Pumpkin Bars
User Reviews
5
Pumpkin Bars
Description
The Pumpkin Bars recipe uses common baking ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree to create a spiced, moist bar texture. The baking powder and soda help give the bars a light rise. The pumpkin provides moisture and flavor, while the combination of brown and granulated sugar balances sweetness. Baking in a large pan ensures even cooking and yields bars that can be easily cut.
The frosting blends softened butter and cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, which results in a rich, smooth topping that pairs well with the earthy pumpkin bars. Adjusting the frosting with milk helps achieve a spreadable consistency. If desired, sprinkles can be added for decoration.
These bars are convenient for seasonal entertaining or snacks, and the easy pan method helps simplify baking. They are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and can be stored refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Using pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—is advised to maintain proper texture and flavor. An offset spatula can help evenly spread both batter and frosting layers for an attractive finish.
Ingredients
For the bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 15 ounce can pumpkin do not use pumpkin pie filling, puree
- cooking spray
For the frosting
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles optional, for decoration
Instructions
For the bars
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 10”x15” pan with parchment paper, then coat the pan with cooking spray.
- Place the flour, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil and pumpkin puree to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting
- Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer and mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time and mix on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix for 30 seconds.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the pumpkin bars. Top with sprinkles. Cut into squares and serve, or store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure the correct texture and flavor in the bars.
- Spread the batter and frosting evenly with an offset spatula for uniform thickness.
- Decorate the frosted bars with seasonal sprinkles or candy pumpkins for a festive touch.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 257 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 257kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 147mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 110mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin A | 3040IU | 61% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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