Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a batch of delicious, decadent gluten free pumpkin bars! This isn’t just another pumpkin dessert—it’s an unforgettable treat that combines the warm, spicy flavors of fall with rich, nutty brown butter and melty dark chocolate chips.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your gluten free journey, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to be a big hit!

Why You Will Love This Gluten Free Pumpkin Bar Recipe

• The browned butter adds a caramel-like richness that makes these bars stand out.
• These gluten free pumpkin bars are moist, dense, and chewy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• The dark chocolate chips create gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• You’ll find all the ingredients at your local grocery store.
• The pumpkin and chocolate combination is delicious!
• These bars take only 10 minutes of prep time.
• They are great all year long, especially during the fall months.
• Check out this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake for another autumn dessert recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for easy gluten free pumpkin bars. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

First, use unsalted butter. Brown the butter in a skillet. This adds a deep caramel flavor!

For the gluten free flour, I always use either King Arthur Flour or Bob’s Red Mill. Both are the elite gluten free baking flours.

Pumpkin pie spice adds the classic fall flavor. If needed, make homemade pumpkin pie spice using cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Both brown sugar and white sugar add sweetness.

A little baking powder helps these bars rise.

Add in a pinch of sea salt to balance out the sweet flavor.

Use pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. I always use Libby’s brand.

Only one egg is needed.

Add in a tablespoon of water to account for the loss in moisture from browning the butter.

Lastly, fold in dark chocolate chips!

Taste & Texture

These gluten free pumpkin bars are the epitome of a perfect fall dessert. The texture is moist, dense, and wonderfully chewy, similar to a brownie but with a cake-like softness. The interior is soft and tender, with pockets of gooey melted chocolate chips.

The brown butter adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the warmth of the pumpkin pie spice. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and rich flavors, with a hint of salt to balance it all out.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Brown the butter. Add the sticks of butter to a large skillet over low medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter has become a deep caramel color. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, add the gluten free flour, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir together.

Step 4

Then, add in the pumpkin, egg, and water. Stir together.

Step 5

Pour in the browned butter. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to get those brown bits at the bottom! They have the best flavor. Stir until a dough is formed.

Step 6

Fold in the dark chocolate chips. Stir together.

Step 7

Transfer the batter to the lined pan. Smooth into an even layer.

Step 8

Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9

Finally, remove the gluten free pumpkin bars from the oven. Cool fully before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips for Success

Measure Carefully: The most important rule in gluten free baking is to measure your flour correctly. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate result. If you don’t have one, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Do not scoop directly from the bag, as this will compact the flour and result in a dry, dense bar.

Master the Brown Butter: This is where the magic happens! Heat the butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. It will bubble, foam, and eventually turn a deep golden-brown with a fragrant, nutty aroma. The small brown bits at the bottom of the pan hold the most flavor, so be sure to scrape them into your batter.

Don’t Over bake: These bars are meant to be soft and fudgy. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool, ensuring they stay moist and chewy. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Here are some fun ways to switch up the flavors of your gluten free pumpkin bars!

White Chocolate and Cranberry: Swap out the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add a handful of dried cranberries for a festive, tangy twist.

Spiced Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of a simple cream cheese mixture (4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla) on top of the batter and use a knife to create swirls.

Espresso Powder: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.

How to Serve & Store

Serve these gluten free pumpkin bars on their own for a simple dessert, or take them to the next level with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. While they are delicious on the first day, the flavors deepen over time, so they are just as good on day two or three!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Equipment Needed

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: I use these mixing bowls every time I make these gluten free pumpkin bars.

Check out all of my kitchen favorites!

You May Also Enjoy

• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Vegan Pumpkin Bread
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie

If you make this gluten free pumpkin bars recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Dessert Recipes.