best pumpkin bars recipe

best pumpkin bars recipe

The Best best pumpkin bars recipe

I’ve been making these pumpkin bars for years, and they’re still a staple in our household. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites. They can’t get enough of the sweet and spicy flavors that come together in each bite.

I love that this recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other baked goods. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and nutrients, making it a great option for a snack or dessert.

Plus, the spices are all natural and provide an amazing aroma that fills our home with warmth. We make these bars for family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a special treat on a random Wednesday.

My kids have grown up eating these bars, and now they’re old enough to help me make them from scratch. It’s become a fun family tradition that I cherish every time we make them together.

This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy households like mine. I love that it’s adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, so everyone can enjoy it without worrying about substitutions or modifications.

Best Pumpkin Bars

Best Pumpkin Bars

4.6 from 1082 votes

These pumpkin bars are moist, spiced, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert any time of year.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 24 barsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until evenly combined.
4In a separate bowl, beat oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well blended.
5Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined, about 30 seconds.
6Do not overmix.
7Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
8Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull away from the pan.
9Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
10For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
11Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium and beat for 1 minute until fluffy.
12Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using a spatula.
13For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting into 24 squares.
14Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
13×9 inch baking pan
Whisk
Spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a nutty twist, fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.

Watch Video Of How Best Pumpkin Bars Works

These pumpkin bars are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a quick dessert fix.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is; you can serve them warm from the oven with vanilla ice cream or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars

Q: What type of pumpkin puree should I use?

A: You can use either fresh or canned pumpkin puree for this recipe. If using fresh, make sure to cook it until it’s soft and easily mashed before adding it to the recipe. Canned pumpkin puree is also a great option and works well if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience.

Q: Can I substitute other spices for the cinnamon?

A: While cinnamon is a key component of this recipe, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: Are these bars suitable for vegans?

A: Yes, these pumpkin bars can be adapted to be vegan-friendly by substituting the eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds and using plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

Q: Can I freeze these bars for later use?

A: Yes, you can freeze these bars after they’ve cooled completely. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I store leftover bars?

A: Leftover bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

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