Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Serves 8
Serves 8
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- frosting:
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (i use peanut oil)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or ap gluten-free flour) plus more for dusting pan
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or ap gluten-free flour)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter (earth balance vegan buttery stick) room temp, plus more for greasing pan
- 4 tablespoons vegan cream cheese (i use tofutti) room temp
- 1/3 cup salted toasted pecans roughly chopped
- Carbohydrate 6.83803626851335 g
- Cholesterol 30.9114583325049 mg
- Fat 11.7357944970025 g
- Fiber 1.27386982687823 g
- Protein 0.900490652351116 g
- Saturated Fat 7.41176015252928 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (73g)
- Sodium 185.251363960262 mg
- Sugar 5.56416644163512 g
- Trans Fat 0.850561718536688 g
- Calories 133 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl fitted with the wire whisk attachment, beat the pumpkin, oil, applesauce, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Grease a metal 9x9" baking pan with vegan butter then dust with flour, discarding any excess flour that doesn't stick.
- Pour the batter in the greased pan and spread to even out if necessary.
- Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. (The bars will continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the oven.)
- Cool completely on a metal rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla, and syrup together until well combined.
- Spread over the bars then top with the pecans.
My Cozy Autumn Baking Adventure: Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bars
Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the comforting aroma of spices baking in the oven...it's pure magic. This year, I decided to embrace the season with a recipe that's both delicious and reflects my commitment to a plant-based lifestyle: Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. I’ve always loved baking, ever since I was a little girl helping my grandmother in her kitchen. The warmth of the oven, the mixing of ingredients, the anticipation of the final product – it's a process I find deeply therapeutic. These bars are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary, a taste of autumn encapsulated in a perfect little bite.
The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward. The base is a moist and spiced pumpkin bar, bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I used a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture, but you can absolutely use gluten-free flour if needed. The star of the show, however, is the maple cream cheese frosting. It's creamy, subtly sweet, and adds the perfect touch of richness to counterbalance the spice of the bars. The toasted pecans sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch, adding another layer of texture and flavor. Honestly, it's hard to resist just one – or two, or maybe three…
Making these bars felt like a little act of self-care. The process of measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, and the satisfying scent that filled my kitchen as they baked, all contributed to a sense of calm and contentment. Baking, for me, is more than just creating delicious treats; it's a way to connect with myself and the season. These bars aren’t just a recipe; they’re a symbol of autumn's cozy embrace. They're the perfect treat to share with friends and family, or simply to enjoy a quiet moment with a warm cup of tea. The beautiful vibrant orange color of the pumpkin is also a wonderful visual reminder of the season. The combination of flavors is perfectly balanced, not too sweet, not too spicy, just right. And the best part? Knowing I've created something delicious and healthy that I can proudly share with others, bringing a little bit of autumn joy to their day.
I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe is easy to follow and the results are undeniably rewarding. The joy of creating something delicious from scratch is unmatched, and the satisfaction of sharing these delightful bars with loved ones makes it even more special. The process is almost meditative, a perfect escape from the daily grind. As the aroma of pumpkin spice fills your kitchen, you'll find yourself transported to a world of cozy comfort, where the worries of the day melt away, replaced by the simple pleasure of baking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds in the frosting, or adjust the amount of spice to your liking. The possibilities are endless! The most important ingredient, however, is the love and care you put into the process. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of autumn lead the way. Enjoy your baking journey, and savor every delicious bite.
