Name: Healthy Pumpkin Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup natural creamy almond butter (the only ingredient should be almonds – salt is also fine!); 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/2 cup almond flour (or oat flour); 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 tsp. baking powder; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt (if using unsalted almond butter, increase to 1/2 tsp. salt); 1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling overtop

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 72 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that feels indulgent yet is nourishing and gluten-free, you’re going to absolutely adore this Healthy Pumpkin Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe. These bars strike the perfect balance between rich, cozy pumpkin flavor and wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about every bite. Imagine soft, tender bars speckled with melty chocolate chips, all made without any gluten or refined sugars, allowing you to enjoy a dessert or snack without guilt. Whether it’s for a midday pick-me-up or a festive fall dessert, these bars will quickly become your go-to recipe to satisfy your pumpkin cravings in the healthiest way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two images side by side show a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface. The bowl holds thick, orange-brown batter with a smooth texture. In the left image, a cluster of dark chocolate chips sits on top of the batter near the center, with a spatula resting against the bowl's side. In the right image, the chocolate chips are mixed into the batter, creating small dark spots throughout. The bowl is round and transparent, showing the batter's color and texture from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe comes from a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the moist texture, warm flavor, and perfect sweetness of these bars. From the creamy almond butter to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice, every component is essential for that irresistible combination you’ll love.

Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, a natural sweetness, and that signature autumn flavor that defines these bars.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Natural creamy almond butter: Adds healthy fats and a subtle nuttiness, essential for richness and texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aromatic note.
Almond flour (or oat flour): Keeps these bars gluten free while maintaining a soft and slightly chewy texture.
Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices that brings that classic pumpkin spice goodness.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a light, airy feel.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in every bite.
Chocolate chips: Adds pockets of gooey melty chocolate that make every bite a little celebration.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides; this makes it super easy to lift the bars out when they’re baked. Give the parchment a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, creamy almond butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth. This step is key for ensuring your bars have a silky, moist texture and that the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Whisk everything together until just combined—over-mixing can make the bars dense, so keep it gentle. The batter will be thick and luscious, promising a wonderful bite.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top for a pretty and extra chocolatey finish. These melty bites contrast perfectly with the spiced pumpkin base.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 32 to 36 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cool completely before cutting into 12 squares.

How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two stacked thick square blondies on a white marbled surface. The top blondie is golden brown with a slightly crisp edge, and it has small melted dark brown chocolate chips scattered on and inside it. The top blondie also has a few grains of white sea salt lightly sprinkled on the surface. The bottom blondie is visible and has a similar texture and color. Around the stacked blondies are more scattered chocolate chips and some blurry parts of other blondies in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For serving, feel free to add a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top to elevate the presentation. A dollop of coconut whipped cream or a smear of nut butter can create a decadent yet wholesome touch that will delight anyone lucky enough to get a bite.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or your favorite coffee blend—both complement the pumpkin and spice notes perfectly. If you’re serving for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a bowl of seasonal berries make a lovely side that keeps things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for a party platter or stack them as mini sandwiches with a layer of nut butter in between. Wrapping individual bars in parchment with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store these bars at room temperature for the first day or two, but because of the healthy fats from almond butter, it’s better to refrigerate them after that. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness, where they’ll stay good for up to four more days.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Slice them into individual squares, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to two months, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute snacks during busy weeks.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warmed, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then heat briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through. This brings back that freshly-baked softness with melty chocolate every time.

FAQs

Can I substitute the almond butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Cashew butter and peanut butter both work well, though almond butter offers the best texture and flavor balance for these bars.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Since eggs are key for binding, you might try flaxseed or chia egg substitutes, but results vary. Experimenting with two tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with six tablespoons of water as a replacement for each egg could work.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree because canned pie filling often contains added spices and sugars that will alter the taste and texture of your bars.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the maple syrup slightly, but keep in mind that it’s also essential for moisture and texture, so don’t remove it entirely.

Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?

This recipe relies on almond butter and almond flour, so unfortunately, it’s not safe for those with nut allergies unless you substitute with seed butters and seed-based flours, which may change the texture.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up these Healthy Pumpkin Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe offers a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of fall without compromising on healthy eating. Soft, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, they’re ideal whether you need a quick snack, dessert, or a tasty breakfast treat. Give this recipe a try and watch these pumpkin bars earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation — you’re going to love every bite!