Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 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