Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Dairy-Free Frosting:
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine and Pour into Pan: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat together the vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips
- Add-Ins: For extra texture, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spice levels to your preference, or add a pinch of ginger for a bit of warmth.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
These pumpkin bars are irresistibly soft, creamy, and filled with fall flavors—perfect for any pumpkin lover! 🎃