Autumn is the season where the air turns crisp, leaves burst into vibrant colors, and the flavors of the season take center stage. One of those quintessential fall flavors is pumpkin, a versatile and nutrient-packed ingredient that stars in everything from pies to soups. Among the delightful creations that showcase this iconic flavor are pumpkin bars. Here, we dive into 10 Easy Pumpkin Bar Recipes for Fall, tailored to both baking beginners and seasoned chefs looking for delightful, seasonal treats.
Pumpkin Pecan Bars
These Pumpkin Pecan Bars are the perfect marriage of two beloved flavors. Their base is a buttery, gingersnap crust, offering a sweet and slightly spicy foundation. The pumpkin filling is creamy and richly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, topped off with a crunchy layer of pecans. Here’s how to make them:
- 1 1⁄2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
- 3⁄4 cup pecans, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- Whipped cream (optional for serving)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), mix the gingersnap crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9x13 inch baking pan. Layer pecans over the crust. Combine pumpkin, sugar, eggs, spices, and milk, then pour over the crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely, then cut into bars. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Vegan Pumpkin Bars
Vegan desserts don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture. These bars prove just that, with a dense, moist base that’s pumpkin-forward, topped with a decadent frosting:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
- 1⁄4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water
For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz. vegan cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar, oil, applesauce, and the flaxseed mixture. Combine wet and dry, then spread into a prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before frosting. Whip vegan cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla, and spread on cooled bars.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bars
Combining the rich flavors of cheesecake with pumpkin in a delightful way, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bars are both gorgeous to look at and delicious to eat:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1⁄2 cup melted butter
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9x13 inch baking pan. Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Split the batter; add pumpkin to half of the batter. Pour the plain cheesecake batter over the crust, then dollop the pumpkin batter on top. Swirl with a knife. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set. Cool, then chill before cutting.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars
For those avoiding gluten, these pumpkin bars provide all the joy of the season without the worry:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1⁄2 cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3⁄4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, maple syrup, coconut sugar, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to wet, mix until just combined. Spread into a greased 8x8 inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.
Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Simple yet sumptuous, these bars combine fall spices with a creamy, tangy frosting:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2⁄3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix sugar, pumpkin, oil, and eggs. Add dry ingredients and spices, then pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely. Whip cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over bars.
The beauty of these pumpkin bar recipes lies not just in their taste but also in their adaptability. They can be dressed up with fancy frostings or served simple and rustic. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or simply as a personal indulgence, these bars encapsulate the spirit of fall. Remember, when baking with pumpkin, ensure that your spices are fresh for the most vibrant flavor. If you're new to baking or looking for a quick recipe, most of these can be prepared with pantry staples and are straightforward in their execution.
As the season progresses, consider these pumpkin bars as a delightful way to incorporate the seasonal spirit into your daily life or celebrations. From their warm spices to the creamy textures, each recipe offers a unique taste of autumn, making them perfect for gatherings or personal treats. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful recipes as you embrace the joys of fall.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
+
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Roast and puree your pumpkin until smooth, then measure out what the recipe calls for. Keep in mind the flavor might be slightly less intense than canned, so adjust your spices accordingly.
Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
+
Most pumpkin bar recipes are freezer-friendly. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly, and freeze. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For bars with frosting, consider adding the frosting after thawing for best results.
How do I store leftover pumpkin bars?
+
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
