As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin. If you’re searching for a delightful vegan treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these vegan pumpkin bars.
Perfectly moist, tender, and spiced just right, these bars offer a rich pumpkin flavor with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
From a cozy afternoon snack to a festive dessert for gatherings, these pumpkin bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
What makes these bars even better is their versatility and wholesome ingredients. You won’t miss the eggs or dairy thanks to clever plant-based substitutes that keep the texture just right.
Plus, with natural sweeteners and simple pantry staples, you can feel good about every bite. Ready to bake your next batch of fall happiness?
Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan pumpkin bars recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one bowl and simple mixing steps.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or rare ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
Second, these bars are delightfully moist and soft, thanks to the natural moisture of pumpkin and the use of plant-based oils. The blend of warming spices evokes classic pumpkin pie flavors but in a fun, portable bar form that’s great for on-the-go snacking.
Lastly, the recipe is very adaptable. Want to add nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips, or a vegan cream cheese frosting?
Go for it! These bars also freeze well, so you can bake a batch ahead and enjoy them whenever the pumpkin craving strikes.
If you love other vegan baked goods, check out Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- ¾ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or your favorite)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, brown sugar, applesauce, oil, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bars tough.
- If using, fold in your choice of chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips now for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.
Tips & Variations
“For a creamier topping, try a vegan cream cheese frosting made from cashews or store-bought vegan cream cheese mixed with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla.”
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.
- Add texture: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut or dried cranberries for a chewy twist.
- Spice it up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger for a spicier flavor profile.
- Sweetener swaps: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar, adjusting wet ingredients slightly.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bar) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 14 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan pumpkin bars are perfect on their own with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
They also pair beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.
For a festive twist, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or add a swirl of vegan caramel sauce. These bars travel well, making them a great option for potlucks, picnics, or lunchbox treats.
If you enjoy baking vegan treats like this, you might love our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or the rich and moist Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
This vegan pumpkin bars recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall while keeping your baking plant-based and wholesome. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious batch of bars that are moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home, these bars provide the perfect balance of sweet and spice with every bite.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or toppings to make the recipe your own. And if you’re looking for more vegan cooking inspiration, be sure to explore our collection of recipes like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas that can help you maintain a delicious, plant-based lifestyle year-round.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pumpkin Bars
Description: Deliciously moist and spiced vegan pumpkin bars perfect for fall. Easy to make with simple ingredients and no eggs or dairy.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup organic pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 27g
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