FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Healthy Pumpkin Bars Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar

Maya in the kitchen. - 1

These healthy pumpkin bars started out as my shortcut when I didn’t have time to make a classic pumpkin pie . I wanted that same cozy flavor, but in a quick and easy format. After a few tests with different flours and sweeteners, I found the combo that worked and now these are the bars I make on repeat every fall. They’re soft, spiced, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that nobody ever guesses is sugar free. Here’s why I think you’ll love them, too:

  • Pumpkin spice + tangy frosting – The warm fall spices in these pumpkin bars pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting, giving each bite that sweet-meets-spice balance you’ll love.
  • Super moist, cakey texture – These bake up soft, tender, and moist. The consistency reminds me of pumpkin cake, but thinner and easier to slice and share.
  • Better-for-you ingredients – Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour and Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (both granulated and powdered ) give these healthy pumpkin bars an amazing taste and texture, but in a gluten-free, no-refined-sugar way.
  • Quick prep – I can whip up the batter in about 10 minutes, and unlike my almond flour pumpkin muffins , these bars are faster since I don’t have to portion individual cups. They’re perfect for last-minute get-togethers or a healthy weekday dessert .

Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just want something sweet with your bulletproof coffee , grab a pan and make this pumpkin bars recipe with me!

Maya's signature. - 2 A pan of moist, healthy pumpkin bars with frosting. - 3

“Fantastic recipe! I’ve made these several times, exactly as directed, and they are delicious. I use the butter option and I find that the frosting is perfectly creamy without the addition of the heavy cream. A sprinkling of chopped walnuts over the top makes a nice garnish. Thank you, Maya, for this one. It’s a winner!” –Katherine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – Some recipes use oats or oat flour, but I love the soft consistency from my almond flour. Just note that brands vary and some are grainier — this one I use is super fine. You can swap half for oat flour if you’re not watching carbs. I don’t recommend coconut flour, though; it’s way too dry for these ingredient ratios.
  • Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Sweetens like sugar, but without the spike. It also locks in moisture, which helps the bars stay soft. Other sweeteners can work ( check my conversion chart ), but avoid liquid ones like maple syrup because the bars won’t hold together.
  • Pumpkin Puree – Be sure to measure 1 cup, not a full can. If you need ideas for the rest of the can, check out my other pumpkin recipes .
  • Coconut Oil – This keeps the bars soft and moist. If you don’t love the coconut flavor, swap in refined coconut oil or even unsalted butter.
  • Cream Cheese – I added this to the bar layer for tang, softness, and richness. A dairy-free cream cheese alternative should work if needed.
  • Eggs – You can substitute flax eggs , but these healthy pumpkin bars turn out more fragile with them.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Store-bought works fine, but my homemade pumpkin pie spice is easy, too.
  • Vanilla Extract , Baking Powder , & Sea Salt
  • Cream Cheese Frosting – I make this with cream cheese , Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (which is key because it dissolves and doesn’t leave a gritty texture like most sweeteners do), vanilla extract , and heavy cream to thin it out as needed.
Labeled recipe ingredients: Almond flour, Besti Granulated, Besti Powdered, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, coconut oil, heavy cream, and salt. - 4

How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Melt the cream cheese and coconut oil. You can microwave in short bursts, or use a double boiler on the stove. Stir smooth.
  2. Beat the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, warm cream cheese mixture, eggs, and vanilla with a hand mixer , until smooth.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt.
  4. Combine the wet and dry. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and beat the batter at low speed, until just combined.
Wet ingredients combined in a bowl. - 5 Whisking the dry ingredients in a bowl. - 6 Pumpkin bar batter in a bowl, beating with a mixer. - 7
  1. Bake. Transfer batter to a baking pan ( this is the one I use ) lined with parchment paper, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the pumpkin bars in the oven, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Make the frosting. With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. If needed, thin out with a splash of cream.
  3. Frost the bars. Once the healthy pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting over them. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you like, and slice.
Baked pumpkin bars in a lined baking pan. - 8 Cream cheese frosting whipped up in a bowl. - 9 Finished healthy pumpkin bars recipe on a plate with a piece scooped using a fork. - 10 My Recipe Tips - 11

My Recipe Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients. I let the eggs, cream cheese, and coconut oil sit out, so they blend smoothly. If I forget the eggs, I pop them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes. You can fill a stainless steel bowl with boiling water, empty and dry, and then place upside down over the cream cheese and coconut oil on a plate, which helps them come to room temp quickly.
  • PSA: The pumpkin puree is 1 cup, not a full can! Level it off when measuring. If I have extra, I use it to make a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin muffins .
  • I bake these in a 9×9-inch square pan for the perfect thickness (mine’s warp-resistant and nonstick). If you use an 8×8, add a few minutes to the bake time. If you use a 9×13, these healthy pumpkin bars will be thinner, so start checking around 20-25 minutes. Either way, pull them when a toothpick comes out clean.
  • I like to line the pan with parchment with a little overhang off the sides. This makes it easy to lift the slab out to a board and make clean cuts.
  • Not into cream cheese frosting? Skip it, or swipe on my sugar-free buttercream instead.
  • Want some crunch? Sprinkle the cooled pumpkin bars with toasted pecans or walnuts, or a handful of sugar-free mini chocolate chips. You can also fold them into the batter as mix-ins.
  • Cool before frosting. I know it’s tempting, but wait until the bars are fully cool, or the frosting will melt and slide.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree ▢
  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil (at room temperature; or substitute butter) ▢
  • 2 oz Cream cheese ▢
  • 2 large Eggs ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour ▢
  • 2/3 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 2 tsp Baking powder ▢
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz Cream cheese (softened, cubed) ▢
  • 1/3 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, for easier frosting) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a 9×9 in (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Using a bowl in the microwave or a double boiler on the stove, melt together the cream cheese and coconut oil, until you can stir them together easily.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil/cream cheese mixture, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer at medium speed, until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, stir together the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  5. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat with the hand mixer at low speed, until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes , until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. (You can thin it out with a little milk or cream if you’d like.) Let the bars cool completely before frosting and cutting.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 bar, or 1/16 of entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in these healthy pumpkin bars, plus a few variations.
  • Storage: I keep these healthy pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re also fine on the counter for up to 2-3 days if you don’t frost them.
  • Freeze: Chill, wrap snugly (I recommend plastic wrap followed by foil.), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. I unwrap them for thawing, so the frosting doesn’t stick to the wrapping.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

Healthy pumpkin bars recipe pin. - 12

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • The Basic Keto Meal Formula
  • Understanding Macros
  • Keto Food Swaps
  • Keto Food List
  • Electrolyte Basics
  • Keto Diet Types
  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 13

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Pick A ProteinPick A VeggieAdd Fat
Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder VenisonCauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama CeleryButter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Instead Of This…Eat This
PancakesAlmond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes
OatmealKeto oatmeal with hemp seeds
Cinnamon rollsFathead cinnamon rolls
CerealKeto nut granola
MuffinsAlmond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins
DonutsAlmond flour donuts
SconesAlmond flour scones
High-sugar smoothiesSmoothie with berries or avocado
Hash brownsCauliflower hash browns
Breakfast casseroleBreakfast casserole with no potatoes
Egg whitesWhole eggs
Turkey baconBacon
WafflesChaffles
Keto food swaps - breakfast - 14

Keto Swaps For Bread

Instead Of This…Eat This
BagelsFathead bagels
English muffinAlmond flour English muffin
White breadKeto white bread
Multigrain breadCoconut flour bread with seeds
Tortillas for wrapsCoconut flour tortillas
Corn taco shellsCheddar cheese taco shells
Burger bunsOopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps
BreadsticksCauliflower breadsticks
BiscuitsAlmond flour biscuits
CornbreadAlmond flour cornbread
CroutonsParmesan crisps
RiceCauliflower rice , konjac rice
Keto food swaps - bread and grains - 15

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Instead Of This…Eat This
Breaded wingsCrispy air fryer wings (unbreaded)
Low-fat meat & poultryHigh-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat
Mashed potatoesMashed cauliflower
Roasted potatoesRoasted or fried radishes
TacosTaco salad
PizzaFathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza
LasagnaEggplant lasagna
Potato saladCauliflower “potato” salad
French friesJicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries
Tater totsCauliflower tots
WrapsLettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas
SushiNaruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi
Breaded chicken or fishBreaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds
SpaghettiZoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles
Keto food swaps - meals and sides - 16

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Instead Of This…Eat This
NachosCheese crisps
High-sugar fruitBerries & other keto fruits
CrackersAlmond flour crackers
HummusCauliflower hummus
Soft pretzelsFathead pretzels
PopcornPuffed cheese
Granola barsGrain-free granola bars
JamSugar-free berry chia jam
Sweet fruity yogurtFull-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries
Sweet salad dressingRanch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette
KetchupMustard and/or sugar-free ketchup
BBQ sauceSugar-free BBQ sauce
Sweetened peanut butterNatural, sugar-free nut butters
Light mayoAvocado oil mayo
Maple syrupSugar-free, maple flavored syrup
Potato chipsZucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds
Keto food swaps - snacks and sauces - 17

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Instead Of This…Eat This
SugarMonk fruit or allulose
Powdered sugarPowdered monk fruit or allulose
White flourAlmond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes)
Making baked goods soft/chewyXanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder
BreadcrumbsPork rinds or almond flour
MargarineButter, coconut oil, or ghee
Vegetable oilOlive or avocado oil
BananasBanana extract
Chocolate chipsSugar-free chocolate chips
Cornstarch or flour rouxXanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end)
Simple syrupDissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat
Keto food swaps - baking and cooking - 18

Keto Swaps For Drinks

Instead Of This…Eat This
LemonadeWater with lemon
SodaFlavored sparkling water
MilkAlmond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream
LatteButter coffee
Coffee creamerHeavy cream
Sweet wineDry wine
BeerUltra light beer
Mixed drinksHard liquor with soda + lemon

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto food swaps - drinks - 19

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Keto foods to eat and avoid summary - 20

Foods To Eat On Keto

  • Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
  • Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
  • Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
  • Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
  • Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Avocados
  • Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
  • Almond flour and coconut flour
  • Eggs
  • Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

  • White flour & sugar
  • Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
  • Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
  • Cereal
  • Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
  • Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
  • Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
  • Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
  • Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 21

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

SodiumMagnesiumPotassium
Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts PicklesSeaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greensPotassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

  • Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
  • Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
  • Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
  • Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 22

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

Healthy pumpkin bars on plates. - 23

My healthy pumpkin bars are soft, moist, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. Nobody will guess they have no refined sugar!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/healthy-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

Healthy Pumpkin Bars - 24 Healthy Pumpkin Bars - 25 Healthy Pumpkin Bars - 26 Healthy Pumpkin Bars - 27

Ingredients

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil (at room temperature; or substitute butter)
  • 2 oz Cream cheese
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour
  • 2/3 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz Cream cheese (softened, cubed)
  • 1/3 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, for easier frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a 9x9 in (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Using a bowl in the microwave or a double boiler on the stove, melt together the cream cheese and coconut oil, until you can stir them together easily.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil/cream cheese mixture, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer at medium speed, until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, stir together the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  5. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat with the hand mixer at low speed, until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes , until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. (You can thin it out with a little milk or cream if you’d like.) Let the bars cool completely before frosting and cutting.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 bar, or 1/16 of entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in these healthy pumpkin bars, plus a few variations.
  • Storage: I keep these healthy pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re also fine on the counter for up to 2-3 days if you don’t frost them.
  • Freeze: Chill, wrap snugly (I recommend plastic wrap followed by foil.), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. I unwrap them for thawing, so the frosting doesn’t stick to the wrapping.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Healthy Pumpkin Bars Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar

