Sheet Pan Pumpkin Bars

When fall arrives and the leaves begin to change, nothing beats the warm and cozy smell of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen. These 2-Point Sheet Pan Pumpkin Bars are the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight treat. They are light, moist, and filled with seasonal flavors while being incredibly friendly to your Weight Watchers plan. Each big bar comes in at just 2 SmartPoints, making them a guilt-free indulgence you can truly enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Not only are these pumpkin bars low in points, but they are also diabetic-friendly thanks to sugar substitutes and keto-friendly if you make a simple flour swap. That means this one recipe can fit multiple lifestyles while still tasting indulgent and bakery-worthy. The sheet pan method also makes it incredibly convenient—no layering, no fuss, just mix, bake, and slice into generous bars.

Ingredients That Keep This Recipe Light

Traditional pumpkin bars can be loaded with sugar, oil, and heavy cream-based frostings. My version skips the unnecessary calories without sacrificing taste. Here’s how:

  • Pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin adds moisture, fiber, and natural sweetness. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: This replaces oil and keeps the bars light and tender.
  • Sugar substitute: Erythritol, monk fruit, or Splenda keep it sweet without sugar spikes.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help keep the bars fluffy.
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a traditional WW version, or almond flour for a keto version.
  • Pumpkin spice blend: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings that classic fall flavor.

The Sheet Pan Advantage

Instead of baking in a loaf or cake pan, using a sheet pan makes this dessert perfect for sharing. A 10×15 pan creates 20 large bars, each with a light and fluffy texture and the perfect bite of pumpkin spice. Sheet pan recipes are also a time saver—you don’t need to frost each piece individually, and the bars slice beautifully for potlucks or family gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your 10×15 sheet pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract. This mixture will already smell like pumpkin pie filling and will set the base for the bars.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour (or almond flour), baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients before folding them in ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.

Step 4: Mix Together

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones. The batter should be smooth, thick, and slightly spiced.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the warm, cozy scent of fall spices.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. This step is crucial because cutting too early can cause them to crumble. Once cooled, slice into 20 generous bars.

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

Each bar is just 2 SmartPoints on Blue and Purple, and 3 SmartPoints on Green. Considering their size and flavor, this makes them one of the best desserts to bring to a potluck without feeling like you’ve gone off plan.

Nutrition Information (Per Bar – 20 Servings)

  • Calories: ~95
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbs: 14g (or 3g net carbs if made with almond flour for keto)
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g

This makes them light yet filling, with the right balance of sweetness and spice.

Making It Keto-Friendly

If you’re following a keto lifestyle, simply swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour. Since almond flour is gluten-free and lower in carbs, this swap reduces the net carbs significantly, keeping you in ketosis while still allowing you to enjoy pumpkin season.

Diabetic-Friendly Adjustments

Using sugar substitutes such as erythritol or monk fruit makes these bars diabetic-safe. They have a low glycemic impact and won’t spike blood sugar levels the way regular sugar would. Pairing them with a small serving of protein, like a handful of nuts, can help further stabilize blood sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delightful on their own, but you can also dress them up depending on the occasion:

  • Add a dollop of sugar-free whipped topping.
  • Drizzle with a thin layer of light cream cheese frosting.
  • Sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice before serving.
  • Pair with hot coffee or spiced tea for the ultimate fall treat.

Storing and Freezing

Store these bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, just thaw in the fridge overnight or warm gently in the microwave.

Potluck-Perfect

One of the main reasons I love this recipe is because it’s potluck-friendly. Unlike pies or cheesecakes that require slicing and serving carefully, these pumpkin bars are sturdy enough to travel and easy to portion. Guests can simply grab one (or two!) without making a mess.

Flavor Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Add sugar-free chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
  • Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch (just remember this adds points).
  • Coconut Pumpkin Bars: Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut on top before baking.

Why These Bars Are the Ultimate Fall Dessert

These bars hit that sweet spot—literally. They are sweet enough to feel like a dessert but light enough to fit into your daily SmartPoints budget. The pumpkin spice flavor embodies everything we love about fall, while the easy sheet pan method makes them convenient for any event.