Pumpkin fudge layer bars made in two layers; a pumpkin-cashew-coconut based fudge on a layer of dark chocolate. Perfect for a fun fall dessert!

Decadent Vegan Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars: Your Essential No-Bake Fall Treat

The beauty of autumn on the East Coast is truly something to behold. This past weekend, I found myself immersed in the vibrant splendor of the Shenandoah Valley, hiking the breathtaking White Oak Canyon Trail with a group of dear friends. As we ascended past three magnificent waterfalls, the air was crisp, and the canopy above us was a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows. Leaves, like colorful snowflakes, drifted gently around us, creating a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere.

Upon reaching the final, majestic falls, we settled down for a well-deserved lunch, surrounded by nature’s grandeur. Of course, no outdoor adventure with a food blogger is complete without an assortment of delicious snacks! “This is what happens when you take a food blogger hiking,” I quipped, passing around my favorite treats – not just for sharing, but also, admittedly, to lighten my overloaded pack for the descent (a trick of the trade!).

As I savored my dark chocolate at the summit, a thought struck me: how perfect these Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars would have been for this occasion. Imagine, a bite of creamy, spiced pumpkin fudge atop a rich dark chocolate base, all while taking in the stunning fall views. These bars are not only incredibly delicious but also crafted to be vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free, making them a treat everyone can enjoy without compromise. They embody the essence of autumn in every mouthful, tasting as magnificent as the fall foliage looks right now. Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible dessert!

Crafting the Perfect Dark Chocolate Base

Every exceptional layered bar begins with a solid foundation, and for these Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars, we start with a luxurious dark chocolate base. This layer provides a delightful snap and a robust cocoa flavor that perfectly complements the creamy pumpkin fudge. The best part? This base requires minimal effort and only one star ingredient:

• Hu Kitchen Gems

Yes, that’s truly all you need for this rich, flavorful chocolate layer! I am a huge advocate for Hu Kitchen Gems because they consistently deliver on quality and taste. They are certified vegan, paleo-friendly, and completely free of refined sugars, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthier dessert option. These chocolate gems melt beautifully, achieving a smooth, glossy consistency that is perfect for any no-bake or baked treat. Their pure, intense chocolate flavor shines through, elevating the entire dessert experience.

Melting the Chocolate with Ease

To begin, line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step will make it incredibly easy to lift the finished bars out of the pan once they’re set. Set the lined pan aside for now.

Next, gently melt your chocolate. Add the Hu Kitchen Gems to a medium saucepan and heat them over very low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and wonderfully smooth. The key here is low and slow heat to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quick shortcut and prefer to avoid an extra pan to wash, you can place the gems in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in short, ~30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until they are completely melted and glossy.

Once your chocolate is perfectly melted, carefully pour it into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread the chocolate into an even, uniform layer across the bottom of the pan. This ensures a consistent chocolate layer in every bar. Immediately transfer the pan to the freezer. This crucial step allows the chocolate to harden quickly, providing a firm base for the pumpkin fudge layer and speeding up the entire preparation process. While the chocolate sets, you can begin preparing the creamy pumpkin fudge layer!

The Star of the Show: Creamy Pumpkin Fudge Layer

Now for the soul-satisfying pumpkin fudge layer, which brings all the quintessential fall flavors to life. This rich, dairy-free fudge is incredibly simple to make and requires only a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a luscious, spiced treat:

• Creamy cashew butter
• Melted coconut butter
• Pure maple syrup
• Flavorful pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• Warm pumpkin pie spice blend

That’s all it takes to create this incredibly flavorful and smooth pumpkin fudge! Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect taste and texture. Cashew butter provides a wonderfully creamy, neutral base, allowing the pumpkin and spices to shine. Coconut butter adds a delightful richness and helps the fudge set firmly. Pure maple syrup sweetens the fudge naturally, without the need for refined sugars, while the pumpkin purée infuses it with that iconic autumnal flavor and beautiful orange hue. Finally, pumpkin pie spice ties all these elements together with its comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Mixing the Fudge to Perfection

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cashew butter, melted coconut butter, pure maple syrup, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well-combined and form a smooth, uniform mixture.

