite you to make them and share this recipe with your friends and family! Each bite will bring you a touch of joy and health. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 350g roasted pumpkin, 100g almond/coconut flour (can be coconut flakes), 50g coconut sugar/honey, 150g coconut butter (3 tablespoons), 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Glaze: 100g coconut butter, 1 tablespoon cocoa.
