Embrace the Magic: It’s Finally Pumpkin Season!

Can you feel it in the air? The crisp breeze, the changing leaves, and the undeniable aroma of cinnamon and spices? That’s right – fall is officially here, and with it, the most anticipated time of the year: pumpkin season! For many of us, this is the season we eagerly await all year long, dreaming of cozy evenings and comforting flavors. And now that it’s finally arrived (yes, even Starbucks has unveiled their beloved Pumpkin Spice Lattes!), it’s the perfect moment to dive back into sharing all the delightful pumpkin recipes that make this time so special.

From lattes to pies, muffins to bread, pumpkin takes center stage, infusing everything with its unique sweetness and warmth. These gluten-free pumpkin bars are a fantastic way to kick off your autumnal baking adventures, bringing all the festive spirit right to your kitchen.

These Pumpkin Bars: Your New Favorite Fall Sweet Treat

Today, we’re putting the spotlight on these incredibly moist gluten-free pumpkin bars. Each bite is like a warm hug, tasting exactly like autumn, with just the right amount of sweetness from a delicate sprinkling of powdered sugar. Their soft, tender texture and delightful pumpkin spice aroma make them an instant classic for any fall gathering or simply a cozy afternoon at home.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly spiced, moist bar that effortlessly melts in your mouth. That’s precisely what these pumpkin squares offer. They strike the ideal balance between rich flavor and light sweetness, ensuring they’re satisfying without being overly heavy. You’ll find yourself reaching for another one before you know it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Simplicity Meets Deliciousness

This recipe isn’t just another pumpkin dessert; it’s designed for success, flavor, and ease. Here’s why these pumpkin bars will quickly become a cherished part of your fall baking repertoire:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for exotic items. The ingredients required for these gluten-free pumpkin bars are typically found at your local grocery store. Chances are, you already have most of them in your pantry, making spontaneous baking sessions entirely possible! We believe deliciousness shouldn’t require complex shopping lists.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you – preparing these gluten-free and dairy-free pumpkin bars is incredibly straightforward. The process is as simple as combining the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter, then baking it to golden perfection. Once cooled, simply cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that yields impressive results every time.
• Completely Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This is where this recipe truly shines! These delectable yet healthier pumpkin bars are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or lactose intolerance can indulge in this perfect dessert without any worries or discomfort. Everyone deserves a taste of fall, and this recipe ensures no one misses out on the seasonal joy.

Gather Your Ingredients for Pumpkin Perfection

Creating these delightful gluten-free pumpkin bars starts with a selection of readily available ingredients. Below is a visual overview to help you prepare. Remember, the quality of your ingredients contributes significantly to the final taste and texture of your baked goods.

(For exact measurements and a detailed list, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Important Recipe Notes and Handy Substitutions:

To ensure your gluten-free pumpkin bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some detailed notes and potential substitutions for key ingredients:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The type of gluten-free flour you use can greatly impact the final texture. For the lightest and most tender results, I highly recommend using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that incorporates lighter flours and starches, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, and potato starch. It’s crucial to avoid blends that contain heavier flours, like garbanzo bean flour, as these can lead to a denser, more crumbly texture that won’t give you the desired moist bar.
• Xanthan Gum: This is a vital ingredient in gluten-free baking, acting as a binder and providing elasticity that gluten would normally offer. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend does not already list xanthan gum in its ingredients, it is essential to add it separately to achieve the correct structure and prevent your bars from becoming too fragile.
• Brown Rice Flour: I’ve found that incorporating a small amount of brown rice flour enhances the texture of these bars, adding a subtle chewiness and depth. However, if brown rice flour isn’t available, you can successfully substitute it with sorghum flour or millet flour, both of which will also contribute to a pleasant texture.
• Baking Powder: As the primary leavening agent in this recipe, baking powder is indispensable for achieving light and fluffy bars. Ensure your baking powder is fresh and active for the best rise. If you have Celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant, always verify that you are using a certified gluten-free baking powder to prevent cross-contamination.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: To truly capture the essence of fall, pumpkin pie spice is key! It’s a wonderful blend of warming spices that amplifies the pumpkin flavor. If you don’t have a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily create your own blend by combining 2½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra complexity.
• Coconut Oil: For this recipe, I prefer using refined coconut oil. The refining process removes most of the coconut flavor and scent, resulting in a more neutral taste that allows the pumpkin and spices to shine. In contrast, extra virgin coconut oil retains a stronger coconut aroma and taste, which might not be desired in a pumpkin bar. Alternatively, melted vegan butter or another neutral-flavored vegetable oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) can be used. If you don’t have dairy restrictions, regular melted butter or ghee works perfectly too.
• Sugar: While I’ve used granulated white sugar for consistent results, feel free to experiment with other sugars to adjust the flavor profile. Light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, or even coconut sugar can be used. Just be aware that darker sugars will naturally give the pumpkin bar batter a deeper, richer color. For those managing blood sugar levels, granulated monk fruit sweetener is an excellent 1:1 sugar substitute that has a zero glycemic index and won’t spike blood sugar.
• Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in this recipe, not only binding the ingredients together to create a cohesive batter but also contributing significantly to the bars’ moist texture. For these reasons, I do not recommend omitting them. If you’re looking to reduce fat slightly, you could substitute some of the egg yolks with an equal amount of egg whites, though this might slightly alter the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract always elevates baked goods by adding an extra layer of aromatic flavor. If you’re not particularly fond of vanilla or prefer a pure pumpkin spice profile, you can certainly leave it out without compromising the recipe’s integrity too much.
• Pumpkin Puree: During pumpkin season, using fresh, homemade pumpkin puree is a wonderful option (here’s how to make your own). However, high-quality canned pumpkin puree works just as well and is more convenient. It’s vital to remember that pumpkin puree is NOT the same as pumpkin pie filling; the latter is pre-spiced and sweetened, which would throw off the balance of this recipe. Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) adds a beautiful finish and a delicate kiss of sweetness. If you don’t have any on hand, a quick trick is to place regular granulated white sugar in a blender or food processor and blitz it until it transforms into a fine, powdery consistency. For those following a low-sugar diet, powdered monk fruit sweetener is an excellent alternative, offering 1:1 sweetness with zero glycemic impact.