A crucial step for ensuring a silky-smooth fudge is properly melting your coconut butter. Unlike coconut oil, which is liquid at room temperature, coconut butter is a solid, fibrous paste. To get it perfectly smooth and pourable, I recommend softening the entire jar by soaking it in a large bowl of hot water in the sink for approximately 30 minutes. This gentle, indirect heat will melt it to the right consistency. If, after whisking, you still find any stubborn clumps in your fudge mixture – perhaps from the cashew butter or insufficiently melted coconut butter – don’t fret! Simply transfer the entire mixture to a high-speed blender or a food processor. Process it for a minute or two until everything is beautifully smooth and creamy. This extra step guarantees an incredibly luxurious texture.

By now, your dark chocolate base in the loaf pan should be firm to the touch after its time in the freezer. Carefully remove the pan from the freezer. Spoon the prepared pumpkin fudge mixture evenly over the hardened chocolate layer. Use a spatula to spread the pumpkin fudge into a smooth, even layer, ensuring it reaches all the edges of the pan and creates a distinct, beautiful contrast with the chocolate below.

Setting, Slicing, and Serving Your Fall Treat

With both layers in place, it’s time for the final setting process. Transfer the loaf pan back to the freezer, allowing the pumpkin fudge layer to firm up completely. This will typically take about 1 to 2 hours. The longer it freezes, the firmer the bars will be, making them easier to slice cleanly.

Once the bars are thoroughly set, remove the pan from the freezer. Use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. For the cleanest cuts, I recommend warming your knife under hot water and wiping it dry before each slice. This will help prevent the chocolate from cracking and the fudge from sticking. Slice the block into your desired bar size, typically 8-12 servings, depending on how generous you feel!

While these bars are wonderful straight from the freezer, for the absolute best consistency – a perfectly creamy fudge layer and a slightly softened chocolate base – I suggest letting them sit out of the freezer at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the textures to soften just enough for a truly sublime experience.

To add some extra flair and elevate their presentation, consider decorating your Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars. A delicate drizzle of additional melted dark chocolate across the top or a sprinkle of finely shaved dark chocolate can add an elegant touch. A dusting of cinnamon or a pinch of flaky sea salt could also enhance the flavor profile and visual appeal. These bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of autumn, perfect for sharing and creating wonderful memories.

Why These Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars Are Your Go-To Fall Dessert

These Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars are truly a delightful creation, perfect for any fall gathering, holiday celebration, or simply as a cozy treat on a crisp autumn evening. I particularly adore that they are entirely vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free. What’s more, this recipe contains no added oils, relying instead on the natural fats from the cashew butter and coconut butter for its rich, satisfying texture. This makes them a healthier indulgence without compromising on taste or decadence.

Flexibility in ingredients is another great feature of this recipe. If you don’t have cashew butter on hand, feel free to substitute it with any neutral-flavored nut or seed butter, such as almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even a smooth peanut butter if you enjoy that flavor combination with pumpkin. Each alternative will lend a slightly different taste and texture, allowing you to customize the bars to your preference.

These bars are an excellent choice for crafting a festive pumpkin-themed dessert. They are ideal for a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving spread, or any casual fall gathering. Their vibrant color and comforting flavors are sure to impress your guests. Furthermore, this recipe is perfect for utilizing that *tiny* bit of leftover pumpkin purée that often sits in the fridge after making a larger pumpkin dish. No more wasted ingredients!

Proper storage is key to enjoying these delectable treats for longer. Store any leftover Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer-term enjoyment, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the perfect texture.

Enjoy every bite of these wholesome and delicious bars!

If you embark on the delightful journey of making these Pumpkin Fudge Layer Bars, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious content. Please be sure to leave a comment, rating, and review below. Your insights and experiences truly inspire me.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your wonderful creations. I love seeing how you bring my recipes to life in your own kitchens.

For more fantastic recipes and culinary inspiration, check out my Pinterest page. You can easily pin more recipes like this one to save them for later.

Craving more delightful layered bars? Be sure to explore some of my other popular creations:

• My Cookie Layer Bars offer a different kind of sweet indulgence.
• The Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies are a rich and nutty dream.
• And for a fruity twist, try the refreshing Blueberry Mousse Brownies.

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With gratitude and warm wishes,

XO Lauren

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This post is proudly brought to you by Hu Kitchen. While the product was sponsored, all opinions, words, and culinary explorations are entirely my own. I’m grateful for the support of brands that align with my values and help keep me hungry for new creations!