Pumpkin Bars
User Reviews
5
Pumpkin Bars
Description
Inspired by Paula Deen's recipe, these Pumpkin Bars use pumpkin puree and unsweetened applesauce to replace oil, producing a moist, tender texture with reduced fat. The batter contains eggs, cane and dark brown sugars for sweetness, and warm cinnamon for spice. A combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures lightness in the dense bar.
After mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, the batter is combined and poured into an ungreased 9x13 pan, then baked at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set. The bars cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.
These bars make a great seasonal dessert or snack, suitable for lunches or gatherings. They can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen wrapped tightly for up to three months. Various substitutions are possible, including gluten-free flour blends or coconut sugar, but the texture may vary.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg room temperature
- 2/3 cup cane sugar
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 1 cup applesauce unsweetened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Beat the eggs, sugar, pumpkin and applesauce in another large bowl.
- Gradually pour the dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 9x13 baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- To freeze, cool bars completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
- Whole wheat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture.
- Applesauce replaces vegetable oil in this recipe to reduce fat; canola, vegetable, or coconut oils may be used instead or partially swapped.
- Sugar may be substituted with coconut sugar if desired, but effects on texture and sweetness may occur.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 98 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 98kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 83mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 71mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 43IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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