Description
These pumpkin bars with vegan cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat, offering a moist and gooey texture infused with warm pumpkin spice flavors. Perfectly spiced and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, these bars are enhanced by a rich, creamy vegan frosting, making them ideal for seasonal gatherings or cozy dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Vegan chocolate chips for sprinkling
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
- Vegan cream cheese (quantity approx. 8 oz or 225g)
- Vegan butter (approx. 4 tablespoons or 56g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (about 1-1½ cups, adjusted to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare flaxseed mixture: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup ground flaxseed with ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water. Stir and set aside to thicken for 5 minutes.
- Preheat and prep dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup almond flour, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Whisk these together until evenly mixed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the thickened flaxseed mixture until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; the batter will be thick. If desired, fold in vegan chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake the bars: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting or slicing.
- Prepare vegan cream cheese frosting: While the bars cool, beat the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can customize the sweetness of the frosting with more or less powdered sugar, depending on preference.
- Optional vegan chocolate chips add a delightful texture and extra flavor contrast.
- These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Ground flaxseed acts as an egg replacer, making this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
