Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars

These bars are fall in every bite. Warm, soft, and swirled with all that cozy pumpkin spice goodness. I made them once, and now they’re my go-to treat when the leaves start falling.

They’re super moist, with a sweet cream cheese swirl on top. Kinda like pumpkin pie and cake had a baby. And yep—they’re really easy to make.

If you love simple bakes that taste amazing, you’ll be all over this. Trust me, these bars don’t last long in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars

• Fall Flavors in Every Bite: The earthy pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a comforting flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a few quick steps, these bars come together in no time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored for several days, making them perfect for meal prep or busy schedules.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve them at family gatherings, school events, or as an afternoon snack—these bars are a crowd-pleaser!
• Crisp and Chewy Texture: The base is soft and chewy, while the pumpkin spice swirl adds a creamy and rich layer that everyone will love.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need to get started. These are the basic kitchen tools you’ll need to make your Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars:

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and filling.
• Electric Mixer: You’ll need a hand or stand mixer to make the filling smooth and creamy.
• Spatula: To spread the batter evenly in the pan.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: For baking the bars to perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the right proportions of each ingredient.
• Parchment Paper (Optional): For easy removal of the bars after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pumpkin bars. All the exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

For the Base:

• Oats (1 cup): Provides a chewy texture and subtle nuttiness, which complements the warm spices in the filling.
• All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour (1 cup): This gluten-free flour creates a soft and tender base. You can also use regular flour if you’re not following a gluten-free diet.
• Baking Soda (1/4 tsp): Helps the base rise, ensuring it’s soft and chewy.
• Room Temperature Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and flavor to the base.
• Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup): The yogurt makes the base soft and moist while adding a slight tang.
• Coconut Sugar (1/4 cup): A less refined sugar option that brings a subtle sweetness to the base without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the bars and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): A classic fall spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.

For the Pumpkin Spice Swirl:

• Plain Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess to the swirl while keeping the filling light and tangy.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz): Rich and smooth, the cream cheese makes the filling decadently creamy.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tbsp): For a touch of sweetness without making the filling too heavy.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds depth of flavor and complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Pumpkin Puree (1/3 cup): The star of the show! This is what gives the bars their pumpkin flavor and creamy texture.
• Pumpkin Spice Powder (1/2 tsp): A spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that amplifies the fall flavor.
• Almond Butter (1 tbsp): Adds a nutty richness that pairs well with the pumpkin and spices.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars

If you’re in the mood for a twist on the original recipe, here are a few variations you can try:

1. Use Maple Syrup Instead of Coconut Sugar:

• Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and brings out the autumn flavors even more. Substitute it for coconut sugar to give the base a different flavor profile.

2. Make it Vegan:

• Swap the butter with vegan butter, and use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based yogurt alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

3. Add Chocolate Chips:

• Add some dark or white chocolate chips to the base for an extra touch of sweetness and richness. Chocolate pairs beautifully with pumpkin!

4. Make It More Nutty:

• Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds to the batter for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, Greek yogurt, and coconut sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Transfer to Baking Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper (optional for easy removal), then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure the base is level to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Swirl

1. Cream the Filling: In a medium bowl, use the mixer to beat together the plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice powder, and almond butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin spice filling on top of the oat base. Using a butter knife or toothpick, gently swirl the filling into the base, creating a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars have cooled, slice them into squares. These bars can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars

These Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars are perfect for any occasion, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of other dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With Coffee: These bars are the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.
• For Breakfast or Snack: Serve them as a breakfast treat or a satisfying afternoon snack to fuel your day.
• With Ice Cream: Top them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• At Fall Gatherings: Serve these at your next fall party, potluck, or holiday gathering—they’re sure to be a hit!

Storing Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars

• Room Temperature: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 bar)
Calories	~180 calories
Carbs	22g
Protein	3g
Fat	9g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	8g

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars are the perfect treat to enjoy during the fall season. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, they’re a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of autumn. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. So go ahead—try these bars today and experience the magic of pumpkin spice in every bite!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bars a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge or at room temperature.

Can I use regular flour?

Absolutely! If you’re not gluten-free, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour.

How do I know when these are done?

The bars are done when the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

These Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bars are your new fall go-to dessert. Enjoy!