Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars

Name: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1-1/4 cups sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup canned pumpkin; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour; 1 cup almond flour; 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; FROSTING:; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 40 min.

Yield 20 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Yes, it's possible to make gluten-free pumpkin bars with a soft, moist crumb. This recipe is finished with a silky maple cream cheese frosting for maximum fall flavor.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour
1 cup almond flour
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin, maple syrup and vanilla. Combine flours, pie spice, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt; beat until smooth. Spread over top. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 405 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

These gluten-free bars are a perfect way to satisfy your fall food cravings. Whether you take them to a party or make them for your family, it's hard to stop at just one. The hint of maple really makes them special compared to plain pumpkin bars. —Christina Blick, Houston, Texas

Recipe Creator