Maya in the kitchen. - 28

These healthy pumpkin bars started out as my shortcut when I didn’t have time to make a classic pumpkin pie . I wanted that same cozy flavor, but in a quick and easy format. After a few tests with different flours and sweeteners, I found the combo that worked and now these are the bars I make on repeat every fall. They’re soft, spiced, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that nobody ever guesses is sugar free. Here’s why I think you’ll love them, too:

  • Pumpkin spice + tangy frosting – The warm fall spices in these pumpkin bars pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting, giving each bite that sweet-meets-spice balance you’ll love.
  • Super moist, cakey texture – These bake up soft, tender, and moist. The consistency reminds me of pumpkin cake, but thinner and easier to slice and share.
  • Better-for-you ingredients – Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour and Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (both granulated and powdered ) give these healthy pumpkin bars an amazing taste and texture, but in a gluten-free, no-refined-sugar way.
  • Quick prep – I can whip up the batter in about 10 minutes, and unlike my almond flour pumpkin muffins , these bars are faster since I don’t have to portion individual cups. They’re perfect for last-minute get-togethers or a healthy weekday dessert .

Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just want something sweet with your bulletproof coffee , grab a pan and make this pumpkin bars recipe with me!

Maya's signature. - 29 A pan of moist, healthy pumpkin bars with frosting. - 30

“Fantastic recipe! I’ve made these several times, exactly as directed, and they are delicious. I use the butter option and I find that the frosting is perfectly creamy without the addition of the heavy cream. A sprinkling of chopped walnuts over the top makes a nice garnish. Thank you, Maya, for this one. It’s a winner!” –Katherine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – Some recipes use oats or oat flour, but I love the soft consistency from my almond flour. Just note that brands vary and some are grainier — this one I use is super fine. You can swap half for oat flour if you’re not watching carbs. I don’t recommend coconut flour, though; it’s way too dry for these ingredient ratios.
  • Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Sweetens like sugar, but without the spike. It also locks in moisture, which helps the bars stay soft. Other sweeteners can work ( check my conversion chart ), but avoid liquid ones like maple syrup because the bars won’t hold together.
  • Pumpkin Puree – Be sure to measure 1 cup, not a full can. If you need ideas for the rest of the can, check out my other pumpkin recipes .
  • Coconut Oil – This keeps the bars soft and moist. If you don’t love the coconut flavor, swap in refined coconut oil or even unsalted butter.
  • Cream Cheese – I added this to the bar layer for tang, softness, and richness. A dairy-free cream cheese alternative should work if needed.
  • Eggs – You can substitute flax eggs , but these healthy pumpkin bars turn out more fragile with them.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Store-bought works fine, but my homemade pumpkin pie spice is easy, too.
  • Vanilla Extract , Baking Powder , & Sea Salt
  • Cream Cheese Frosting – I make this with cream cheese , Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (which is key because it dissolves and doesn’t leave a gritty texture like most sweeteners do), vanilla extract , and heavy cream to thin it out as needed.
Labeled recipe ingredients: Almond flour, Besti Granulated, Besti Powdered, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, coconut oil, heavy cream, and salt. - 31

How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Melt the cream cheese and coconut oil. You can microwave in short bursts, or use a double boiler on the stove. Stir smooth.
  2. Beat the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, warm cream cheese mixture, eggs, and vanilla with a hand mixer , until smooth.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt.
  4. Combine the wet and dry. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and beat the batter at low speed, until just combined.
Wet ingredients combined in a bowl. - 32 Whisking the dry ingredients in a bowl. - 33 Pumpkin bar batter in a bowl, beating with a mixer. - 34
  1. Bake. Transfer batter to a baking pan ( this is the one I use ) lined with parchment paper, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the pumpkin bars in the oven, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Make the frosting. With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. If needed, thin out with a splash of cream.
  3. Frost the bars. Once the healthy pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting over them. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you like, and slice.
Baked pumpkin bars in a lined baking pan. - 35 Cream cheese frosting whipped up in a bowl. - 36 Finished healthy pumpkin bars recipe on a plate with a piece scooped using a fork. - 37 My Recipe Tips - 38

