How to Make Animal-Based Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

When it comes to dietary choices, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Regardless of one’s dietary philosophy, the most beneficial eating pattern is centered on consuming real, wholesome foods. Prioritizing organic, free-range, and grass-fed options can enhance the nutritional quality of your meals. For those with significant gut issues, a more refined diet may be necessary, often starting with elimination diets. These are meant to be temporary, helping to reset and heal the body while gradually reintroducing diverse foods. Health-promoting diets consistently avoid processed foods, fast foods, inflammatory fats, refined sugars, unhealthy carbs, and any intolerant foods—even those deemed “healthy.” The specifics of an elimination diet depend on various personal factors, including health status and food reactivity. Overall, while diet is crucial in healing and supporting health, it’s only one part of a comprehensive approach to well-being.

Fats such as butter shouldn’t be vilified, as they are essential to maintaining health. Cholesterol, for instance, is pivotal in protecting us from infections, as the body relies on it to clear infections, remove toxic elements, and heal wounds. During our entire lives, almost every cell produces cholesterol, which is integral to the structure of every cell and organ, including the brain and nervous system. Our endocrine glands, particularly the adrenals and sex glands, highly demand cholesterol. An essential component of bile, cholesterol is also critical in synthesizing vitamin D in our skin. It acts as a healing agent and an antioxidant that combats free radical damage. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids in butter and ghee are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut barrier. The body utilizes fat and cholesterol to build cells and tissues, including all healing processes.

Animal-based diets, rich in nutrient-dense foods like meat, fish, and eggs, can significantly reduce inflammation, support blood sugar balance, and aid in the body’s healing processes. Additionally, the high-quality proteins in animal products help maintain stable blood sugar levels by providing a consistent energy source and preventing the spikes and crashes associated with carbohydrate-rich diets. Essential amino acids present in animal proteins support tissue repair and regeneration. Individuals can benefit from these nutritional components by incorporating an animal-based diet, enhancing overall health and well-being.

Related Blog Post: Healing Your Gut for Long-Term Health: Beyond the Bugs

Eating to reduce inflammation and support blood sugar balance doesn’t always mean sacrificing delicious desserts. These animal-based pumpkin cheesecake bars are tasty and contain bioavailable nutrients to support your health. Perfect for people who are using an animal-based lifestyle to support their healing.

Related Blog Post: 4 Root Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Reasons for Farmer’s Cheese in This Recipe

Farmer’s cheese is an excellent addition due to its unique health benefits and digestibility. As a fresh cheese, it contains lower lactose levels than other dairy products, making it easier for individuals with lactose intolerance to consume without discomfort. This aligns with some that might need to eliminate disaccharides and polysaccharides, which are harder to digest. Furthermore, farmer’s cheese is rich in protein and essential fats, offering a nutrient-dense option. It also contains beneficial probiotics, which can help improve gut health and enhance the digestion of other foods, ultimately supporting the healing of intestinal inflammation.

Animal-Based Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

• 4 quality whole eggs
• 1 stick grass-fed butter, cut up into tbsp pieces (4 ounces)
• 2 Tbsp honey (or any sweetener, adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp unflavored grass-fed gelatin
• 4 ounces farmer’s cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture

• In a saucepan over low-medium heat, whisk the eggs continuously.
• Keep whisking until bubbles form. If you need to pause, turn off the stove temporarily to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

2. Incorporate Butter and Sweeteners

• Gradually add 1 tbsp of butter at a time, whisking until the entire stick is melted and integrated.
• Add the honey, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree, mixing well.

3. Add Gelatin

• Sprinkle the gelatin in and whisk to dissolve.
• Continue whisking until everything is thoroughly mixed. (Note: the mixture will thicken more once refrigerated.)

4. Mix in Farmers Cheese

• Remove the saucepan from heat.
• Add the farmers cheese and mix until well incorporated.
• For a smoother texture, you can transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender.

5. Pour and Chill

• Line a 9×5 bread pan with parchment paper.
• Pour the mixture evenly into the pan.
• Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until set.

6. Serve and Store

• Cut the chilled mixture into bars.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Optional Variations:

• Crust: Add your favorite crust before pouring the mixture.
• Custard Consistency: Use 2 tsp of gelatin instead of 1 Tbsp for a custard-like texture.

Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cheesecake bars and savor the taste of fall without compromising your health goals. Happy Fall!

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Animal-Based Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Course Dessert

Prep Time 15 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 4 each quality whole eggs
• 1 stick grass-fed butter, cut up into tbsp pieces (4 ounces)
• 2 Tbsp raw honey or sweetener of choice
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp unflavored grass fed gelatin
• 4 ounces farmers cheese

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over low-medium heat, whisk the eggs and keep whisking until bubbles form (if you can’t keep whisking turn off the stove till you can to prevent scrambled eggs), whisk this mixture for a couple minutes.

2. As you whisk, drop in 1 tbsp of butter at a time and whisk until the whole stick is added and melted in. Add in the honey, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree until well mixed.

3. Sprinkle gelatin in and whisk yet again to dissolve.

4. Continue to whisk until everything is mixed (it will thicken more in the fridge).

5. Remove from heat and add in farmers cheese and mix until incorporated.

6. If you like at this point you can add the mixture to a food processor or blender so it is smooth.

7. Line a 9×5 bread pan with parchment and pour the mixture evenly.

8. Set in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, cut into bars and enjoy!

9. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 5 days or so.

Recipe Notes

This would also be perfect in a crust. Or use 2 tsp of gelatin for a custard consistency.