As autumn rolls in, with its crisp air and the irresistible scent of fall spices, there's no better time to indulge in the culinary delights of the season. One such treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall is the pumpkin bar. With its rich, moist texture and a burst of pumpkin flavor, pumpkin bars are a delicious way to celebrate this vibrant season. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting to delve into the world of pumpkin treats, this post will guide you through five delicious pumpkin bar recipes to elevate your baking game this fall.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bars
Pumpkin and cream cheese come together in a match made in heaven with these delectable swirl bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree
- 1⁄2 cup of vegetable oil
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup of sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Make the cream cheese swirl: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until creamy.
- Assemble: Pour about 3⁄4 of the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer. Dollop the remaining pumpkin batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the layers gently.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
💡 Note: For best results, let the bars chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to set the cream cheese swirl nicely.
Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bars
These bars offer a delightful crunch from the pecans and a spicy kick from the mix of fall spices.
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of allspice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and pumpkin puree.
- Dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually incorporate into the wet mixture.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to pull away from the sides. Cool completely before cutting.
Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips
These bars combine the sweetness of white chocolate with the hearty flavor of pumpkin for a rich, dessert-like treat.
🥧 Note: Use real white chocolate chips for the best flavor as opposed to vanilla chips, which might not melt as well.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Bars
For those with dietary restrictions, these gluten-free bars ensure everyone can enjoy the pumpkin goodness without worry.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars
Perfect for vegan baking enthusiasts, these bars are both delicious and dairy-free, capturing the essence of pumpkin pie in a bar form.
To wrap up this exploration into the world of pumpkin bars, each recipe offers a unique take on this fall favorite, making it easy to indulge in pumpkin-flavored treats throughout the season. From the creamy swirl of pumpkin cream cheese bars to the crunchy, spiced pecan bars, and even the inclusivity of vegan and gluten-free options, there's a recipe for every taste and dietary preference. Baking these bars not only fills your home with the comforting aroma of fall but also brings a touch of warmth and cheer to any gathering. So, grab your mixing bowls, let's bake, and share the joy of autumn with every bite of these scrumptious pumpkin bars.
Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
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Yes, you can freeze pumpkin bars. Make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap individual bars or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How do I know when the pumpkin bars are done baking?
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Use the toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it has wet batter, continue baking, checking every few minutes.
Can I substitute pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?
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Absolutely. You’ll need to cook fresh pumpkin, puree it until smooth, and possibly reduce it to remove excess moisture. However, using canned pumpkin puree ensures consistent moisture content and flavor.
