As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's no better way to embrace the flavors of fall than with a batch of gluten-free pumpkin bars topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. These bars are not only delicious but also cater to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a seasonal treat, these pumpkin bars are sure to delight.
Gluten-free baking has come a long way, and with the right ingredients, you can create desserts that are just as satisfying as their gluten-filled counterparts. Pumpkin bars are a classic fall dessert, and making them gluten-free allows everyone to enjoy this seasonal favorite. The combination of warm spices, moist pumpkin, and rich cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.
Before diving into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make these gluten-free pumpkin bars:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free flour blend | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | ¼ teaspoon |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces (softened) |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set it aside. This will ensure that your pumpkin bars don't stick to the pan and come out easily once baked.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent texture in your bars.
In a separate large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a rich, autumnal flavor to the bars.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but they're best enjoyed fresh!
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you don't need the bars to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the gluten-free flour blend with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
If you prefer a different topping, you can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, or even a dollop of whipped cream. However, the cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.
Gluten-free pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their moist, spiced pumpkin base and creamy, tangy frosting, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you're baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. So, grab your apron and get ready to enjoy the flavors of autumn in every bite!
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