Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Name: Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream

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These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert, soft, moist, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with real pumpkin puree, they capture all the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite. Topped with a rich, creamy brown sugar frosting, these bars are irresistible for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or an afternoon treat with coffee.

They’re easier than pie, require no tricky crust, and can be baked in under an hour. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a festive dessert, this recipe delivers sweet, seasonal goodness your family and friends will love.

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What are Pumpkin Bars?

Have you ever wondered about the tale behind those irresistible, moist squares of pumpkin goodness? Pumpkin bars, a delightful spin on pumpkin pie, have become a fall staple in kitchens everywhere. But why bars? Legend has it (or maybe it’s just a really convincing rumor I started) that these treats were born out of a baker’s frustration with uneven pie crusts.

Tired of fighting flaky dough, they decided to embrace the simplicity (and let’s be honest, the deliciousness) of bars! You know what they say, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and these pumpkin bars are a guaranteed shortcut. So, are you ready to ditch the pie crust drama and dive into a batch of these crowd-pleasing bars? Get ready to bake up a storm!

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Brown Sugar Frosting:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or cream, to adjust consistency

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting:

These pumpkin bars are surprisingly easy to make, delivering a burst of fall flavor in every bite. The moist, spiced base perfectly complements the rich, creamy brown sugar frosting. The preparation time is around 20 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 30-35 minutes, so you can have these ready in under an hour!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Let’s make the Pumpkin Bars first:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the bars from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent texture and flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly pale.
Add Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree until everything is well incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin remaining.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Optional Nuts: If using, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.

Now, let’s move on to the Brown Sugar Frosting:

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is the base of your decadent frosting. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best results.
Add Sugars: Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar, beating until well combined. Start with a low speed to prevent a cloud of powdered sugar.
Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Adjust Consistency: Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.
Frost and Enjoy: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars are a slice of pure happiness, highlighting that perfect moist, spiced pumpkin flavor that screams fall. Homemade is always better, and these bars are a testament to that – ditch the store-bought versions and enjoy a richer, fresher taste without breaking the bank.

The brown sugar frosting takes them over the top, adding a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice. Thinking of pumpkin pie? These bars are easier to make and just as satisfying. What’s your favorite thing about pumpkin spice season? Try these bars at home and create your own fall tradition!

What to Serve Pumpkin Bars With:

These pumpkin bars are perfect on their own, but here are some delicious pairings:

Coffee or Tea: The spice notes in the bars pair beautifully with a warm beverage.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Spiced Cider: Enhance the fall flavors with a glass of warm or chilled spiced cider.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bars:

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Measure Accurately: Precise measurements are crucial in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices will provide a more flavorful and aromatic result. Check the expiration dates on your spice jars.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before making the frosting for a smoother consistency.
Substitute for Allergies; If you have nut allergies simply omit the nuts and it still be delicious!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing:

Room Temperature: You can store unfrosted pumpkin bars at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Refrigeration: Frosted pumpkin bars should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

Unfrosted Bars: Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Frosted Bars: Freezing frosted bars is possible, but the frosting texture may change slightly. Freeze individual bars on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Reheating:

Pumpkin bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. Reheating is not typically necessary, but if you prefer, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting recipe are a testament to the deliciousness of fall baking. From the spiced pumpkin bars to the creamy brown sugar frosting, every bite is a celebration of the season. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warm memories. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn. Happy baking!

Try the light and airy Chantilly Lili recipe, the fun and portable Cake in a Jar, or the savory Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs. For pudding lovers, our creamy Pudding with Egg and Cornstarch is a must-try. And if you can’t get enough whoopie pies, don’t miss our indulgent Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor and texture of the bars. Use plain pumpkin puree for the best results.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! A classic cream cheese frosting or a vanilla buttercream would also be delicious.

Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?

Yes, chocolate chips would be a delicious addition! Stir them into the batter before baking.

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting | Easy Fall Dessert Recipe