Embrace the essence of fall with these delectable Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Made effortlessly in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients, these bars are a perfect fit for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not only are they vegan and gluten-free friendly, but they also offer the perfect blend of rich pumpkin flavor paired with velvety frosting. A festive treat that's sure to impress!
Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with our Pumpkin Bars crowned with a luxurious vegan cream cheese frosting. This recipe, effortlessly blending simplicity with decadence, is crafted using clean, organic, and gluten-free friendly ingredients. Perfect for those cozy autumn afternoons or festive celebrations! Whether you're vegan, gluten-intolerant, or just a lover of all things delicious, these bars promise a delightful bite every time.
Pumpkin Bars Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (great source of vitamins)
- 2 tablespoon plant-based milk (either almond or oat)
- 4 tablespoon plant-based fat (choose between vegan butter or organic coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder for the perfect rise
- A hint of salt for balanced flavor
- ¾ cup sweetener (options: organic cane sugar, natural light brown sugar, or health-conscious coconut sugar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (both regular and gluten-free variations available. For gluten-free, King Arthur Measure for Measure flour is recommended.)
- 1 teaspoon aromatic pumpkin pie spice blend
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 oz dairy-free cream cheese for the creamy base
- 2 tablespoon melted plant-based butter for added richness
- ¾ cup organic powdered sugar for sweetness
Note: This vegan pumpkin bar recipe is crafted to be vegan and dairy-free. If you are not following a plant-based diet and can tolerate dairy, feel free to use regular butter, milk, and cream cheese.
Frosted Pumpkin Bar Instructions
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Either spray a baking dish with non-stick spray or use parchment paper for an easy lift-out option.
Making the Pumpkin Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, vegan butter, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and your choice of sugar. If you're a fan of pumpkin pie spices, add them in now. Whisk these ingredients until you have a smooth mixture. Gently fold in the flour – be it regular or gluten-free, and ensure no lumps remain. Pour this batter into your prepared baking dish.
Baking: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. A good check for doneness is the toothpick test – if it comes out clean when inserted into the center, your bars are ready.
Cream Cheese Frosting Time: As your bars bake, it's the ideal time to whip up the frosting. In a separate bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, melted vegan butter, and powdered sugar. For a smooth frosting, you can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer.
Finishing Touches: Once baked, let your pumpkin bars cool down a bit. When they're cool enough, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. For the final step, slice into 16 delectable squares and serve. Whether you enjoy them warm or cooled, they're bound to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend storing these at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze. Reheat in the microwave.
Yes! Here are some of our favorites!
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Brownies
Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- 9x11 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- Large Mixing Bowl
- small mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- whisk or fork for mixing
- Electric Hand-Mixer
Ingredients
Ingredients For Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened almond or oat milk
- 4 tablespoon melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar, light brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- 1 cup regular or gluten-free all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spices
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 oz vegan cream cheese
- 2 tablespoon melted vegan butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
How To Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Preheat the oven to 350. Spray the baking dish with non-stick baking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the pumpkin puree, non dairy milk, vegan butter, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and sugar together. Add the pumpkin pie spices, if using. Whisk until smooth. Then, add the regular or gluten free all purpose flour and mix until a smooth batter is formed. Transfer the batter into the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pumpkin bars have completely risen. You will know they are done when you can test the center with a toothpick and it comes out clean.
- While the pumpkin bars bake, make the vegan cream cheese frosting by mixing the vegan cream cheese, melted vegan butter, and powdered sugar together in a small mixing bowl. Use either a whisk or electric hand mixer to mix.
- Remove from the oven. Allow the bars to cool before spreading them with the cream cheese frosting. Slice the pumpkin bars into 16 squares and enjoy warm or cool.
Allison says
This recipe is Absolutely delicious and could not be easier ! Everything mixes in one bowl which I love. My husband and kids (who are not vegan) devoured them in one night! A must try fall recipe
Lakisha says
Omgosh!! This recipe is so delicious!! Very easy recipe to follow and everything is made in just one bowl. The smell, texture and taste is simply amazing. I definitely will be making these over and over again. The perfect pumpkin bar treats to FALL in love with every single bite.
Thank you Jillian 🙂