No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars Vegan Gluten Free

3.97 36 Published Nov 09, 2017, Updated Jan 21, 2024 Of course pumpkin pie is a quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, but I honestly think this no bake version of pumpkin pie is even better than the baked version. The filling has such a great texture because it is chilled, thick and creamy. I enjoy it so much more than the fluffy custard-like filling that pumpkin pie can sometimes have. If you’re in the same boat, you will LOVE these no bake pumpkin pie bars! And the whole no bake thing means that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of an oven, which works out perfectly considering most folks have a big ol’ turkey and lots of sides hogging all the oven space on Thanksgiving Day. As I mentioned, the filling in these no-bake pumpkin pie bars is especially rich, thick and creamy, but the best part might be the granola crust. By using only three ingredients – coconut oil, dates and granola – you can have yourself the perfect crunchy crust that holds together well. I’d personally choose a granola crust over a graham cracker or shortbread crust any day! Who’s with me?!

Ingredients in These No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars

How to Make No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars

Make crust: First, you’ll want to make your granola crust. Add your granola to a food processor and process until the granola is the size of graham cracker crumbs. Add coconut oil and dates to the food processor and process until mixture is well combined and sticking together. Next, pour the crust mixture into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper. Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into an even layer along the bottom of the dish. Place dish in the fridge to allow the crust to harden up. Make filling: While the crust is setting in the fridge, clean out your food processor and assemble it to use it again. Add your dates to the food processor and process until dates have turned into a sticky paste. A ball might form and this is okay. Just break the ball apart with your hands. Add remaining pumpkin filling ingredients to the processor (pumpkin, cashew butter, coconut oil, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, sea salt and cinnamon). Turn on your food processor and blend until the mixture is completely combined and smooth. There may be a few specks of the dates visible, but the mixture should be smooth. Set: Remove the pie crust from the fridge and pour the pumpkin pie filling into it. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the filling evenly. Now all you have to do is place the dish back into the fridge for at least 4-6 hours but overnight is best. This will give the mixture time to really thicken and set up.

Coconut Oil Used As a Binder

As you’ll notice, this recipe doesn’t require any butter for the crust or binders for the filling and that’s because we’re using coconut oil. Coconut oil hardens up when it’s chilled and helps to hold everything together. Of course the dates and cashew butter also help to thicken up the pumpkin pie filling, but the coconut oil is definitely the saving grace when it comes to keeping the crust together. I’m sure most of you are fully aware, but coconut oil is great for vegan baking/desserts. I use it all the time! For this recipe I’m teaming up with Nature’s Way and using their organic extra virgin coconut oil which is cold-pressed and not refined, deodorized or bleached.

How to Prep Pumpkin Pie Bars in Advance

If you’re like me and enjoy getting a few things knocked off your list before Thanksgiving Day, then this recipe is perfect for you as the pumpkin pie bars need a few hours to set up so you’re forced to make them in advance. This allows you to get it out of the way so come Thanksgiving Day you can serve your delicious dessert with minimal effort. To prep these bars in advance, simply make the bars as directed below and place the dish back in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is best. This will give the mixture time to thicken and set up. Once set, remove from the fridge, cut the bars and serve.

How to Serve

Ready to serve? Remove the dish from the fridge and cut into 12 even squares. The bars are fabulous on their own, but feel free to spruce them up with a dollop of store-bought or homemade coconut whipped cream.