Irresistible Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars: A Sinful Recipe

Oh, hello there, fellow fall baking fanatics! Is there ANYTHING better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn day? I think not! But, if you’re like me, sometimes you crave that cozy pumpkin flavor without all the gluten. That’s where these gluten free pumpkin bars come in, and trust me, they are a game-changer.

I’ve been tinkering with gluten-free baking for years now (a story for another time!), and I’m so excited to share this recipe that’s seriously easy, unbelievably moist, and totally delicious. Seriously, these aren’t your dry, crumbly gluten-free nightmares. Nope! These bars are soft, spiced just right, and practically melt in your mouth. I remember one year, I tried to make a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and let’s just say the crust was… a disaster. These bars? SO much easier, and everyone loved them even more! Plus, as a cooking instructor here in Asheville, I know how important it is to have recipes that *anyone* can make, no matter their experience. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Okay, so why *should* you make these gluten free pumpkin bars? Let me tell you, it’s not just because I said so! These bars are seriously the BEST, and here’s why:

Quick and Easy Gluten Free Pumpkin Dessert

Seriously, who has time for complicated baking projects? This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be enjoying warm, spiced pumpkin goodness in under an hour! I promise, it’s easier than running to the bakery!

Moist and Delicious Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Forget those dry, crumbly gluten-free desserts you might have had in the past. These bars are unbelievably moist and have that perfect pumpkin spice flavor that just screams “fall.” My favorite part is how they practically melt in your mouth. Wow!

Perfect Fall Gluten Free Treat

Is it even fall if you haven’t had something pumpkin spiced? These gluten free pumpkin bars are the perfect way to celebrate the season. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea. You’ll want to make these all season long!

Ingredients for the Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing fancy here, just simple stuff that, when combined, makes pure pumpkin magic. You’ll need: 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I usually go with Bob’s Red Mill, but use what you like!), 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree (make SURE it’s *puree*, not pumpkin pie filling – big difference!), 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Easy peasy!

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, here comes the fun part! Don’t worry, these gluten free pumpkin bars are seriously straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!

Preparing to Bake Your Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

First things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want it nice and hot when the batter’s ready. While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it *really* well. Then, dust it with gluten-free flour. Trust me, this prevents sticking, and nobody wants a broken pumpkin bar! I sometimes use a spray oil with flour in it. Works like a charm!

Combining Dry Ingredients for Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Now, in a large bowl (the biggest one you’ve got!), whisk together 1 1/2 cups of your gluten-free flour blend, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk it all until it’s nicely combined. This makes sure the spices are evenly distributed. Don’t skip this step!

Mixing Wet Ingredients for Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

In a *separate* bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a whisk works just fine too, if you’re feeling energetic!

Baking Your Delicious Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. This is super important: do NOT overmix! Overmixing gluten-free batter makes it tough. I usually stop when there are still a few streaks of flour. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To test if they’re done, stick a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Cooling and Serving Your Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting (if you’re using frosting, that is!) and cutting them into squares. I know it’s tempting to dig in while they’re warm, but trust me, they’re much easier to cut when they’re cool. Plus, the flavors meld together even more as they sit. Patience, my friend, patience! Then, slice them up and enjoy! These gluten free pumpkin bars are seriously divine!

Tips for the Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Want to take your gluten free pumpkin bars from “good” to “OMG-these-are-amazing”? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make these bars absolutely perfect:

Choosing the Right Gluten Free Flour for Your Pumpkin Bars

Okay, this is HUGE. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal! Seriously, a bad flour blend can make or break your bars. I personally love Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. It’s super reliable and gives a great texture. But honestly, experiment! Just make sure it’s a blend designed for baking, not just a single flour like almond or coconut.

Don’t Overmix Your Gluten Free Pumpkin Bar Batter

I can’t stress this enough! Gluten-free baking is different than regular baking. Overmixing develops gluten (which we don’t want!), leading to tough, chewy bars. Mix until *just* combined. A few streaks of flour are totally fine. Trust me on this one!

Adding Extra Flavor to your Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Want to jazz things up? Go for it! Chocolate chips are always a winner (semi-sweet or dark are my faves). Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Or, for a little something different, try adding some dried cranberries or raisins. Get creative and make these gluten free pumpkin bars your own!

Variations on These Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe (go you!). Now, let’s get a little wild! These gluten free pumpkin bars are a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment and make them your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, cream cheese frosting… the ultimate indulgence! Seriously, slathering these bars with a tangy cream cheese frosting takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. My go-to recipe is just cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. But hey, get fancy with it!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bars

Want to amp up that pumpkin spice flavor even more? Easy peasy! Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch more nutmeg and cloves. You could even throw in a little ginger for a bit of zing. These gluten free pumpkin spice bars are like a warm hug in every bite!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Dairy Free

Need a dairy-free option? No problem! Just swap out the regular eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting (if you’re frosting, that is!). You’d never even know the difference!

Serving Suggestions for Your Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Okay, you’ve got these gorgeous gluten free pumpkin bars fresh out of the oven… now what? Well, honestly, they’re pretty amazing all on their own! But if you want to take things to the next level, try serving them with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. A cold glass of milk is also a classic pairing. Or, for a truly decadent treat, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Storing Your Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

So, you’ve baked a batch of these yummy gluten free pumpkin bars, but somehow… you have leftovers? (Okay, I’m impressed!). No worries, these bars store like a dream! Just pop them into an airtight container, and they’ll keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, if you want to keep them even longer, stash them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Honestly, though, they never last that long at my house!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me about these gluten free pumpkin bars:

Can I make these gluten free pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often think they taste even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them right before serving for the best results. You’ll have a delicious gluten free pumpkin dessert ready whenever you need it!

How do I store gluten free pumpkin bars?

Easy peasy! As I mentioned before, airtight container is key. Room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. If you frost them, definitely keep them in the fridge. Nobody wants melty frosting!

Can I freeze these gluten free pumpkin bars?

Yep! These gluten free pumpkin bars freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature. Freezing is a great way to have a delicious fall gluten free pumpkin bar ready whenever a craving strikes!

What is the best gluten free flour to use for gluten free pumpkin bars?

Okay, as I mentioned earlier, this is a biggie. I really like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. It’s a blend that’s designed specifically for baking, and it gives a great texture. But honestly, experiment and see what you like best! Just make sure it’s a *blend*, not just a single flour like almond or coconut. You’ll want your best gluten free pumpkin bar recipe to turn out perfectly!

Nutritional Information for Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Okay, let’s talk nutrition! Now, I’m not a nutritionist, but I know some of you are curious about the numbers. Just keep in mind that the nutritional information for these gluten free pumpkin bars can vary *a lot* depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use (especially the gluten-free flour blend!).

So, the following is just an estimate. But you’re probably looking at around 200 calories per bar, with about 25g of sugar and 10g of fat. But seriously, don’t sweat the small stuff! These are a *treat*, and life’s too short to worry about every single calorie, right? Enjoy every delicious bite!

Enjoy More Fall Gluten Free Baking

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you love these gluten free pumpkin bars as much as my family does. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! And don’t forget to rate the recipe – I love hearing from you!

Print