If you're in the mood for a sweet treat that captures the essence of fall, then homemade pumpkin bars are exactly what you need to indulge in. Not only are these bars easy to make, but they also deliver a delightful fusion of flavors, with pumpkin's warm earthiness enhanced by a medley of autumnal spices. This recipe will walk you through creating soft, moist, and delicious pumpkin bars that will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make these scrumptious bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
Pumpkin Bars Preparation Steps
Follow these steps for your pumpkin bars:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices. Whisk them together to distribute evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, both sugars, eggs, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes on a wire rack, then lift out of the pan (if using parchment) or cut into bars directly in the pan.
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
Add a layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. Spread over the cooled pumpkin bars.
🍰 Note: While the frosting is optional, it adds a delightful contrast to the dense pumpkin bars.
Healthier Substitutes
For those looking to make a slightly healthier version of these bars, consider these substitutions:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for more fiber.
- Replace half of the vegetable oil with applesauce for fewer calories.
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute or cutting it by 25%.
To sum up, homemade pumpkin bars are a delightful fall dessert that’s easy to make with readily available ingredients. They combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice, making them perfect for any occasion or as an everyday treat. By following this straightforward recipe, you can enjoy moist, flavorful pumpkin bars that are sure to please your palate. Whether you choose to top them with cream cheese frosting or keep them plain, these bars are a testament to the joy of seasonal baking.
Can I make these bars without eggs?
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Yes, you can use an egg substitute like applesauce, mashed banana, or commercial egg replacers, but the texture might change slightly.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll last for about 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week if frosted.
Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
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Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
