I hope you’re single.
Because you’re about to FALL IN LOVE…
And you’re definitely NOT going to want to share this tasty treat with anyone but yourself 
So, just in case you haven’t caught on yet…I’m kiiiiind of obsessed with all things FALL (as I explained in my last post). But finally– TODAY, September 22nd, it became official!
Sure, I go through that whole “mourning period” as soon as Labor Day rolls around and it’s time for those little white sundresses and bikinis get packed up and stored away– but as soon as the first cool day with sunny skies, a light breeze and ZERO humidity shows up…I wonder why I ever thought I’d miss the hot and sticky summer at all!
But you know what’s really the best part of all about this time of year?
FALL FLAVORS.
I’m talking about apple, pumpkin, carrot, raisin, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. I mean…how could you NOT be hooked? Once you start combining these ingredients together, they just keep getting better and better!
YUM 
And these fall staples aren’t just flavorful and delicious… they’re SUPER healthy too (you can read about the health benefits of these ingredients in these two of my past posts). Unfortunately, this time of the year, many of these popular ingredients are often transformed into unhealthy, buttery, and sugar-filled desserts like crisps, cobblers, cakes and pies….OH MY!
Kinda defeats the purpose of all the vitamin-rich spices and fruits nature has to offer in the fall. Don’t you think?
Thankfully there are plenty of delicious ways to makeover those decadent fall desserts (get excited…there will be many more recipes to come!). Just a few simple ingredient swaps can significantly knock down the fat and calorie content without sacrificing that oh so sinful taste fall desserts have come to know so well. This next recipe tastes just like apple pie…but in the form of a sweet and gooey cake (it also pairs OH so perfectly with a warm mug of apple cider ).
Trust me…Your tastebuds will never know what hit em’!
Me? Healthy?
Guilty as charged!
Healthy Cinnamon Apple Pie Squares
Ingredients:
- 1 can organic garbanzo beans
- 1 cup blended oats (just blend whole grain oats in a blender until it becomes a flour-like consistency).
- 1/2- 3/4 cup organic brown sugar (NOTE: Don’t panic! You can definitely cut down on sugar here–especially if you are used to healthy makeover desserts. However, I found this amount of sugar to appeal to all tasters alike…vegan, non-vegan, health-conscious and dessert lovers).
- 1/3 cup organic, unsweetened, applesauce
- 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil (You could try to omit this in order to make it lower in fat, but be sure to increase the applesauce by 1-2 tablespoons instead).
- 1 very large organic apple, chopped (or two smaller apples, chopped).
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Whole grain oats for sprinkling
- Optional: 15-20 drops of Sweet Leaf Vanilla Creme drops or 2-3 packets of stevia (depending upon whether or not you want the batter sweeter. I suggest lots of taste-testing ).
- Preheat the oven to 350º.
- Blend everything together EXCEPT the apple in a high-speed blender or food processor (NOTE: if you do not have a large, strong blender or food processor, you may have to make the batter in batches).
- Mix in the chopped apple.
- Pour batter into an 8×8 pan.
- Cook for 45 minutes, or until the top is browned and beginning to crack.
- Set aside and cool for 20 minutes. Cut into squares.
- Serve warm. Top it off with whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling crazy!
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A dessert that’s full of fiber and protein and is also GLUTEN-FREE?
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Don’t even think about trying to resist…
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I guess looks can be deceiving after all
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Healthfully Yours,
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Ashley Michelle
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