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    Home / Desserts / Brownies & Bars
    5 from 7 reviews

    Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars with a Gluten-Free Shortbread Crust

    By Alanna Taylor-Tobin on Nov 3, 2022 (updated Feb 27, 2025) / 8 Comments Jump to Recipe

    Creamy pumpkin filling tops almond flour shortbread crust for an easy fall dessert that’s both vegan and gluten-free! Your guests will be amazed that the secret ingredient in these vegan pumpkin pie bars is extra-firm tofu, which gives the bars body and helps them set. Top them with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free and egg-free dessert everyone can enjoy!

    Thanks to @HodoFoods for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

    Super sexy close-up shot of a pumpkin bar with a bite taken out. The light is catching the gooey filling in a seductive way and we see the delicate crumble of gluten-free shortbread crust, plus a plume of whipped cream and cute pecan on top!
    The creamiest, dreamiest pumpkin pie bars that are undetectably gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

    Pumpkin dessert season always reminds me of my mom, who would unfailingly bake pumpkin pie each November, served up with cinnamon ice cream. To this day, she goes wild for pumpkin anything and everything.

    These pumpkin pie bars are like a cozy hug from mom. They're filled with good-for-you ingredients like winter squash puree (preferably homemade!), pumpkin pie spices, unrefined sweeteners, coconut milk, and the secret ingredient: Hodo Extra-Firm Organic Tofu!

    I used to give side-eye to desserts made with tofu, but Hodo tofu’s trademark nutty taste blends seamlessly into these bars. Take the words of my friend and taste tester Amelia and her partner, Chef Brandon, both of whom have the most sensitive of palates:

    The pumpkin squares were awesome!!! Brandon was impressed and so surprised to learn the main ingredient. *drooling emoji*

    Bake up a batch and taste for yourself!

    ingredients for vegan pumpkin pie bars arranged in a collection of bowls on a plaster surface
    INGREDIENTS: Extra-firm tofu, maple syrup, maple sugar/coconut sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, coconut milk, GF shortbread crust, cornstarch, salt, vegan whipped cream for finishing

    Ingredients and Substitution Suggestions

    The secret ingredient: Firm Tofu

    While most vegan pumpkin pie recipes call for silken tofu, here extra-firm tofu, pureed silky-smooth, works beautifully, giving the bars a luxurious texture that's firm enough to slice. I use award-winning Hodo Organic Extra-Firm Tofu, which is artisanally made in the San Francisco Bay Area with high quality organic & non-GMO soybeans.

    Hodo is the only tofu that I ever use, and I always have a few blocks in my fridge for whipping up recipes like grilled tofu and tofu salad. It's a versatile ingredient that's neutral enough to use in both savory and sweet preparations.

    a collection of pumpkin bars shown with the secret ingredient: extra-firm tofu!

    Other ingredients

    • My favorite almond flour shortbread crust forms the base of these bars. I use vegan butter and coconut sugar here.
    • Winter squash puree gives the filling its signature golden hue and luscious texture. I prefer homemade squash puree, which makes the bars taste extra bright and fresh.
      • I used butternut squash, but kabocha squash or red kuri squash would also work. Canned pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree will work too.
    • Coconut milk makes the filling custardy and rich. Be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk that's been well-combined prior to measuring.
    • Maple syrup and coconut sugar or maple sugar sweeten the bars. I used maple sugar in these photos for a brighter color, while coconut sugar will make the bars more brown and add lovely molasses flavor – the choice is yours!
    • Cornstarch helps the filling thicken and set.
    • My golden pumpkin spice add loads of flavor that makes these bars sing of traditional pumpkin pie goodness.
    gooey vegan pumpkin bars shown from the side to reveal layers of crust and filling

    Toppings

    These bars are divine on their own, but the toppings really make the bars shine.