My Recipe Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients. I let the eggs, cream cheese, and coconut oil sit out, so they blend smoothly. If I forget the eggs, I pop them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes. You can fill a stainless steel bowl with boiling water, empty and dry, and then place upside down over the cream cheese and coconut oil on a plate, which helps them come to room temp quickly.
  • PSA: The pumpkin puree is 1 cup, not a full can! Level it off when measuring. If I have extra, I use it to make a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin muffins .
  • I bake these in a 9×9-inch square pan for the perfect thickness (mine’s warp-resistant and nonstick). If you use an 8×8, add a few minutes to the bake time. If you use a 9×13, these healthy pumpkin bars will be thinner, so start checking around 20-25 minutes. Either way, pull them when a toothpick comes out clean.
  • I like to line the pan with parchment with a little overhang off the sides. This makes it easy to lift the slab out to a board and make clean cuts.
  • Not into cream cheese frosting? Skip it, or swipe on my sugar-free buttercream instead.
  • Want some crunch? Sprinkle the cooled pumpkin bars with toasted pecans or walnuts, or a handful of sugar-free mini chocolate chips. You can also fold them into the batter as mix-ins.
  • Cool before frosting. I know it’s tempting, but wait until the bars are fully cool, or the frosting will melt and slide.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree ▢
  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil (at room temperature; or substitute butter) ▢
  • 2 oz Cream cheese ▢
  • 2 large Eggs ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour ▢
  • 2/3 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 2 tsp Baking powder ▢
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz Cream cheese (softened, cubed) ▢
  • 1/3 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, for easier frosting) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a 9×9 in (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Using a bowl in the microwave or a double boiler on the stove, melt together the cream cheese and coconut oil, until you can stir them together easily.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil/cream cheese mixture, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer at medium speed, until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, stir together the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  5. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat with the hand mixer at low speed, until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes , until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. (You can thin it out with a little milk or cream if you’d like.) Let the bars cool completely before frosting and cutting.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 bar, or 1/16 of entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in these healthy pumpkin bars, plus a few variations.
  • Storage: I keep these healthy pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re also fine on the counter for up to 2-3 days if you don’t frost them.
  • Freeze: Chill, wrap snugly (I recommend plastic wrap followed by foil.), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. I unwrap them for thawing, so the frosting doesn’t stick to the wrapping.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

Healthy pumpkin bars recipe pin. - 39

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Healthy Pumpkin Bars Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar

Maya in the kitchen. - 40

These healthy pumpkin bars started out as my shortcut when I didn’t have time to make a classic pumpkin pie . I wanted that same cozy flavor, but in a quick and easy format. After a few tests with different flours and sweeteners, I found the combo that worked and now these are the bars I make on repeat every fall. They’re soft, spiced, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that nobody ever guesses is sugar free. Here’s why I think you’ll love them, too:

  • Pumpkin spice + tangy frosting – The warm fall spices in these pumpkin bars pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting, giving each bite that sweet-meets-spice balance you’ll love.
  • Super moist, cakey texture – These bake up soft, tender, and moist. The consistency reminds me of pumpkin cake, but thinner and easier to slice and share.
  • Better-for-you ingredients – Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour and Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (both granulated and powdered ) give these healthy pumpkin bars an amazing taste and texture, but in a gluten-free, no-refined-sugar way.
  • Quick prep – I can whip up the batter in about 10 minutes, and unlike my almond flour pumpkin muffins , these bars are faster since I don’t have to portion individual cups. They’re perfect for last-minute get-togethers or a healthy weekday dessert .

Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just want something sweet with your bulletproof coffee , grab a pan and make this pumpkin bars recipe with me!

