Easy and Moist Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe for Fall
Welcome! I am here to share with you a delicious recipe that will satisfy your cravings for a sweet, spiced dessert. These Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars are not only scrumptious, but they are also perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the pleasure and comfort of indulging in desserts. Hence, I created this recipe that is both gluten-free and dairy-free. This way, even people with gluten or lactose intolerance can enjoy a delightful dessert without worrying about any adverse reactions.
In this recipe, I have used pumpkin puree to add a nutritious element to the bars. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. Plus, it adds a moist texture and a distinct flavor to the bars.
What’s more? The brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and clove add an explosion of flavors that complement each other perfectly. Together they create a harmonious blend of spices that are characteristic of the beloved pumpkin pie.
Whether you are hosting holiday parties or craving something sweet on a cozy evening with your loved ones – these bars are sure to delight your taste buds. So let’s get started – gather all the necessary ingredients and join me on this journey of culinary delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear reader, are you tired of the same old dessert recipes? Are you someone who craves something flavorful, yet healthy? Then look no further, for I have just the recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth!
This brown sugar spice pumpkin bars recipe is not only gluten-free but also dairy-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. Imagine a moist and spiced pumpkin cake topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting that’s so indulgent, you’ll forget it’s actually good for you.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
1. Gluten and dairy-free: Eating clean has never been so tempting. These pumpkin bars are perfect for those with gluten or dairy intolerances, allowing everyone to indulge in some guilt-free indulgence.
2. Fall flavors galore: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice guarantee that each bite will be seasoned to perfection. If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie spice, then these bars will become your new favorite dessert.
3. Versatile: The recipe offers substitution options to make this treat vegan-friendly or nut-free while still maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
4. Easy to make: The recipe requires minimal effort and can be made in under an hour using basic ingredients found in any local grocery store.
5. Perfect for sharing: These bars feature soft and spiced pumpkin sheet cake that is perfect for any gathering of family or friends.
So go ahead, try out the recipe yourself and experience the satisfaction of having dessert that can both make your taste buds dance with joy and count as a nutritious snack. Don’t wait any longer; give this recipe a shot and let me know how much you loved it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars:
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 can (15 oz or 425g) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups (250g) gluten-free flour blend (I recommend using an all-purpose gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For the frosting:
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
- Crushed walnuts
- Cinnamon
These ingredient amounts are enough to make a full pumpkin sheet cake. If you want to make smaller batches, you can easily half the recipe. Also, if you don’t need this to be dairy-free, you can swap oil with melted butter or applesauce.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Pumpkin Bars
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Gather Your Ingredients: For our delicious gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars, you will need 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 4 large eggs, at room temperature; ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 tsp. of pure vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of apple cider.
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Preheat your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Mix up the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (ground flaxseed, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves) until well combined. Then add in the pumpkin puree along with the olive oil and mix well.
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Add the Wet Ingredients: After whisking together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, add the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree mixture) to the dry ingredients in portions and whisk thoroughly to remove any lump for an evenly combined batter until creamy.
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Pour into Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or coconut oil and pour the creamy batter evenly into the greased pan.
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Bake It: Bake for approximately 30 minutes or when a toothpick is inserted in it comes out clean.
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Let Cool: Once ready, take out of the oven and let it cool down completely on a wire rack.
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Make Frosting: While cooling prepare cheese frosting by mixing together cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until lightened and fluffy.
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Spread That Frosting When cooled down spread frosting over cooled bars you can decorate bars with chopped walnuts or more spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them an additional aroma.
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Serve and Enjoy: Our best Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars recipe is ready to be shared! Cut into slices, serve and enjoy with your creamy glass of milk or warm apple cider.
These bars have a moist, lightly spiced base thanks to the pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, and spices. Each bite tastes like fall with its warming flavors that all work together beautifully when combined.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars recipe is how adaptable it is to different dietary needs and tastes. Here are some options to experiment with:
– Dairy-free: Want to make this recipe dairy-free? Simply substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter in the recipe, and use a dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Try a recipe like the one from “Nom Paleo” for inspiration.
– Vegan: For a completely vegan version of these bars, swap out the eggs for 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds mixed with 6 tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). You can also make your own vegan pumpkin butter instead of using canned pumpkin puree. Check out “Half Baked Harvest” for their vegan pumpkin pie bars recipe.
– Gluten-free flour blend: If you don’t have a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour on hand, you can easily make your own. A good rule of thumb is to use a blend of 1/2 cup white rice flour, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup potato starch or cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp xanthan gum per each cup of flour needed.
– Nut-free: If you or someone you’re cooking for has a nut allergy or sensitivity, simply leave out the walnuts in this recipe. The nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and clove will still give plenty of flavor.
