Who says you need to wait for autumn to enjoy pumpkin flavored treats? With our simple and delicious Pumpkin Bars, you can relish the unique, comforting taste of pumpkin all year round. This recipe will let you experience the perfect blend of aromatic spices, sweet pumpkin puree, and soft, moist texture that makes these bars a delightful dessert.
They're also easy to make and are perfect for any occasion, from casual family get-togethers to festive holiday parties. Served with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars are a crowd pleaser everyone will enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
This Pumpkin Bars recipe works incredibly well because it perfectly balances the sweetness and spice associated with pumpkin desserts. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove gives each bite a warm, fragifying taste that complements the naturally sweet pumpkin. The batter is simple to mix and comes together quickly, reducing the total preparation time. Plus, it requires ingredients that are often already found in your pantry, making it an accessible recipe for impromptu baking sessions.
Furthermore, the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bars. The end result is a moist, decadent dessert bar that hits all the right notes. What's more, these pumpkin bars can easily be stored and transported, making them a perfect option for potlucks or outdoor picnics. They are also highly customizable - feel free to add in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. This recipe is a sweet treat that offers versatility, simplicity, and deliciousness in every single bite.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Puree - This is the heart of your pumpkin bars. It adds moisture and gives a beautiful orange color and delightful pumpkin flavor to the bars. You can buy canned puree or make your own by roasting a small pumpkin and then blending it in a food processor. If you can't find pumpkin, sweet potato or butternut squash puree is a good substitute.
Flour -It provides structure to your pumpkin bars. Typically, all-purpose flour is used, but you can also substitute it with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or gluten-free flour if needed.
Eggs -They bind the ingredients together and add richness. If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use flaxseed or chia seed eggs as a substitute.
Sugar -It sweetens the bars and helps them brown. You can use white granulated sugar, brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version.
Vegetable Oil -It adds moistness to the bars and ensures they're tender. You can also use coconut oil or melted butter if you prefer. If you're looking for a lower fat option, unsweetened applesauce can be a suitable substitute.
Tips
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them mix together more easily and evenly.
- For the best flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree. Canned is fine, but the flavor of fresh pumpkin is unbeatable.
- Be careful not to overmix your batter. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- When the bars are done, they should spring back lightly when touched. If they don't, bake for a few more minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This ensures they hold their shape and don't crumble.
How to Serve
Pumpkin bars make a delightful dessert that is perfect for fall or anytime you crave a pumpkin-flavored treat. The warm spices complement the sweet pumpkin beautifully, making these bars a comforting treat that everyone will love.
- You can enjoy these pumpkin bars plain, or you can top them with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence. Just combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, spread it on top of the cooled bars, and you have a delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
- For a healthier option, try serving the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds some protein to your dessert and cuts down on the sugar.
- For a festive touch during the holidays, garnish the bars with candied pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The contrasting textures will make each bite interesting and festive.
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 cups flour
- 4 eggs
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for about 30minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 7. Let the bars cool in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, cut into squares.
- If desired, top with your choice of frosting or garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them mix together more easily and evenly.
- For the best flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree. Canned is fine, but the flavor of fresh pumpkin is unbeatable.
- Be careful not to overmix your batter. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- When the bars are done, they should spring back lightly when touched. If they don't, bake for a few more minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This ensures they hold their shape and don't crumble.
Too much sugar and coconut oil is not the best oil to use for health purposes!
Why wouldn't you add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to your pumpkin bars for more flavor?