These Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares are a true taste of autumn comfort, brimming with cozy spices, tender crumb, and naturally vibrant pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen—perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring with a cup of tea. With their irresistible aroma, subtly sweet taste, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these squares satisfy every fall dessert craving without compromising flavor or nostalgia. Trust me, you’re about to adore these gluten-free treats just as much as any classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple but spectacular. Each ingredient in these Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares has a specific job, from adding moisture and lift to creating that signature autumn spice. When combined, they deliver that unbeatable pumpkin bar flavor with every bite.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée: Be sure to use pure purée, not pumpkin pie filling, for the freshest pumpkin taste and rich, moist texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness that lets the spices and pumpkin shine.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deeper flavor and a hint of caramel to the bars.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create a lovely, tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the squares soft and supremely moist—no dry pumpkin squares here!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the warm, cozy flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum): Ensures that perfect texture—just like traditional pumpkin bars, but gluten-free.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the squares a gentle lift, making them light rather than dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to rise and brown these squares evenly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor—don’t skip it.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The superstar spice for that classic pumpkin aroma and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a little zing and warmth to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just enough to round out the spice blend with a cozy note.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Packs a delightful punch—cloves make the flavors pop!
How to Make Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan—either with nonstick spray or a bit of oil and a paper towel. This step ensures your Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares release easily and come out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is super smooth and glossy. Whisking really well breaks down the sugars and fully combines the oil, which means beautiful, even texture in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum!), baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing the dry ingredients separately is key to evenly dispersing those flavorful spices and leaveners, so every square is equally delicious.
Step 4: Combine and Create the Batter
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir just until everything comes together—don’t over-mix, please! You want a cohesive, creamy batter, but over-stirring can make your squares tough rather than tender. Once the last streaks of flour disappear, you’re ready for the pan.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are good, but wet batter means it needs more time). This baking window gives your gluten-free pumpkin squares just the right structure without overbaking.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let your Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares cool in the pan before slicing them into tidy squares. This step helps them firm up and makes slicing super easy—plus, the flavors develop even more as they rest. Now marvel at their gorgeous golden-orange hue!
How to Serve Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares
Garnishes
Dress up your pumpkin squares with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for classic autumn flair, or sprinkle on chopped pecans or chocolate chips before baking for extra crunch or decadence. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is always a pretty, simple touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert, or serve with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy afternoon treat. The comforting spices complement both warm drinks and chilly sweets beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd? Stack the squares on a rustic wooden board, or place each one in a festive cupcake liner for easy handling. For parties, cut them into smaller bites and top each piece with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon—guaranteed to turn heads at your dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares keep beautifully for up to three days at room temperature. Just pop them into an airtight container—their moist crumb stays tender and the flavors continue to meld. If you’ve frosted them, store in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Freezing
Want to save some pumpkin joy for later? These squares freeze like a dream! Arrange them in a single layer, separated by parchment, in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving for a quick, cozy treat whenever you crave it.
Reheating
If you love the taste of these pumpkin squares warm, just pop a slice into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The edges soften, the spices come alive, and the whole thing tastes like it just left the oven. Don’t reheat ones with frosting, though—add your topping after warming!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade pumpkin purée is thick, not watery—excess moisture can affect the texture. Drain off any extra liquid, and measure 1 cup, packed, for the best results. Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares will turn out just as fabulous.
What’s the best gluten-free flour blend for this recipe?
You’ll want a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure and chew. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s Measure for Measure work beautifully. If your blend doesn’t have xanthan gum, add 1/2 teaspoon for the right texture in these squares.
Can I make Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free if you skip the cream cheese frosting. Use plant-based toppings or leave them plain—they’ll be moist and flavorful on their own. Just double-check that your gluten-free flour and other add-ins are truly dairy-free, too.
What are some fun mix-ins for extra flavor?
Try mixing in a handful of mini chocolate chips, diced crystallized ginger, or chopped toasted nuts right into the batter. Any of these will add extra interest, crunch, or a sweet surprise, making your Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares unique every time.
Do these squares work for breakfast as well as dessert?
Definitely! Their not-too-sweet flavor and tender crumb make them a lovely treat with your morning coffee or tea. They store well and travel easily, so toss one in your lunchbox or breakfast basket for a wholesome start to your day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re catering to food sensitivities or just looking for a cozy new dessert, these Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares offer everything you love about fall baking—warm flavor, moist crumb, and easy-breezy preparation. Whip up a batch, share with friends, and let your kitchen fill with pumpkin spice joy!
Print
Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares are a perfect treat for the fall season. With warm spices and a moist texture, they are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Mixture:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the squares cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or chocolate chips on top before baking.
- You can also top with cream cheese frosting once cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