    • A dollop of whipped coconut cream gives it classic pumpkin pie vibes.
    • Toasted pecans add crunch.
    • A sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly grated nutmeg (or a pinch of cinnamon) make the flavors pop.

    How to Make Them

    This recipe makes one 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan of pumpkin bars, which get cut into 12 servings.

    Make the crust dough by combining the ingredients in a blender or food processor and running until it begins to clump together.
    Dump the crumbs into an 8- or 9-inch square pan lined with parchment on all sides.
    Bake the crust at 350ºF until puffed and golden. Press down with the back of a spoon – this helps it hold together when cut.
    pumpkin filling ingredients layered in a blender
    Meanwhile, combine all the filling ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend on medium-high until silky smooth, 1-2 minutes.
    creamy pumpkin filling has been swirled in the pan over the crust
    Pour the mixture over the parbaked crust.
    pumpkin bars, post-baking and chilling in the pan
    Bake the bars until the edges are cracked, the bars are puffed, the center is matte, and the filling is set when you give the pan a wiggle, 40-50 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, 1-2 hours, then chill until firm, as least 2 hours and up to 2 or 3 days.
    GF pumpkin pie bars have been cut into 12 rectangles
    Lift the bar out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife wiped clean between cuts to trim the outer edges away, then slice the bars into 12 pieces.
    Pumpkin bars have been cut and topped with cream, nutmeg, and pecans
    Serve the bars with the toppings of your choice! They keep well for up to 3 days and there are lots of do-ahead options too (see the notes at the end of the recipe card below!)
    Thick pumpkin pie bars are arranged on a marble board and topped with dollops of cream and pecans

    Bojon appétit, my sweets! If you make this, I’d love to know. Please leave a comment and rating below, and tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.

    5 from 7 reviews

    Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars with a Gluten-Free Shortbread Crust

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Creamy pumpkin filling tops buttery shortbread crust for an effortless fall dessert that’s both vegan and gluten-free! Your guests will never guess that the secret ingredient is Hodo extra-firm tofu, which gives the bars body and helps them set. Bake up a batch to share or hoard them all to yourself.
    Alanna Taylor-Tobin
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
    Cooling time: 4 hours hours
    Total: 5 hours hours 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 bars

    Ingredients

    • 1 batch gluten-free shortbread crust made with vegan butter and coconut sugar
    • ½ block (5 ounces / 140 g) Hodo extra-firm tofu, in large crumbles (about 1 cup lightly packed)
    • 1 ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons homemade winter squash puree (or 1 can / 15 ounces / 427 g unsweetened pumpkin puree)
    • ½ cup (150 g) maple syrup
    • ½ cup (75 g) coconut sugar (or maple sugar for brighter color, shown here)
    • 1 cup (235 g) well-combined full-fat canned coconut milk
    • ¼ cup (33 g) cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon golden pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

    For serving:

    • whipped coconut cream
    • toasted pecans
    • freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon sprinkle
    • flaky salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • high-speed blender

    Instructions

    • Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Line the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch square baking pan (or a 9x9-inch pan for thinner bars) with a sheet of parchment paper (shove it in and fold the corners over themselves so that the bottom and all sides are covered).
    • Make the crust dough as directed, press it into the bottom of the pan in an even layer, using a flat bottomed glass to make it smooth. Bake the crust until golden and puffed, 20-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and while it’s still warm, press the crust down with the back of a large spoon (this step helps the crust hold together when cut, so don’t skip it!)
    • In the bowl of a high-speed blender, combine the tofu, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut sugar, coconut milk, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt.
    • Blend on medium until very smooth, 1-2 minutes.
    • Pour the filling mixture over the parbaked crust and spread it into an even layer.
    • Bake the bars until the edges are cracked, the bars are puffed, the center is matte, and the filling is set when you give the pan a wiggle, 40-50 minutes.
    • Cool the bars to room temperature, 1-2 hours, then chill until firm, as least 2 hours and up to 2 or 3 days.
    • Use the parchment handles to lift the bar out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife wiped clean between cuts to trim the outer edges away, then slice the bars into 12 pieces.
    • Serve the bars with the toppings of your choice.

