Brain Boosting Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondies with Lions Mane

These Vegan and Gluten Free seasonal treats feature brain boosting superfood mushroom, lions mane!

Brain Boosting Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondies! A seasonal delicious fall treat that is super fun and easy to whip together. These bars are vegan, gluten free and made with simple, nutritious ingredients. They also help support the brain with the addition of superfood mushroom powder, lions mane. Certainly a must make when the seasons start to change!

What makes these blondies stand out is the addition of lions mane. I have been enjoying adding this superfood mushroom powder to these treats for the impact it has on the brain. Lions mane does not have much flavor so it will not alter the taste of these bars. What it will do is help support cognitive function and improve memory by activating the nervous system and brain. It has been known to stimulate the production of NGF (nerve growth factor) which plays a crucial role in the growth and repair of neurons in the brain. This may lead to sharper focus, a balanced mood as well as a reduction in anxiety and depression. It has a positive effect on the immune system and helps support digestive health by reducing inflammation in the body. Lions Mane is also a great addition to smoothies, coffee and baked goods. I have even used some in my homemade granola!

Brain Boosting Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pureed canned pumpkin

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup creamy almond butter

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup blanched almond flour

• 1/4 coconut flour

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp tapioca flour/starch

• 1/3 cup coconut sugar

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 3 tsp cinnamon (I used Ceylon cinnamon)

• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 2 tsp lions mane powder (I like the one from Om Mushrooms)

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips to mix in the batter or top with chocolate baking wafers

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Line a 9x9 square baking pan with parchment paper or grease with coconut oil

3. Whisk together all dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca, baking soda, baking powder, spices, salt and lions mane)

4. Whisk together all wet ingredients separately (pumpkin, maple syrup, almond butter, acv, vanilla)

5. Fold together all wet ingredients into dry

6. Mix in your chocolate chips or top with baking wafers

7. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth out evenly

8. Bake for 20-22 minutes until toothpick comes out clean