Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bars Recipe

This recipe makes 12 moist and delicious pumpkin spice bars. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a warm, spiced treat!

Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (softened, but not fully melted)
• 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flax meal + 1/4 cup water)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Flax Eggs:
   • In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flax meal with 1/4 cup of water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken into a gel-like consistency.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In another small bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Add the prepared flax eggs and mix until fully combined.
5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until almost fully combined, but don’t overmix at this point.
6. Incorporate the Coconut Oil:
   • Gently fold in the softened (not fully melted) coconut oil until the batter is smooth and everything is well incorporated.
7. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan and spread it evenly.
   • Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. Once cooled, slice into 12 bars.
   • For extra flavor, store the bars in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Optional: Cream Cheese Frosting

Top these pumpkin spice bars with your favorite vegan cream cheese frosting for an extra creamy and sweet finish.

Enjoy these bars as a snack or dessert, perfect for the fall season or whenever you’re in the mood for a cozy treat!