Vegan Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Vegan Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the dairy and egg-free version of an absolute classic. Beautifully spicy, moist cake paired with sweet, tangy frosting results in a snack cake for the ages. Let's learn how to make them!

This incredible snack cake is better than anything you could purchase at the store. Little Debbie is quaking! That said, if pumpkin isn't your thing, be sure to check out our other Cakes and Cupcakes.

This may just be our favorite fall dessert. There is no better combination than pumpkin and cream cheese - we will be taking no comments at this time.

If you love these bars like we do, make sure to make our Vegan Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel Drizzle as well as our Vegan Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling!

Vegan pumpkin bar ingredients:

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this perfect fall dessert (and why you'll need them).

For the bars:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the base of the batter.
• ½ cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder & ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances sweetness.
• spices: Classic pumpkin spice blend that gives warm, autumnal flavors to the bars.
• ½ cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich pumpkin flavor while also helping bind the ingredients. Do not use pumpkin pie mix!
• ½ cup full-fat coconut milk: Provides creaminess and fat for a moist texture. You won't taste the coconut!
• ¼ cup canola oil: Adds moisture and fat for a tender crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for additional leavening, creating a fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.

For the cream cheese frosting:

1. 4 oz vegan cream cheese, softened: Provides the tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
2. 2 tablespoons vegan butter, softened: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
3. 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens the frosting and provides structure for spreading.
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and flavor to complement the tangy cream cheese.

Why you'll love these pumpkin bars:

• Perfectly Spiced Flavor: The warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves delivers a classic autumnal pumpkin spice flavor.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and oil ensures these bars are incredibly moist and soft.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Dairy-Free and Egg-Free: Completely vegan, making it a great dessert option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Decadent Frosting: The creamy, tangy vegan cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin base.
• Great for Gatherings: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them a crowd-pleaser at parties or holiday events.
• Seasonally Festive: They capture the essence of fall and are perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or cozy autumn evenings.

Steps to make vegan pumpkin bars (with pictures!):

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.

Begin by whisking together all of the dry ingredients and all of the wet ingredients in separate bowls. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix until just combined.

Pour the pumpkin batter into an 8 inch square pan lined with parchment paper. Bake on center rack of an oven that has been preheated to 350 F (175 C) for 24-26 minutes.

Prepare the cream cheese frosting while the bars cool. Beat the cream cheese until no lumps remain. Beat in the vegan butter until well-combined. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla to the bowl and beat until smooth.

Spread frosting over cooled bars with an offset spatula. Store in the refrigerator.

Do bars with cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?

Yes, bars with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated. Cream cheese (even dairy-free cream cheese) is a perishable ingredient, and leaving it at room temperature for extended periods can lead to spoilage and potentially harmful bacterial growth.

Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3–4 days.
• Serving: For the best flavor and texture, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the bars (preferably without frosting) and frost them fresh after thawing.

Tips for making vegan pumpkin bars:

Here are some tips to ensure your vegan pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting turn out perfectly:

1. Choose a high-quality vegan cream cheese: Look for a high-quality vegan cream cheese that has a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your wet ingredients (like coconut milk and pumpkin puree) to room temperature to ensure they mix evenly.
4. Don’t over-mix: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix just until there are no streaks of flour. Over-mixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
5. Soften Ingredients: Let the vegan cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting.
6. Cool the pumpkin bars completely: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting may melt and become too soft.
7. Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the frosted bars for 20–30 minutes before slicing to get clean, neat pieces.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create delicious vegan pumpkin bars with a creamy and luscious cream cheese frosting that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Frequently asked questions:

How to store vegan pumpkin bars:

Here’s how to store your vegan pumpkin bars to keep them fresh and delicious:

Short-term storage (3-4 days)

• Since these bars have cream cheese frosting, they should be refrigerated.
• Place the bars in an airtight container or tightly cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out.

Long-term storage (up to 1 month)

• It’s best to freeze the bars without frosting for the best texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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