Pumpkin spice bars are a seasonal dessert made with pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, eggs, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—often topped with cream cheese frosting. They are moist, flavorful, and rich in antioxidants and vitamin A from the pumpkin, which supports immune and eye health. When made with whole grains or reduced sugar, they can be a more nutritious alternative to other sweets.
Enjoy the flavors of fall with these irresistibly spiced pumpkin bars. Every element of these pumpkin bars is delicious. It’s so incredibly soft, packed full of warm autumn flavor.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredient Notes
- Pumpkin Spice Bars
- How to make Pumpkin Spice Bars
- Secrets to Success
- Recipe Variations
- Storage Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Related post
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love pumpkin spice bars for their soft, cake-like texture and the cozy, comforting flavor of fall spices in every bite. The natural sweetness of pumpkin pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, making them a seasonal favorite.
They’re easy to make and great for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or as a simple homemade treat. Plus, they can be customized—add nuts, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as dessert, they bring a touch of fall to any moment.
Ingredients Note:
These ingredients aren’t just tasty but also offer amazing benefits for your health too, just like:
Pumpkin puree (½ cup): Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), which supports estrogen metabolism and overall hormone balance.
Maple syrup (¼ cup): A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, helping to reduce insulin spikes that can disrupt hormonal balance.
Almond butter (½ cup): Provides healthy fats and magnesium, which support adrenal function and hormone production.
Eggs (½): Contain cholesterol and essential fatty acids, which are building blocks for sex hormone synthesis.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): May have mild calming effects, helping to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Almond flour (½ cup): High in protein and healthy fats that help stabilize blood sugar and support hormone regulation.
Pumpkin spice (½ teaspoon): Contains cinnamon and nutmeg, which can help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): No direct hormonal benefit, but helps with texture and digestion by improving food quality.
Chocolate chips (¼ cup): Dark chocolate contains magnesium and antioxidants, which support mood and reduce stress-related hormonal imbalances.
Coarse salt (¼ teaspoon): Helps support adrenal health and electrolyte balance, which are important for stress hormone regulation.
Pumpkin Spice Bars
34
minutesIngredients
½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
¼ cup maple syrup
½ cup almond butter
½ eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup almond flour
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup chocolate chips
¼ coarse salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Add the almond flour, pumpkin spice, and baking powder. Mix well with a spatula.
- Add the chocolate chips and combine well.
- Place the dough in the pan lined with parchment paper. Finally, add the coarse salt.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove, let cool completely, and cut into 16 cubes.
Secrets to Success
- These bars are perfect for your weekly meal prep, as they’ll last you a week.
- You can also use walnuts instead of chocolate chips.
Recipe Variations
Here are two delicious varieties of Pumpkin Spice Bars that you can try at home.
- Coconut Pumpkin Spice Bars with Walnut Crunch
This variation of pumpkin spice bars adds a hearty crunch by mixing in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts, which are rich in healthy fats and minerals that support hormonal balance. The base is made with ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree, ¼ cup maple syrup, ½ cup almond butter, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup almond flour, ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon coarse salt. Once the bars are baked and fully cooled, spread a generous layer of creamy coconut yogurt (about ½ cup) over the top for a dairy-free frosting that adds smoothness and gut-friendly probiotics.
- Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Bars with Coconut Yogurt Glaze
This decadent version features rich swirls of melted dark chocolate for a more indulgent take on pumpkin spice bars. Prepare the base using ½ cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup maple syrup, ½ cup almond butter, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup almond flour, ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon coarse salt. After pouring the batter into the pan, swirl in ¼ cup of melted dark chocolate chips before baking. Once cooled, drizzle a light glaze made from ½ cup coconut yogurt mixed with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup over the top for a subtly sweet and tangy finish that perfectly complements the spices.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan version. - How should I store pumpkin spice bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving. - Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s not recommended, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can alter the taste and texture of the bars.
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Enjoyed it!
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