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Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin bars are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall to your kitchen. They are moist, sweet, and have warm spices that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a gathering, baking for a family event, or just want a sweet snack, pumpkin bars are sure to please everyone. They are easy to make and fill your home with a wonderful aroma as they bake.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the pumpkin puree and the dry mixture until everything is combined.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Add any toppings like caramel, pecans, or chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Bake in the oven until the edges are set and the center is just done. Let it cool fully before slicing.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They can also be dusted with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.
How to Store Pumpkin Bars
To store pumpkin bars, make sure they cool completely before putting them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Bars
- Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
- Measure your flour accurately for the right texture.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Don’t overbake. The bars should be moist in the center.
Variation
You can add a cream cheese frosting on top of the pumpkin bars for a richer flavor. Simply mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla extract and spread it over the cooled bars.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and mash it until it’s smooth before using it in the recipe.
How do I know when the pumpkin bars are done?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just bake it in a larger pan, and you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure to check if the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.
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Pumpkin Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist pumpkin bars packed with warm spices, perfect for any fall occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and spices in a bowl.
- Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in another bowl. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the pumpkin puree and the dry mixture until combined.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan and add any preferred toppings like caramel, pecans, or chocolate chips.
- Bake until the edges are set and the center is just done. Let it cool fully before slicing.
Notes
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch. Dust with powdered sugar for presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg