Vegan Pumpkin Bars

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These vegan pumpkin bars are soft, tender, and warmly spiced, with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make and perfect for fall.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings: bars

Calories: 293kcal

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
6 tablespoons water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or blend of 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup oil I use canola oil, but any neutral-flavored oil will work
1 (15-ounce can) pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting optional, but recommended

Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Grease a 9x13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed and water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
In another large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and flax mixture until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool completely before spreading the vegan cream cheese frosting on top, if using. You can serve them right away, or refrigerate them for about 30 minutes first to help the frosting set and make the bars easier to slice cleanly.

Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For the best texture, freeze them without the frosting and add it after thawing.
Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving.