These pumpkin bars are soft, spicy, and packed with pumpkin flavor. Topped with rich brown sugar frosting, they are the perfect fall treat that everyone will love!
Whenever I make these, my house fills with the warm smell of spices! I love to share them at gatherings, but I usually end up keeping a few for myself—oops! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for the best texture. If you prefer fresh, roast and blend pumpkin until smooth. Just make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but for a gluten-free option, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for texture.
Spices: Ground spices like cinnamon and ginger enhance the flavor. You can substitute with pumpkin pie spice if you have it on hand, which combines these spices into one blend.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a milder flavor. If you like a deeper caramel taste, go for dark brown sugar. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative for a less processed option.
Vegetable Oil: For a healthier twist, try using applesauce instead of oil in the bars. You may also use melted coconut oil for a lovely tropical flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Texture for Your Pumpkin Bars?
Getting the right texture in pumpkin bars is key! Start by mixing wet and dry ingredients separately. This prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense bars.
- Beat eggs and sugar until thick and light before adding wet ingredients. This adds air to your batter.
- When combining wet and dry mixes, fold gently until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Don’t skip cooling! Letting the bars cool completely before frosting helps the frosting set nicely without melting.
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool completely before frosting, which will take about 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can slice and enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of spices will give your bars that wonderful autumn flavor. Once combined, set this bowl aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is thick and lightened in color. Then, add in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are fine, and this will ensure your bars stay light and moist.
5. Bake the Pumpkin Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Prepare the Frosting:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. While the bars are cooling, you can make the brown sugar frosting. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
7. Finish the Frosting:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, mixing until you reach a spreadable consistency. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon if you’d like. This frosting is sweet and will complement your pumpkin bars perfectly!
8. Frost the Bars and Serve:
Once the pumpkin bars have completely cooled, spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful pumpkin bars at fall gatherings, coffee breaks, or anytime you crave a seasonal treat!
These moist pumpkin bars with delicious brown sugar frosting are sure to be a hit! 💛
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, simply roast it until tender, then blend it until smooth. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without additives or spices, similar to canned pumpkin puree.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
You can use melted coconut oil for a lovely flavor, or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist! Both will keep your bars moist.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to frost them after thawing for the best taste!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the bars a day in advance. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve to maintain their freshness and flavor.
