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- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup milk - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To make tasty pumpkin bars, gather these simple ingredients. Start with pumpkin puree, which gives the bars their rich flavor. You can use canned or fresh pumpkin. Next, you need both granulated and brown sugar for sweetness. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note. You will also need vegetable oil to keep the bars moist. The eggs help bind everything together. Don't forget the vanilla extract for a nice aroma. For the dry mix, all-purpose flour is your go-to choice. Baking powder and baking soda work together to make your bars fluffy. Spices are key! Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and depth. Just a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness. Now, let’s not skip the star of the show—the frosting! For that, you will need unsalted butter, which is easy to melt and mix. Adding packed brown sugar gives the frosting a rich, sweet flavor. Whole or 2% milk helps make it creamy, while powdered sugar thickens it up. A splash of vanilla extract ties all these elements together. You can find the full recipe later in this article, but for now, gather these ingredients to start your delightful baking adventure! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. - In another bowl, whisk together: - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. - Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. - Be careful not to overmix; aim for a thick and smooth batter. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. - To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. - Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup packed brown sugar - Stir continuously until it comes to a boil. - Remove from heat and stir in: - 1/4 cup milk - Let this mixture cool slightly. - Whisk in: - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Continue whisking until smooth and creamy. - Once the bars are cool, spread the brown sugar frosting on top. - Cut into squares for serving and enjoy! - For more details, check the Full Recipe. - Choose the right pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling. It has no added sugar or spices. This keeps the flavor bold and fresh. - Avoid overmixing the batter: Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. Overmixing can make the bars tough. A thick, smooth batter is what you want. - Check oven temperature for accuracy: Use an oven thermometer. Ovens can be off by a few degrees. Baking at the right temperature ensures perfect bars. - Allow frosting ingredients to cool slightly: Heat can make the frosting too runny. Let the butter and brown sugar mix cool a bit before adding the other ingredients. - Whisk thoroughly for a smooth consistency: Take your time to whisk. This creates a creamy and fluffy frosting that spreads easily. - Dust with cinnamon for presentation: A light sprinkle of cinnamon adds flavor and looks beautiful. It makes your pumpkin bars more inviting. - Garnish with nuts or seeds: Top with chopped nuts or seeds for crunch. This adds texture and a nice touch to your bars. Try pumpkin seeds or pecans for a great flavor. For more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make pumpkin bars even better by adding fun extras. Here are some ideas: - Incorporate nuts or chocolate chips: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. For chocolate lovers, mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. - Add dried fruit for sweetness: Raisins or cranberries can bring a burst of flavor. These fruits also add a chewy texture that pairs well with the soft bars. Adding different flavors can change the whole vibe of your pumpkin bars. Consider these options: - Spice up with additional spices like cloves: Cloves have a warm flavor that complements pumpkin. Just a pinch can make a big impact! - Experiment with flavored extracts: Try using almond or maple extract. These can lend a unique twist to your bars and frosting. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Each change can help you find your perfect pumpkin bar recipe. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! You can store these pumpkin bars at room temperature or in the fridge. If you choose room temperature, keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three days this way. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week when refrigerated. Always make sure the container is sealed tight to keep moisture out. To freeze pumpkin bars, let them cool completely first. Cut them into squares, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick treat, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy that yummy taste! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Fresh pumpkin adds a vibrant flavor. It might be a bit more watery, so drain it if needed. Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about a week when chilled. You can use white sugar mixed with molasses as a substitute for brown sugar. Use one cup of white sugar and add one tablespoon of molasses. This mix mimics the flavor and moisture of brown sugar. Stored properly, pumpkin bars last about four to five days. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture. The bars will still be delicious! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Making pumpkin bars is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. With tips for baking and frosting, you’ll create tasty treats every time. Remember to try out variations like nuts or spices for extra flavor. Storage tips help keep them fresh. Enjoy sharing your delicious pumpkin bars with family and friends. This recipe will bring smiles and warmth all season long. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these irresistible pumpkin spice bars with brown sugar bliss! Packed with warm spices and topped with a creamy frosting, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, these bars will become a favorite in your home. Click to discover the simple steps to create this tasty dessert and bring the flavors of autumn into your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree (either canned or freshly made)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and completely combined.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined.

        Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just mixed; be careful not to overmix—aim for a thick and smooth batter.

          Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; it should come out clean when they're ready. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

              While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and carefully stir in the milk.

                Let the frosting mixture cool slightly before whisking in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.

                  Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

                    Cut into squares and serve to enjoy the delightful flavors!

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 12-15 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: To impress your guests, serve the pumpkin spice bars on a beautiful decorative platter. Dust the top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon and garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds or finely chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.