These pumpkin bars are soft, moist, and packed with the warm flavors of fall. Topped with a creamy brown sugar frosting, they’re a sweet treat everyone will love!
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a piece straight from the pan. They’re perfect for autumn gatherings, or just to enjoy on a cozy night in. Who could say no to pumpkin goodness? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bars, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work well, but make sure to check the texture as it may vary.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens and helps moisture. For a healthier twist, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup (you may need to adjust the wet ingredients if you use syrup).
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can also roast your own pumpkin for a fresher taste. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
Brown Sugar: A key player in your frosting, it adds depth. If you run out, you can substitute granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Pumpkin Bars Are Moist and Tender?
To achieve that perfect texture, follow these tips. First, be careful with mixing—overmixing can make your bars tough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Second, don’t skip the cooling step for the bars; letting them cool in the pan helps keep them from drying out.
- Preheat your oven correctly to avoid uneven baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for better blending.
- Don’t open the oven door too often while baking; it can affect the rising and texture.
By paying attention to these key ingredients and techniques, you’ll have delicious pumpkin bars that are a hit at any fall gathering!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a spiced touch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the bars cool completely for perfect frosting application, so plan for an additional 30-60 minutes to cool before frosting. Altogether, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours to get these delicious bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help your bars come out perfectly without sticking!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg). This will help ensure that everything is evenly distributed for a great flavor throughout the bars.
3. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. It should look creamy and delicious!
4. Mixing Everything Together:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This helps keep the bars nice and tender!
5. Baking the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are ready!
6. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let your pumpkin bars cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about 30-60 minutes. Patience is key here!
7. Making the Brown Sugar Frosting:
While the bars cool, it’s time to make the frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
8. Finishing the Frosting:
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want, you can add a little ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
9. Frosting the Bars:
Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, use a spatula to spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the top. Don’t be shy with the frosting—it’s a sweet reward!
10. Slice and Serve:
Cut the frosted bars into squares and serve. Enjoy every delicious bite of these moist, flavorful pumpkin bars topped with that rich brown sugar frosting—perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home!
These bars not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with the warm scents of autumn spices—a treat for the taste buds and the nose!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree your own pumpkin for a fresher taste. Just make sure to measure out 1 cup of pureed pumpkin, similar to what you would get from a can.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars?
Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing!
Can I Make the Frosting Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the brown sugar frosting a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, give it a quick stir and let it come to room temperature for easy spreading.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a non-dairy whipped topping for a lighter frosting. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture!
