Spiced Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars are a delicious treat that captures the cozy flavors of fall. With their rich pumpkin taste and warm spices, these bars can be enjoyed year-round. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple dessert at home. Easy to make and wonderful to share, pumpkin bars can quickly become a favorite for everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

Making pumpkin bars is a great way to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin in an easy, portable form. They are simple to bake and require basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Plus, they are versatile! You can enjoy them plain, or you can dress them up with a swirl of cream cheese frosting. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

Making pumpkin bars is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these easy steps for a delicious dessert that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat melted butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cooling completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Serve plain or top with cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and they are delightful on their own. For an extra treat, consider topping them with cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are also great with a cup of coffee or tea!

How to Store Pumpkin Bars

To store pumpkin bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week. For even longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Bars

1. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your bars tender.
2. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are done baking. It should come out clean.
3. Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For extra flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

Variation

You can easily modify pumpkin bars by adding different spices, such as nutmeg or cloves, or by using different types of sugar. For a fun twist, try incorporating white chocolate or caramel bits into the batter.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure to cook and mash the pumpkin well before using it.

2. What if I don’t have baking powder?
   You can substitute 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp vinegar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

3. Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
   Yes, pumpkin bars freeze well! Just make sure they are completely cooled and wrapped tightly before freezing.

Enjoy your baking and let these delightful pumpkin bars bring warmth and joy to your table!