These pumpkin bars are moist and packed with warm spices that scream fall! Topped with a sweet brown sugar frosting, they are simply irresistible.
Every bite feels like a cozy hug! I like to enjoy them with a cup of coffee; it’s the perfect match. Trust me, you might want to stash a few for later! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe due to its creamy consistency. If you prefer, you can use homemade puree from roasted pumpkin as a great alternative!
Vegetable Oil: This oil keeps the bars moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a lighter option.
Granulated Sugar: It balances the spices well. You might use coconut sugar instead for a different flavor and a slightly lower glycemic impact.
Eggs: They provide moisture and structure. For egg-free bars, mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup for each egg) works nicely!
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger add a warm flavor. Feel free to adjust according to your taste or use pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice if you have it on hand!
How Do I Make Sure My Pumpkin Bars Turn Out Moist and Flavorful?
Getting rich flavor and moisture in your pumpkin bars is key. Start by properly measuring your ingredients—especially the flour. Too much flour can dry them out. Here’s how to ensure your bars come out great:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry, usually around 25-30 minutes.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Lastly, enjoy your delicious pumpkin bars with that creamy brown sugar frosting! It makes a great treat for fall gatherings or cozy nights in!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (optional, if needed for consistency)
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 25-30 minutes of baking time. After that, be sure to let the bars cool, which will take about 30 minutes. So, in total, you’ll spend around 1 hour to have delicious pumpkin bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your batter goes in. Lightly grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until you have a smooth and well-blended mixture. This is where your pumpkin bars will get their moisture and sweetness!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution of the baking powder and spices.
4. Combine It All:
Carefully add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, gently folding them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
5. Bake the Bars:
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Before Frosting:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes, so take a breather while you wait!
7. Make the Frosting:
While the bars are cooling, prepare the brown sugar frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until it becomes fluffy and light. This should take a couple of minutes.
8. Add Cream Cheese and Vanilla:
Add in the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s fully combined. If your frosting is too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Frost the Pumpkin Bars:
Once the bars are completely cooled, gently spread the frosting over the top using a spatula. Feel free to make it as smooth or swirled as you like!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If you want, sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting for an extra touch. Cut the bars into squares and enjoy your moist, spiced pumpkin treats topped with that delicious brown sugar frosting!
Happy baking! 🎃
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree made from roasted pumpkin. Just make sure to blend it until smooth to achieve a similar consistency to canned puree.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars?
Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
What If My Frosting Is Too Thick?
If your frosting turns out too thick, simply add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. Be careful not to make it too runny!
