Name: Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cups (246g) gluten free flour blend; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature; ⅔ cup (133g) light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup (114g) canned pumpkin puree; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s packed with cozy fall flavors but also fits your dietary needs, this Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe is just the ticket. These bars bring together the warm spices of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree with a luxuriously creamy frosting on top. The texture is perfectly moist yet sturdy enough to hold its shape, making them ideal for snacking, dessert, or even a festive occasion. Plus, they’re completely gluten free, so everyone can enjoy a piece of pumpkin-spiced happiness without worry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with orange-brown thick mixture inside, with a wooden spatula that has a white head resting on the right side of the bowl, some of the mixture is smeared on the sides of the bowl, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to the magic of this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture that makes these pumpkin bars unforgettable.

Gluten free flour blend 1 ⅔ cups (246g): The base that gives structure while keeping the bars gluten free and tender.
Cinnamon 1 teaspoon: Adds warm spice and classic pumpkin flavor that’s unmistakably autumnal.
Baking soda ½ teaspoon: Helps the bars rise lightly for a soft, airy crumb.
Fine sea salt ¼ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
Unsalted butter ½ cup (113g), room temperature: Brings rich moisture and a buttery tenderness to the bars.
Light brown sugar ⅔ cup (133g), packed: Offers caramel undertones and sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
Canned pumpkin puree ½ cup (114g): The heart of the bars, delivering moisture, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
Vanilla extract ½ teaspoon for batter, ½ teaspoon for frosting: Enhances all flavors and rounds out the recipe with warmth.
Cream cheese 8 ounces, room temperature: Creates a smooth and tangy frosting that perfectly contrasts the spiced pumpkin base.
Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (57g), room temperature for frosting: Adds richness and silky texture to the frosting.
Powdered sugar 1 ½ cups (180g): Sweetens the frosting with a light, airy finish.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is vital so that your oven reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prep the batter. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper—this simple step ensures your bars won’t stick and are super easy to lift out when baked.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This mixes the warm spices evenly with the flour and activates the baking soda to help your bars rise beautifully. Setting this bowl aside will make the wet ingredients mixing seamless next.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Pumpkin

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter and light brown sugar until wonderfully smooth and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb. Then, beat in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, which infuse moisture and rich flavor. The batter will start to come together into a thick, smooth consistency perfect for baking.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mixing gently prevents the batter from becoming tough, but makes sure everything is well combined. The result should be a thick, sticky batter ready to spread into your pan.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Transfer the pumpkin batter into the lined baking pan and smooth it out evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before moving on to frosting—this prevents melting and ensures clean, perfect slices.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the dreamy frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating continuously to create a luscious topping. Spread this frosting generously over your cooled pumpkin bars. This frosting adds the perfect tangy-sweet balance to the spicy pumpkin base.

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe

The image shows six square pumpkin bars on brown parchment paper, each with two layers: a thick, moist orange-brown pumpkin base and a smooth, creamy white frosting on top. Some bars have small, colorful leaf-shaped sprinkles in red, green, yellow, orange, and purple on one corner of the frosting. Next to the bars is a shiny silver knife with a white creamy spread on its blade. There are two small pumpkins in the background, one orange and one white, placed on a white marbled textured surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To dress up these bars, try a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on the frosting surface. These finishes give an extra layer of texture and enhance the visual appeal, making the bars feel extra special when served to guests or family.

Side Dishes

Pair these pumpkin bars with a simple cup of hot chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the spices and creamy frosting. For a wholesome twist, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or crisp apple slices to balance indulgence with brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board with some cinnamon sticks and a small bowl of whipped cream for dipping. Alternatively, sandwich a dollop of frosting between two thinner bars to create pumpkin bar mini sandwiches, perfect for parties or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep the pumpkin bars refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or gatherings where you want a quick dessert ready to go.

Freezing

The bars freeze wonderfully! Cut into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer into a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their creamy texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your pumpkin bars slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent the frosting from melting too much. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

Absolutely! If you want a dairy-free option, try a coconut cream frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze flavored with vanilla. Both complement the pumpkin flavor nicely without overpowering it.

Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin puree is plain cooked pumpkin and is what you want for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners, which can alter the flavor balance.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by substituting vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives and ensuring your gluten free flour blend contains no eggs or dairy, you can make delicious vegan pumpkin bars. Just keep an eye on baking times.

What gluten free flour blend works best?

A blend that contains a good mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch usually gives the best texture. Avoid blends with xanthan gum if you want a more tender crumb, unless your blend doesn’t already include it.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips is a fantastic way to add some crunch or richness. Just fold them in gently after the dry ingredients are combined to keep the batter’s texture intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking a batch of these Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe and sharing them around. The combination of delicate spices, moist pumpkin, and creamy frosting always brings a smile. Whether it’s for a seasonal celebration or a simple coffee break at home, I encourage you to try making these bars yourself. They’re a delicious way to celebrate pumpkin season, all while keeping things gluten free and utterly delightful.