How to Bake Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of moist and flavorful pumpkin bars:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning an oven rack in the middle. This ensures even baking. Take a 10″ x 7″ glass baking dish, lightly grease it, then line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the baked bars.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, meticulously whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, brown rice flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter.

3. Beat Sugar and Coconut Oil

In a separate large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil and granulated sugar. Beat these two ingredients together using a whisk or an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and creamy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated.

4. Add Remaining Wet Ingredients

To the sugar-oil mixture, add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and the rich pumpkin puree. Whisk vigorously with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until all these wet ingredients are fully blended, forming a smooth, uniform orange liquid mixture.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently add the previously combined dry ingredients into the bowl containing the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a homogeneous, pale-orange batter, taking care not to overmix, which can result in a tougher texture. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

6. Transfer Batter to Prepared Pan

Carefully pour the creamy gluten-free pumpkin bar batter into the parchment-lined baking pan. Use a wet spatula to evenly spread the batter to the edges and smooth out the top surface, ensuring a consistent thickness for even baking.

7. Bake Until Golden

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out completely clean, indicating they are cooked through and moist without being raw.

8. Allow to Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It’s crucial to let the pumpkin cake cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and ensuring they retain their moist texture.

9. Slice Into Perfect Bars

Once fully cooled, carefully lift the pumpkin cake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer it to a cutting board and slice it into your desired evenly-sized squares or rectangles. A sharp knife will help achieve clean cuts.

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar and Serve

For that classic, elegant finish and an extra hint of sweetness, gently sprinkle a delicate dusting of powdered sugar over the sliced gluten-free pumpkin bars just before serving. Now, they are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea!

Dish by Dish Pro Tips and Clever Tricks:

Elevate your gluten-free pumpkin bars with these helpful hints and optional additions:

• Always Use Parchment Paper: This simple step makes a world of difference! Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also creates handy “handles” that allow you to easily lift the entire slab of baked bars out of the pan once cooled. This prevents breakage and makes slicing much cleaner.
• Delightful Optional Toppings: While delicious on their own, these pumpkin bars are fantastic with added toppings. For extra crunch and a nutty flavor, consider stirring in or sprinkling chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans into the batter before baking. For an even more autumnal touch, pumpkin seeds add a lovely texture and seasonal flair. If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to fold in chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed) into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
• Make it Fancier with Frosting: While a dusting of powdered sugar keeps these bars elegantly simple, you can certainly take them up a notch. For a truly decadent experience, consider spreading a generous layer of dairy-free cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin squares. The tangy sweetness of the frosting beautifully complements the spiced pumpkin flavor, making them irresistible for a party or special occasion.
• Transform into a Cake: If you prefer to serve a cake rather than individual bars, this versatile recipe easily adapts! Simply bake the batter in a round cake pan or a square cake pan of a similar volume. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the pan size and depth (a thicker cake will take longer to bake). Once baked and cooled, leave the cake whole and frost it, or serve it simply dusted with powdered sugar.

Common Questions About Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars:

More Gluten-Free Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Adore:

Other Delicious Fall Recipes to Enjoy:

P.S. If you try this incredible recipe, I would absolutely love for you to leave a star rating below and/or share your thoughts in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is truly invaluable and helps others discover these amazing treats. Don’t forget to check out my entire Recipe Index for a treasure trove of delicious recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram to stay updated with my latest culinary adventures! Be sure to sign up for my Email List to get fresh, wholesome recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week!

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