Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Seed Chewy Candy

This sweet gluten free treat is delicious and the warm spices will fill your kitchen with the aroma of Fall. Molasses can be gluten free. Check the imported molasses and if it contains caramel color, it may be made from malt syrup or starch. That is NOT GLUTEN FREE. You need to read the ingredients to ensure you’re cooking/baking gluten free.

*Helpful Hint* If you spray a glass measuring cup with non-stick spray, anything you measure that is sticky (ie: molasses, peanut butter, honey, etc) will slide right out. Also, it makes for an easy cleanup.

Hot sugar can give you severe burns, be very careful making this recipe. With that public service announcement out of the way, let’s get cooking!

You’ll need:

1 cup water

2 oz. Molasses

1 cup sugar

1 tsp Xanthan Gum

7 ounces pumpkin seeds (no shells) with sea salt

½ tsp veg. oil

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/8 tsp mace

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Dusting of smoked sea salt

Flat cooking pan 9 x 12

In a small skillet heat the oil and add the salted pumpkin seeds. I use Super Seedz Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt. It’s peanut free, tree nut free, gluten free, vegan and non-GMO. Toast them for 6 mins or until you hear the pumpkins seeds sizzle and release their aroma. Put to the side to cool.

In sauce pot over medium heat add water, molasses, sugar and spices. Bring to a rapid boil and add the xathan gum.

Then reduce and let it simmer covered for 30 mins. Remove from the heat and add the toasted pumpkin seeds. Stir until everything comes together and the mixture will be loose. Pour into a pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Spread with a spatula, dust it with the smoked sea salt and allow to cool in the refrigerate.

The pumpkin seed chew will need to stay in the refrigerator for 2 hrs before you crack it into pieces. You will never get even pieces since this candy will shatter when you cut it. (Part of the charm, no need for things to be perfect) When you eat this salty & sweet treat, the heat from your hands will make it start to melt. This is not a candy for those with loose teeth or dentures. It reminds me of a Charleston Chew (how old am I?) or taffy, but BETTER.

My biggest problem was I had to stop eating it to take the pictures and then double wrap it so I didn't go back for more. It's hidden in the back of refrigerator calling me but I will resist. This candy ADDICTING!!

Ok, I'm back, sorry lost it there from the delicious chewy candy. Store the remainder (if there's any left) in an airtight container in your refrigerator.

Enjoy and feedback is always welcome.