Incredible flourless Healthy Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall treat! Made with simple ingredients like almond butter and pumpkin puree, this recipe has become a Hummusapien community favorite! SO easy, they come together in minutes and kids love them. Vegan, gluten free and paleo-friendly.

It's of utmost importance that you put on your baking hat and whip up these splendid pumpkin bars like yesterday! You may recognize these as paleo pumpkin bars, but they're also gluten free and vegan.
I thought I'd outdone myself with my most loved Almond Flour Pumpkin Bread, No Bake Pumpkin Bars and Flourless Pumpkin Muffins, but there's so much more pumpkin greatness to go around.
Soft. Chewy. Melt-in-yo-mouth! They're light and airy and perfectly sweet and bursting at the seams with the cinnamon goodness that defines this stupendous season.
Ingredients
- Nut butter: Almond butter and cashew butter both compliment the pumpkin flavors nicely. Be sure they're creamy and drippy, the kind that pours out of the container, not the refrigerated hard kind as that will throw off the texture. I do not recommend peanut butter because they'll taste overwhelmingly like peanut butter, plus it's more dry.
- Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin puree or homemade, just not pumpkin pie mix. You can use a brand trusted for its consistency and flavor like Libby's, but I've had great success with the generic store brand versions from Trader Joe's, Target and Whole Foods.
- Banana: This adds natural sweetness. The riper the better! I tested these with ⅓ cup applesauce and unfortunately they were too moist, so banana is best here.
- Pure maple syrup: I love using this fab natural sweetener for healthy desserts! I've only tested this recipe with a liquid sweetener, so agave or honey would also work. Readers have reported success with equal amounts of coconut sugar!
- Coconut flour: Coconut flour is super absorbent and makes these bars fluffy. (I get questions about alternatives to coconut flour but when I tried subbing 2 tbsp ground flaxseed, they were too wet and not fluffy. Two tablespoons of flour (not almond flour) would be my best guess, but I would bake them 5-10 minutes longer and know they will be more moist!
- Pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice adds amazing warm fall flavor and keeps it easy. You can also make your own with 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger, and ¼ tsp cloves. The measure out 1 tsp for this recipe.
How to make (step by step)
Whisk together banana, almond butter, pumpkin, make syrup, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Add coconut flour, spices, baking soda and salt.
Whisk until combined.
Pour intro prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes, cool, and devour!
Dietary swaps and substitutions
- For a nut free version: you can use sunflower seed butter, but they will have a stronger flavor. Note: a natural reaction occurs with sunflower seed butter and baking soda that makes baked goods turn a (harmless) shade of green.
- Pumpkin pie spice: You can also make your own by whisking 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger, and ¼ tsp cloves.
What makes these bars healthy
As a Registered Dietitian, I'm obsessed with pumpkin not only because it's delish, but also because it's brimming with nutrients.
- Vitamin A: Pumpkin is an excellent bioavailable source of vitamin A, which supports eye health. Half a cup packs 120% of the daily value!
- Fiber: It's chock full of soluble fiber to help stabilize blood glucose levels and help you feel fuller longer. Half a cup boasts 7 grams of fiber.
- Antioxidants: Pumpkin is packed with antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body and delay onset of disease.
How long will they keep?
Store these pumpkin bars on the countertop in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. If you still have some left, you can store them in the fridge for up to 1 week and they will stay moist.
How to freeze
To freeze bars, place on a lined baking sheet in an even layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. You can thaw them on the counter when you’re ready to eat or microwave them individually.
More healthy pumpkin recipes
- No Bake Pumpkin Cookies
- Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
- Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
I hope you’re as in love with these delectable Pumpkin Bars as I am! If you make these, please leave a comment and star rating letting me know how it turned out. I’m so grateful for your feedback!
Click here to see the step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!
PrintFlourless Healthy Pumpkin Bars (1 Bowl!)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Incredible flourless Healthy Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall treat! Made with good for you ingredients like almond butter and pumpkin puree with no flour, oil, or refined sugar. They come together in minutes and kids love them! Vegan, gluten free and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 overripe medium banana
- ¾ cup creamy almond butter*
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- Optional: ⅓ cup chocolate chips and/or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8x8in square baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place banana in a medium mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add almond butter, pumpkin, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until well-combined.
- Add coconut flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, whisking until smooth. Fold in any desired add-ins.
- Pour into prepared baking dish, smoothing with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. I like to let them rest for 30 minutes for the flavors to come together. They're delicious right out of the fridge!
Notes
*Almond butter must be liquidy/drippy. Do not use "hard" almond butter as they will be dry.
STORAGE: Store bars in an air-tight container on the counter for up to three days. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Keywords: healthy pumpkin bars
Jennifer says
Can medjool dates be substituted for the maple syrup?
Alexis Joseph says
Hi there! I haven't tested these with dates--I'd guess it would need to be date paste, but I can't say for certain how the texture would be. Let me know if you try it!
