Warm and Spiced Pumpkin Streusel Bars

Pumpkin pie isn’t for everyone, but pumpkin itself is a favorite for many. For those looking for an alternative to the traditional pie, these pumpkin streusel bars are a popular choice. They’re easy to make, full of seasonal flavor, and have earned a spot at the dessert table during fall gatherings and holiday meals. Some even request them as a birthday treat.

Fall brings a bounty of orange, red, and yellow vegetables—pumpkins, squash, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes, to name a few. These colorful vegetables are rich in antioxidants like alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, both of which help protect and support healthy cells.

One of the best-known antioxidants found in these foods is beta-carotene, the plant-based precursor to vitamin A. In the presence of fat, the body converts beta-carotene into usable vitamin A, which supports the immune system and helps defend against chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and even seasonal infections like colds and flu.

Beta-carotene also helps protect skin from sun damage, supports eye health, and contributes to a more youthful appearance. Pumpkins are also a good source of vitamin C, which works alongside vitamin A to strengthen immunity—making them a great food for the colder months.

In addition, pumpkin is rich in potassium, which helps balance sodium, supports healthy blood pressure, and protects against stroke and heart disease. Potassium is also essential for maintaining strong bones.

Thanks to their fiber content, pumpkins help promote fullness and stabilize blood sugar levels, which is helpful for weight management and diabetes. That same fiber also supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

These pumpkin streusel bars combine the health benefits of pumpkin with warm spices and a crumbly topping, making them a delicious and satisfying seasonal dessert.

Pumpkin Streusel Bars

Ingredients

Base:

• ½ stick (1/4 cup) organic butter

• ½ cup palm sugar

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 can (15 oz) organic pumpkin puree

• 1 cup gluten-free flour (brown rice, cassava, or almond flour work well)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon cloves

• 1/3 cup non-dairy milk (coconut, almond, or flax)

Streusel Topping:

• ½ stick (1/4 cup) grass-fed butter

• ¼ cup palm sugar

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ¼ cup old-fashioned oats or ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ¼ cup ground flaxseed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×12-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin, mixing until well combined.

3. Add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in the non-dairy milk to reach a creamy batter consistency.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

5. For the streusel topping, use a food processor or pastry blender to mix the butter, sugar, cinnamon, oats (or nuts), and ground flaxseed until crumbly.

6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let cool before slicing into squares.

These bars are flavorful, nutrient-packed, and just the right balance of sweet and wholesome. Perfect for fall entertaining or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.