These pumpkin bars are soft, sweet, and packed with cozy fall flavors. Topped with creamy brown sugar frosting, they are a treat that just feels like a warm hug!
I love making these when friends come over. They’re always a hit, and I sneak a piece (or two) before serving! Who can resist that frosting? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for easy prep, as it gives the bars a moist texture. If you prefer homemade, roast and puree sugar pumpkins. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it has added spices and sugar.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth of flavor. You can substitute coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but the texture might differ slightly.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bars moist. You can swap it with melted coconut oil or melted butter for a richer flavor, but it may change the texture a bit.
Spices: Cinnamon is key, but feel free to adjust the nutmeg, ginger, and cloves based on your spice preference. If you’re in a pinch, pumpkin spice blend can work too!
Butter for Frosting: If you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan butter or a standard oil-based frosting instead to achieve similar creaminess.
How Do I Ensure My Pumpkin Bars Are Moist and Flavorful?
Getting the perfect pumpkin bars requires attention to detail in mixing and baking. Make sure to combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Mix the wet ingredients until just combined before adding the dry ones.
- For baking, check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let them cool in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.
Following these tips will help you achieve deliciously moist pumpkin bars that are sure to impress your family and friends!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the batter and the frosting. Then, the bars take about 25-30 minutes to bake. Don’t forget about the cooling time after baking! Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting, as this helps keep the frosting from melting off. In total, expect to spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including baking and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk them together until everything is fully blended and looks smooth.
3. Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporatethe eggs evenly into your batter.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Sifting helps to combine them evenly and eliminates lumps.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth but don’t want to develop the gluten too much.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then, place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Bars:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This could take around 30-45 minutes.
8. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting:
While waiting for the bars to cool, you can make the frosting! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, cooking for about 2 minutes. Then, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let this cool completely; it should thicken as it cools.
9. Frost the Bars:
Once your frosting has cooled, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until it’s smooth and fluffy. Adjust the sweetness and thickness by adding more sugar if needed.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the cozy comfort these pumpkin bars bring!
These pumpkin bars with brown sugar frosting are perfect for fall gatherings, or any time you want a treat that tastes like a warm hug!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just note that chilling may slightly change the texture of the frosting.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Bars with Frosting?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars either unfrosted or frosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
If you’re missing some spices, you can use a pumpkin spice blend as a substitute. For maximum flavor, aim to maintain the total amount of spices, adjusting according to taste preferences.
