Ah, gluten-free maple pumpkin bars! Let me tell you, they are the perfect treat for crisp autumn days or just whenever you’re craving something sweet yet wholesome. I first stumbled upon this recipe at a potluck last fall. A dear friend made them, and I couldn’t believe how moist and flavorful they were – all the warm spices of pumpkin blended with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. I knew I had to try it myself!
What makes these bars unique (besides being gluten-free!) is the wonderful combination of flavors. The earthy taste of pumpkin pairs beautifully with the sweetness of maple and just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, they’re super simple to make, which means I can whip them up and have a delicious treat at my fingertips without spending all day in the kitchen. Now, let’s dive right in!
What’s in Gluten-Free Maple Pumpkin Bars?
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, roast and blend a fresh pumpkin. Either way, it brings moisture and natural sweetness to the bars.
Maple Syrup: Oh, maple syrup is my absolute favorite! It adds a lovely richness and depth of flavor that just screams “fall.” Use pure maple syrup for the best taste – it’s so worth it.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those who are gluten-sensitive, a good quality gluten-free flour blend works wonders. I personally love using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour because it has a great texture and flavor.
Coconut Oil: This healthy fat is perfect for adding moisture to the bars while ensuring they remain dairy-free. You can also use unsalted butter if you’re not worried about dairy.
Eggs: Binding everything together, eggs provide structure and a rich flavor as well.
Spices: I like to use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger. These spices complement the pumpkin beautifully and fill your kitchen with that comforting scent we all adore during the fall.
Is Gluten-Free Maple Pumpkin Bars Good for You?
Yes, they are! While these treats are undeniably sweet, they also have health benefits. Starting with the **pumpkin puree**, it’s loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants. **Maple syrup** also contains beneficial minerals like manganese and zinc, and it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.
Of course, moderation is key, as these bars do have some natural sugars and fats. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to consider using less maple syrup or play around with mixing in stevia or monk fruit sweetener. But hey, life is too short to skip dessert altogether, so enjoy these in moderation!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup gluten-free flour blend (my favorite is Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
– 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– A pinch of salt
*This recipe serves about 12 bars.*
How to Make Gluten-Free Maple Pumpkin Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the **pumpkin puree**, **maple syrup**, and **melted coconut oil** until well combined.
3. Add the **eggs** into the mixture and whisk until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the **gluten-free flour blend**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **spices**, and **salt**.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want our bars to be light and fluffy!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the most delightful aroma!
8. Once done, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Sweet Touch to Every Bite
You can enjoy these bars as is, or if you feel fancy, add a drizzle of more maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. They’re great served with a dollop of whipped coconut cream (or regular whipped cream if that’s your jam!).
And there you have it: a delightful, fall-inspired treat that I just know you’ll love as much as I do! Give them a try, share them with friends (or devour them all yourself, no judgment here!), and let me know how they turn out. Happy baking!