    Notes

    Make-ahead:
    • The crust dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
    • The crust can be baked up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated until needed.
    • The filling can be pureed up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated until needed.
    • The bars can be baked up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated until needed. I actually like them best the day after baking as the flavors have had a chance to meld.
    Making this? I'd love to see!Tag your snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet!

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    the cover of the award-winning cookbook, Alternative Baker

    Hungry for more?

    Alternative Baker celebrates the unique tastes and textures of 14 gluten-free flours, from buckwheat flour to almond flour to sorghum and coconut! This cookbook will fill your kitchen with sweet treats that burst with flavor every month of the year.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 7 votes (4 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

      I love reading your comments, reviews, and questions! If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you post a comment. These help people discover my recipes online. Thank you for your support and for being part of The Bojon Gourmet community!

      xo, Alanna

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      Rate this recipe after you've made it:




    1. Trish says

      November 08, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Hi Alanna, I was so happy to see your newest post. Fall is my favorite season and this is a perfect dessert for it. I roasted a butternut squash and used the purée, changed the cornstarch to arrowroot (corn sensitivity) and used some cardamom along with your spice blend. It needed about 15 more minutes to bake than the recipe called for. The edges didn’t ever look as nice as yours but the flavor received multiple “thumbs up”. I call that a win! Since I have half a package of tofu left I’ll just have to make another one ;-) I love your recipes!

      Reply
      • Alanna Taylor-Tobin says

        November 08, 2022 at 4:49 pm

        That was fast! I'm so glad these were a hit and that they worked with arrowroot instead of cornstarch. Cardamom sounds absolutely dreamy here. Thanks so much for trying my recipe and for the sweet note! <3

        Reply
    2. Max says

      November 10, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      Do you have a suggestion for a tofu replacement? I can’t have soy…or anything high fat for that matter.

      Reply
      • Alanna Taylor-Tobin says

        November 14, 2022 at 8:08 am

        Hm, if you can have egg, I would try using 2 large eggs in place of the the tofu. Otherwise you can try omitting the tofu and increasing the cornstarch. The fat from the coconut milk also helps it set as it chills, so I'm not sure how it will work to replace that with a lower-fat option. Please let me know if you experiment!

        Reply
    3. Trish says

      September 29, 2024 at 10:14 am

      Just made this again and even though I forgot the sugar in the crust, it was still terrific! A big thumbs up from two family members, so it wasn’t a failure at all. And that was sampled without any type of whipped topping. Your recipes are truly the best, Alanna!

      Reply
      • Alanna Taylor-Tobin says

        October 02, 2024 at 10:30 pm

        Aw I'm so glad you liked these enough to bake them again and they were tasty despite the accidentally sugar-free crust hehe. I've made that mistake myself! I'm envious of your family members! ;)

        xoxo,
        A

        Reply
    4. Meika says

      November 09, 2024 at 10:18 am

      Hi! We just made this in tiny tartlets but have a lot of filling left over.. any suggestions on what to do with it other than making another crust? Can it just be baked like a crustless pie or a cheesecake?

      Reply
      • Alanna Taylor-Tobin says

        November 09, 2024 at 10:39 am

        Love the idea of making tiny tartlets with this vegan filling - yum! Yes I think you could bake the remaining filling in ramekins, heat-proof jars, or a pie pan for a baked pumpkin pudding. Maybe rub the vessel(s) with some coconut oil first to prevent sticking. Let me know how it works!

        Reply

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    I'm Alanna, a recovering pastry chef and award-winning cookbook author. I love sharing well-tested, from-scratch recipes for your favorite desserts and sweet treats made (undetectably) gluten-free with alternative flours. Because everyone deserves to eat good food. Bojon appétit! About →

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