Pumpkin Pie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting (Paleo)

I know it's not "technically" fall yet.... but can we pretend?  I've already been burning my favorite fall candles, making dinners in the crockpot, and enjoying all those other festive things us simple folks do when the leaves change.  Like watching football & baking/eating pumpkin pie bars  :)

Similar to most, I love pumpkin everything.  This weekend I was craving pumpkin bread, but decided that I did not want the hassle of baking in a loaf pan, wondering if it would turn out, and praying that it held up for slicing.  Bars sounded much more convenient, and I couldn't help but think of the ease of slicing through a piece of pumpkin pie.  

So that was my inspiration-- pumpkin pie, but minus the extra steps caused by a crust, and sliced into single-serving size bars.  The frosting was just a (delicious) afterthought  ;)

These bars have the texture & taste of a slice of pumpkin pie, are absolutely easy to make, and require just a few simple ingredients.  The frosting is optional- but I highly recommend it!  I also love that aside from being completely Paleo-friendly, this recipe is also nut-free.

I hope you guys give these a try- and that you love them as much as I do!  Enjoy!

For the Bars:

• 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup coconut flour
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 3 Tbsp milk of choice (I used coconut milk)
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• coconut oil

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup coconut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (I used full-fat, canned)
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Add all of the bar ingredients to a large bowl, and stir until combined & smooth.
3. Grease a 8" square baking dish with coconut oil so that the bars don't stick.
4. Pour the batter in and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned around the edges.
6. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled.  Slice them when they're cold~ it's easier!
7. To make the frosting, add the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until smooth & creamy.  Try heating the coconut butter a bit if it's difficult to smooth out, and make sure your jar of coconut butter is fully mixed before hand.
8. Spread the frosting over each bar, and store extra frosting in the refrigerator so it doesn't get too melty.  Make sure you mix it up each time you remove from the fridge.  :)