Molly says
Ok I did not expect these to be SO good...but they are! My husband loves them.
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Hahahah yayyyy!
Heather Conrad says
I have made these 3 times in the last week and a half! Just made the last batch (a double!) for a Thanksgiving dessert. I’m going to have to freeze them or they will never last the few days until the feast!! Thank you for the excellent recipe!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
You made my day Heather, thanks so much!
Jessie says
So SO good!! Kids love them and so do I 🙂
Madison says
This has to be one of my favorite desserts ever!! They are so easy and fun to make and they never last very long! Thank you so much for the delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Awww I'm so glad, thanks Madison. Yay!!
Elana says
just made these today and even though i had to spend $12 on almond butter and used half the tub to make them, plus broke a can opener while trying to open the pumpkin, it was SO WORTH IT! these are DELICIOUS! I have only tried one and am already planning when I can make more because I know they'll all be eaten in no time. amazing recipe and such great ingredients 🙂
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
LOL holy moly, you've been through it!! Costco almond butter is an amazing price if you have access 🙂 So glad they're worth it!
Leslie says
Love this recipe! I substitute sunflower seed butter for the almond butter to make them nut free. Always great!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Wonderful!!
John Paul Pinciotti says
These are insanely good!! Super delicious without the guilt! Will be a staple for sure!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Love that, thanks so much!
Rachel Dodson says
These are SO GOOD! They freeze really well and are the perfect bfast with yogurt! Definitely add chocolate chips 🙂
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Yayy!! I agree--chocolate chips are basically always required 🙂
Ashley Deardorff says
These are so yummy and moist!! I make them into muffins every week to have for breakfast! So so good!!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Love that, thanks Ashley!
Kathryn says
So I have to sub sunbutter since we cannot have almonds. Is there a reason the batter turns green. Interaction of 2 ingredients? Will it be better if put in fridge or freezer and not left out?! Thanks. Taste amazing
Alexis Joseph says
Yep--it's a harmless chemical reaction that occurs between sunflower seeds and baking soda. It won't change no matter where you store them. Google will tell you more!
Mary Mauerer says
Could you use coconut sugar instead of honey or maple syrup? Equal amounts?Pumpkin Bar recipe
Thanks
Alexis Joseph says
Hi there, I have only tested this recipe as written. I have not tried it with dry sweetener instead of liquid so I'm not sure about the results, but let me know if you try it! I'd guess it should be fine.
Beth says
This are sooo yummy but mine didn't turn up cake like at all. Matter of fact they're more like eat it with a spoon super soft type of consistency. I used about two tablespoons of almond flour instead of coconut flour. And I used walnut butter that I made cuz that's what I had on hand. Other than that I felt the recipe exactly. Any ideas why they didn't get more cake like?
Thanks so much for sharing your lovely, nourishing work!
Alexis Joseph says
Hi there Beth, that's due to the flour swap. Coconut flour is very absorbent whereas almond flour is super moist and high-fat so unfortunately almond flour isn't a good sub there like all purpose GF or flax would be. Glad they still taste good, though! I also don't cook with walnut butter but that could have effected it--I'm not entirely sure as I've only made the recipe as written.
Maclean Nash says
Love these! I added both nuts and chocolate chips and theyre perfect after dinner and I appreciate that theyre not too sweet!
Alexis Joseph says
Wonderful, I’m so glad!!
Janelle says
These are sooooo good! Great snack. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Kelly Fogt says
So simple and so yummy! I ended up only baking mine for 23 minutes and they were perfectly chewy on the inside and had enough crunch on the outside. Very much remind me one a brownie! These will be on repeat all season (year) long. Thanks!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Love it, thanks so much for letting me know, Kelly!
Giovonne says
The minute I saw this recipe I jumped up to make them. They are SO good! They're super simple and such a great way to use up a ripe banana without making banana bread. I added a heavy hand of chocolate chips and couldn't stop eating the batter. These will definitely be on repeat!
★★★★★
Lauren says
Can I sub sweet potato for the pumpkin?
Alexis Joseph says
Unfortunately I have only tried this recipe with canned pumpkin! Roasted sweet potato has less moisture and is more sweet. You would likely need more liquid in the recipe but I can't say for sure. Let me know if you try it!
Rachel says
Healthy pumpkin bars!! Who would’ve thought!! Just in time for my socially distant Halloween party
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Heck yes!
Kathleen says
Made these last night with my toddler and the whole family loved them!! So easy to make and so fluffy !
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Wonderful, thank you!!
Katie Phillips says
These are the perfect fall treat! Even my kids love them!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Amazing, thank you Katie!!
marly thompson says
could you sub something for the coconut flour? i dont have any 🙁 flax?
Alexis Joseph says
I have only tried these successfully with coconut flour, which is very absorbent. Try 2-3 tbsp flour! (all purpose, GF flour, whole wheat flour, but not almond flour)