Maya's signature. - 41 A pan of moist, healthy pumpkin bars with frosting. - 42

“Fantastic recipe! I’ve made these several times, exactly as directed, and they are delicious. I use the butter option and I find that the frosting is perfectly creamy without the addition of the heavy cream. A sprinkling of chopped walnuts over the top makes a nice garnish. Thank you, Maya, for this one. It’s a winner!” –Katherine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – Some recipes use oats or oat flour, but I love the soft consistency from my almond flour. Just note that brands vary and some are grainier — this one I use is super fine. You can swap half for oat flour if you’re not watching carbs. I don’t recommend coconut flour, though; it’s way too dry for these ingredient ratios.
  • Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Sweetens like sugar, but without the spike. It also locks in moisture, which helps the bars stay soft. Other sweeteners can work ( check my conversion chart ), but avoid liquid ones like maple syrup because the bars won’t hold together.
  • Pumpkin Puree – Be sure to measure 1 cup, not a full can. If you need ideas for the rest of the can, check out my other pumpkin recipes .
  • Coconut Oil – This keeps the bars soft and moist. If you don’t love the coconut flavor, swap in refined coconut oil or even unsalted butter.
  • Cream Cheese – I added this to the bar layer for tang, softness, and richness. A dairy-free cream cheese alternative should work if needed.
  • Eggs – You can substitute flax eggs , but these healthy pumpkin bars turn out more fragile with them.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Store-bought works fine, but my homemade pumpkin pie spice is easy, too.
  • Vanilla Extract , Baking Powder , & Sea Salt
  • Cream Cheese Frosting – I make this with cream cheese , Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (which is key because it dissolves and doesn’t leave a gritty texture like most sweeteners do), vanilla extract , and heavy cream to thin it out as needed.
Labeled recipe ingredients: Almond flour, Besti Granulated, Besti Powdered, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, coconut oil, heavy cream, and salt. - 43

How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Melt the cream cheese and coconut oil. You can microwave in short bursts, or use a double boiler on the stove. Stir smooth.
  2. Beat the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, warm cream cheese mixture, eggs, and vanilla with a hand mixer , until smooth.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt.
  4. Combine the wet and dry. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and beat the batter at low speed, until just combined.
Wet ingredients combined in a bowl. - 44 Whisking the dry ingredients in a bowl. - 45 Pumpkin bar batter in a bowl, beating with a mixer. - 46
  1. Bake. Transfer batter to a baking pan ( this is the one I use ) lined with parchment paper, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the pumpkin bars in the oven, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Make the frosting. With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. If needed, thin out with a splash of cream.
  3. Frost the bars. Once the healthy pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting over them. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you like, and slice.
Baked pumpkin bars in a lined baking pan. - 47 Cream cheese frosting whipped up in a bowl. - 48 Finished healthy pumpkin bars recipe on a plate with a piece scooped using a fork. - 49 My Recipe Tips - 50

My Recipe Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients. I let the eggs, cream cheese, and coconut oil sit out, so they blend smoothly. If I forget the eggs, I pop them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes. You can fill a stainless steel bowl with boiling water, empty and dry, and then place upside down over the cream cheese and coconut oil on a plate, which helps them come to room temp quickly.
  • PSA: The pumpkin puree is 1 cup, not a full can! Level it off when measuring. If I have extra, I use it to make a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin muffins .
  • I bake these in a 9×9-inch square pan for the perfect thickness (mine’s warp-resistant and nonstick). If you use an 8×8, add a few minutes to the bake time. If you use a 9×13, these healthy pumpkin bars will be thinner, so start checking around 20-25 minutes. Either way, pull them when a toothpick comes out clean.
  • I like to line the pan with parchment with a little overhang off the sides. This makes it easy to lift the slab out to a board and make clean cuts.
  • Not into cream cheese frosting? Skip it, or swipe on my sugar-free buttercream instead.
  • Want some crunch? Sprinkle the cooled pumpkin bars with toasted pecans or walnuts, or a handful of sugar-free mini chocolate chips. You can also fold them into the batter as mix-ins.
  • Cool before frosting. I know it’s tempting, but wait until the bars are fully cool, or the frosting will melt and slide.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree ▢
  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil (at room temperature; or substitute butter) ▢
  • 2 oz Cream cheese ▢
  • 2 large Eggs ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour ▢
  • 2/3 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 2 tsp Baking powder ▢
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz Cream cheese (softened, cubed) ▢
  • 1/3 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, for easier frosting) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a 9×9 in (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Using a bowl in the microwave or a double boiler on the stove, melt together the cream cheese and coconut oil, until you can stir them together easily.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil/cream cheese mixture, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer at medium speed, until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, stir together the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  5. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat with the hand mixer at low speed, until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes , until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. (You can thin it out with a little milk or cream if you’d like.) Let the bars cool completely before frosting and cutting.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 bar, or 1/16 of entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in these healthy pumpkin bars, plus a few variations.
  • Storage: I keep these healthy pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re also fine on the counter for up to 2-3 days if you don’t frost them.
  • Freeze: Chill, wrap snugly (I recommend plastic wrap followed by foil.), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. I unwrap them for thawing, so the frosting doesn’t stick to the wrapping.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

