Vegan Pumpkin Bars Thanksgiving: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Vegan Pumpkin Bars Thanksgiving are about to become your new favorite holiday dessert! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly spiced, moist, and utterly decadent pumpkin bar, all while knowing it’s completely plant-based. Forget dry, crumbly vegan baking – these bars are a revelation!

Pumpkin pie might be the Thanksgiving staple, but let’s be honest, sometimes you want something a little less fussy and a little more…portable. That’s where these bars come in. Pumpkin, a symbol of autumn’s bounty, has been enjoyed for centuries, with its use in pies and other desserts becoming a beloved tradition in North America. But who says tradition can’t evolve? These Vegan Pumpkin Bars Thanksgiving offer a modern twist on a classic flavor, making them perfect for sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or even just enjoying with a cup of coffee on a crisp fall afternoon.

What makes these bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, combined with the creamy sweetness of pumpkin. The texture is soft and chewy, and the optional (but highly recommended!) vegan cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that elevates them to another level. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. So, ditch the stress of a complicated pie crust and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of these vegan pumpkin bars. You won’t regret it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pumpkin Bars:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened (I recommend Kite Hill or Tofutti)
• ½ cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well), for desired consistency
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Cinnamon sugar
• Vegan caramel sauce

Preparing the Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to remove later. I like to use a little bit of vegetable oil and then dust it with flour. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is crucial for achieving that warm, comforting pumpkin spice flavor in every bite.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be nicely combined and free of any lumps. I find that using a whisk works best for this, but you can also use an electric mixer on low speed if you prefer.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough bars. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and there are no visible streaks of flour remaining. A few small lumps are okay.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the top should spring back slightly when touched.
6. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important because if you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny. I usually let them cool for at least an hour or two, or even overnight.

Preparing the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Soften Ingredients: Make sure your vegan cream cheese and vegan butter are softened to room temperature before you start. This will ensure that the frosting is smooth and creamy. If they’re too cold, they won’t blend properly and you’ll end up with a lumpy frosting. I usually take them out of the refrigerator about an hour before I plan to make the frosting.
2. Cream Together: In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that everything is evenly combined.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. I usually add about 2-4 tablespoons of milk, but you may need more or less depending on the brand of vegan cream cheese and butter you use. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but still be easily spreadable.

Frosting and Decorating

1. Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula or a butter knife to do this. I like to create a smooth, even layer of frosting, but you can also swirl it for a more rustic look.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the frosted bars with chopped pecans or walnuts, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with vegan caramel sauce. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the bars. You can also get creative and use other toppings, such as vegan chocolate chips or sprinkles.
3. Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. These vegan pumpkin bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened vegan cream cheese and butter are essential for a smooth frosting.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Bars are dry: Make sure you’re using the correct amount of oil and pumpkin puree. Also, avoid overbaking the bars.
• Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
• Frosting is too thick: Add more plant-based milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
• Bars are sticking to the pan: Make sure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these delicious vegan pumpkin bars! They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any time you’re craving a sweet and spicy treat. Let me know in the comments if you try them and what you think!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Vegan Pumpkin Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, a burst of festive flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, especially if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, allergy-friendly treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The moist, spiced pumpkin base, combined with that creamy, dreamy frosting, is a match made in dessert heaven.

But why are these bars so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer joy they bring. They’re not overly sweet, allowing the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and spices to shine through. Plus, being vegan, they’re inclusive and can be enjoyed by a wider range of people, making them perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or any occasion where you want to share something delicious with loved ones.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations! While these bars are absolutely divine on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a simple yet elegant touch, dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream would also elevate the experience.

For a fun twist, consider making mini pumpkin bars instead of the standard size. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or for portion control (though, let’s be honest, you’ll probably eat more!). You could also experiment with different frostings. A cinnamon cream cheese frosting would be a fantastic alternative to the classic vanilla, or you could even try a chocolate ganache for a truly decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Pair with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or apple cider.
• Garnish with chopped nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or vegan whipped cream.

Variations:

• Add chocolate chips to the batter.
• Use a different type of nut, such as pecans or walnuts.
• Experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cloves.
• Try a different frosting, such as cinnamon cream cheese or chocolate ganache.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Vegan Pumpkin Bars for yourself. I poured my heart into creating a recipe that’s both delicious and accessible, and I truly believe you’ll love it.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear your feedback, see your creations, and learn about any variations you come up with. Tag me in your photos on social media, leave a comment below, or send me an email. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking, and happy Thanksgiving! I hope these bars become a new tradition in your home, just as they have in mine. They are the perfect way to celebrate the season and share the joy of delicious, plant-based baking with everyone you love.