– Sugar substitutes: Want to cut down on sugar or use a lower-glycemic sweetener? Try swapping some or all of the brown sugar in this recipe with coconut sugar or granulated sugar made from monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind this may affect the flavor and texture slightly.
With these variations and substitutions, you can make these brown sugar spice pumpkin bars fit your specific dietary needs and taste preferences without sacrificing deliciousness!
Serving and Pairing
Now that these gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars have been baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them. These bars are a delicious and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day, whether as an afternoon snack or a dessert after your meal.
One of the best ways to serve these pumpkin bars is with a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top. This adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spices in the bars. Alternatively, you can also drizzle some cream cheese frosting on top for an even richer and more indulgent dessert experience.
When it comes to pairing these gluten-free pumpkin bars, there are many options to choose from depending on your tastes. For those who love warm fall flavors, you might want to consider serving these bars alongside a cup of apple cider or a spiced latte. The combination of the warm spices in the bars and the comforting warmth of the drink is sure to make you feel cozy and content.
If you prefer something refreshing to contrast with the sweetness of the bars, consider serving them with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh whipped cream on top. This creates a wonderful balance between sweet and creamy flavors that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Overall, these gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars are versatile enough to be paired with many different drinks and toppings. So go ahead, experiment with different combinations until you find the one that you love the most!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Alright, let’s say you’ve made these irresistible gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars ahead of time. Perhaps you’re planning to serve them during a cozy family gathering or pack them for a picnic with friends. Whatever the occasion, it’s crucial to store and transport them properly to ensure they remain fresh and moist.
One easy way to store your pumpkin bars is by wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in an airtight container. This way, they’ll stay soft and tender longer. If you have the space, you can also store your pumpkin bars in a large sealable bag.
When it comes to reheating your pumpkin bars, we recommend putting them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This way, you can warm them up until they’re just getting crispy on top.
If you’re planning on making these pumpkin bars ahead of time, we suggest baking and frosting them separately so that you can frost them right before serving. For best results, we recommend storing the unfrosted bars in an airtight container overnight and then frosting them just before serving.
But what if you find yourself with leftovers? No problem! Just store any leftover pumpkin bars inside an airtight container or sealable bag and keep refrigerated for up to 3-5 days. These gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars will still taste as delicious as when they were freshly baked even after being refrigerated.
Just remember that whether it be while making-ahead, storing or reheating – handling these pumpkin bars gently is key. And with these tips in mind, it’s not hard to make sure your gluten-free brown sugar spice pumpkin bars stay perfectly fresh and delectable for every occasion!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’re all set to make these delicious Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars, let me give you some tips to help you achieve perfect results.
Firstly, when mixing the dry ingredients, whisk them thoroughly before adding them to wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. Lumps in the dry mixture may lead to uneven textures in the bars after baking.
Secondly, add the pumpkin puree last after all other wet ingredients to avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, causing dense and gummy texture in the bars. So, be gentle while folding the puree into the other ingredients.
Thirdly, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F/180°C before putting in the bars. Also, use a digital thermometer to check if it’s at the ideal temperature. A too-hot oven may cause over browning on top while it remains uncooked inside.
Fourthly, always use parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray for your baking pan if you want easy removal of the bars from the pan with clean edges. Greasing with vegetable oil may cause sticking around the edges and bottom.
Finally, let your Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars cool completely before slicing and serving them. Cooling helps set and solidify the bars into proper shapes that don’t crumble easily.
By following these tried-and-true tips, you can enjoy delectable Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars that will leave you wanting more!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars are the perfect dessert for those who love indulging in satisfying treats that are not only healthy but also delicious. With their mouthwatering aroma and delicate blend of fall spices, they are the ultimate comfort food.
These bars are ideal for family get-togethers, dinner parties, or even for a quick snack. They are easy to make and have a variety of substitutions that you can choose to fit based on your dietary needs. The recipe features soft spiced pumpkin sheet bars that can be enjoyed by anyone with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or dairy-free options.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you are a gluten-free goddess, a dairy-free diva, or just someone who appreciates deliciousness in its every form, these Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
So go ahead and try this recipe today! I guarantee that this will not be the only time you make these snack-worthy delights. In fact, they might just become a favorite go-to treat in your household like they have become mine.
Gluten Free Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon clove
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
For the Frosting
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (or more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Beat the eggs till blended; add the oil and beat to combine.
- Add the brown sugar and mix well.
- Add the pumpkin and vanilla and beat until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients (except nuts) and mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the nuts.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the center of a preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the bars are firm and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- While cake is cooling, place the butter, brown sugar and apple cider into a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture into a mixing bowl and add the vanilla and spices, and beat.
- Add the powdered sugar, a little at a time and beat until smooth adding more sugar if needed to thicken.
- Frost the bars.