Healthy pumpkin bars recipe pin. - 51

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Healthy Pumpkin Bars Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

My Healthy Pumpkin Bars Are Super Moist With No Refined Sugar

Maya in the kitchen. - 52

These healthy pumpkin bars started out as my shortcut when I didn’t have time to make a classic pumpkin pie . I wanted that same cozy flavor, but in a quick and easy format. After a few tests with different flours and sweeteners, I found the combo that worked and now these are the bars I make on repeat every fall. They’re soft, spiced, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that nobody ever guesses is sugar free. Here’s why I think you’ll love them, too:

  • Pumpkin spice + tangy frosting – The warm fall spices in these pumpkin bars pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting, giving each bite that sweet-meets-spice balance you’ll love.
  • Super moist, cakey texture – These bake up soft, tender, and moist. The consistency reminds me of pumpkin cake, but thinner and easier to slice and share.
  • Better-for-you ingredients – Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour and Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (both granulated and powdered ) give these healthy pumpkin bars an amazing taste and texture, but in a gluten-free, no-refined-sugar way.
  • Quick prep – I can whip up the batter in about 10 minutes, and unlike my almond flour pumpkin muffins , these bars are faster since I don’t have to portion individual cups. They’re perfect for last-minute get-togethers or a healthy weekday dessert .

Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just want something sweet with your bulletproof coffee , grab a pan and make this pumpkin bars recipe with me!

Maya's signature. - 53 A pan of moist, healthy pumpkin bars with frosting. - 54

“Fantastic recipe! I’ve made these several times, exactly as directed, and they are delicious. I use the butter option and I find that the frosting is perfectly creamy without the addition of the heavy cream. A sprinkling of chopped walnuts over the top makes a nice garnish. Thank you, Maya, for this one. It’s a winner!” –Katherine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – Some recipes use oats or oat flour, but I love the soft consistency from my almond flour. Just note that brands vary and some are grainier — this one I use is super fine. You can swap half for oat flour if you’re not watching carbs. I don’t recommend coconut flour, though; it’s way too dry for these ingredient ratios.
  • Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Sweetens like sugar, but without the spike. It also locks in moisture, which helps the bars stay soft. Other sweeteners can work ( check my conversion chart ), but avoid liquid ones like maple syrup because the bars won’t hold together.
  • Pumpkin Puree – Be sure to measure 1 cup, not a full can. If you need ideas for the rest of the can, check out my other pumpkin recipes .
  • Coconut Oil – This keeps the bars soft and moist. If you don’t love the coconut flavor, swap in refined coconut oil or even unsalted butter.
  • Cream Cheese – I added this to the bar layer for tang, softness, and richness. A dairy-free cream cheese alternative should work if needed.
  • Eggs – You can substitute flax eggs , but these healthy pumpkin bars turn out more fragile with them.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Store-bought works fine, but my homemade pumpkin pie spice is easy, too.
  • Vanilla Extract , Baking Powder , & Sea Salt
  • Cream Cheese Frosting – I make this with cream cheese , Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (which is key because it dissolves and doesn’t leave a gritty texture like most sweeteners do), vanilla extract , and heavy cream to thin it out as needed.
Labeled recipe ingredients: Almond flour, Besti Granulated, Besti Powdered, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, coconut oil, heavy cream, and salt. - 55

