Pumpkin Bars are the quintessential fall treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. These moist and spiced pumpkin bars, topped with a luscious old-fashioned caramel frosting, are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious pumpkin dessert. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, a Halloween party, or simply craving an easy pumpkin dessert, this recipe is for you. Trivia question: What is the main ingredient in pumpkin bars? Answer: The main ingredient is pureed pumpkin, which provides moisture and flavor.
| Yields | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 bars | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 40 minutes | 200 calories |
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions for Making Pumpkin Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the sugars are dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This will ensure that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher bars.
Step 6: If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 9: While the bars are cooling, prepare the old-fashioned caramel frosting.
Step 10: Once the pumpkin bars are cool, spread the caramel frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bar | 200 | 8g | 1g | 50mg | 150mg | 30g | 1g | 15g | 2g |
To see a video demonstration of how to make these amazing Pumpkin Bars, check out this link:
Tips, Shortcuts, and Variations
- Shortcuts: Use a store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time instead of making your own frosting.
- Swaps: For a healthier option, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Variations: Try adding chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or a cream cheese frosting for a rich topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these delicious bars.
- Pairings: These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a cup of warm spiced chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Cooling rack
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are pumpkin bars made of?
A: Pumpkin bars are made primarily with pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with frosting.
Q: Is pumpkin high in carbs?
A: Pumpkin is relatively low in carbs compared to other starchy vegetables. A cup of canned pumpkin contains about 12 grams of carbohydrates.
Q: Is canned pumpkin OK?
A: Yes, canned pumpkin is perfectly fine to use and is often more convenient than cooking fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to choose 100% pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices.
Q: What’s the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin filling?
A: Canned pumpkin contains just pureed pumpkin, while pumpkin filling includes added sugars and spices, making it sweeter and more suitable for pie recipes.
These Pumpkin Bars with old-fashioned caramel frosting are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Their moist texture and delightful pumpkin spice flavor make them the perfect addition to any fall gathering. Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious pumpkin dessert ideas!