How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Bars

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Melt the cream cheese and coconut oil. You can microwave in short bursts, or use a double boiler on the stove. Stir smooth.
  2. Beat the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, warm cream cheese mixture, eggs, and vanilla with a hand mixer , until smooth.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt.
  4. Combine the wet and dry. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and beat the batter at low speed, until just combined.
Wet ingredients combined in a bowl. - 56 Whisking the dry ingredients in a bowl. - 57 Pumpkin bar batter in a bowl, beating with a mixer. - 58
  1. Bake. Transfer batter to a baking pan ( this is the one I use ) lined with parchment paper, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the pumpkin bars in the oven, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Make the frosting. With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. If needed, thin out with a splash of cream.
  3. Frost the bars. Once the healthy pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting over them. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you like, and slice.
Baked pumpkin bars in a lined baking pan. - 59 Cream cheese frosting whipped up in a bowl. - 60 Finished healthy pumpkin bars recipe on a plate with a piece scooped using a fork. - 61 My Recipe Tips - 62

My Recipe Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients. I let the eggs, cream cheese, and coconut oil sit out, so they blend smoothly. If I forget the eggs, I pop them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes. You can fill a stainless steel bowl with boiling water, empty and dry, and then place upside down over the cream cheese and coconut oil on a plate, which helps them come to room temp quickly.
  • PSA: The pumpkin puree is 1 cup, not a full can! Level it off when measuring. If I have extra, I use it to make a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin muffins .
  • I bake these in a 9×9-inch square pan for the perfect thickness (mine’s warp-resistant and nonstick). If you use an 8×8, add a few minutes to the bake time. If you use a 9×13, these healthy pumpkin bars will be thinner, so start checking around 20-25 minutes. Either way, pull them when a toothpick comes out clean.
  • I like to line the pan with parchment with a little overhang off the sides. This makes it easy to lift the slab out to a board and make clean cuts.
  • Not into cream cheese frosting? Skip it, or swipe on my sugar-free buttercream instead.
  • Want some crunch? Sprinkle the cooled pumpkin bars with toasted pecans or walnuts, or a handful of sugar-free mini chocolate chips. You can also fold them into the batter as mix-ins.
  • Cool before frosting. I know it’s tempting, but wait until the bars are fully cool, or the frosting will melt and slide.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree ▢
  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil (at room temperature; or substitute butter) ▢
  • 2 oz Cream cheese ▢
  • 2 large Eggs ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour ▢
  • 2/3 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 2 tsp Baking powder ▢
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz Cream cheese (softened, cubed) ▢
  • 1/3 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, for easier frosting) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a 9×9 in (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Using a bowl in the microwave or a double boiler on the stove, melt together the cream cheese and coconut oil, until you can stir them together easily.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil/cream cheese mixture, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer at medium speed, until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, stir together the almond flour, Besti, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  5. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat with the hand mixer at low speed, until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes , until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. To make the frosting, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered Besti, and vanilla, until smooth. (You can thin it out with a little milk or cream if you’d like.) Let the bars cool completely before frosting and cutting.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 bar, or 1/16 of entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in these healthy pumpkin bars, plus a few variations.
  • Storage: I keep these healthy pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re also fine on the counter for up to 2-3 days if you don’t frost them.
  • Freeze: Chill, wrap snugly (I recommend plastic wrap followed by foil.), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. I unwrap them for thawing, so the frosting doesn’t stick to the wrapping.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

Healthy pumpkin bars recipe pin. - 63