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Pumpkin Bars
As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves paint the landscape in warm hues, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the comforting flavors of fall.
One delectable treat that captures the essence of the season is the ever-popular Pumpkin Bars.
These moist and flavorful bars are a delightful combination of pumpkin, spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them a must-have for any fall gathering.
Fall is a season of vibrant colors, cozy sweaters, and the irresistible aroma of spiced treats wafting through the air.
Among these seasonal delights, pumpkin bars stand out as a quintessential autumn dessert, perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving.
Their moist, tender texture combined with warm spices makes them a comforting treat that embodies the essence of fall.
Table of Contents
Why Pumpkin Bars Are Perfect for Fall and Thanksgiving
As the leaves change and the weather cools, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the flavors of pumpkin and spice.
Pumpkin bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving spread, serving as a delightful dessert that complements the traditional feast.
These bars are easy to make in large batches, ensuring there’s enough to share with family and friends.
Can I customize Pumpkin Bars?
One of the best things about pumpkin bars is how easily they can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
Here are some common customizations and answers to frequently asked questions:
Can I Add Nuts to Pumpkin Bars to Add a Crunch?
Absolutely! Adding nuts to your pumpkin bars is a fantastic way to introduce a satisfying crunch.
Pecans and walnuts are popular choices that pair well with the flavors of pumpkin and spice. Simply chop the nuts and fold them into the batter before baking.
Not only do they add texture, but they also provide a delightful contrast to the soft, moist crumb of the bars.
Can I Use Homemade Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade pumpkin puree in your pumpkin bars.
Homemade pumpkin puree often has a fresher, more vibrant flavor compared to canned versions.
To make your own, simply roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth.
Just ensure that your puree is not too watery; you may need to strain it through a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. This will help maintain the desired consistency of your pumpkin bars.
How Long Does This Recipe Keep After Being Prepared?
Pumpkin bars can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert.
For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply cover the bars with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
If you want to prepare them well in advance, pumpkin bars also freeze beautifully.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer, where they can be stored for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (15oz)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Baking Spray
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Substitutions for Flour
If you find yourself out of all-purpose flour, don’t worry!
There are alternatives that can work just as well. Consider using almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
Additionally, oats ground into a fine powder can serve as a suitable substitute.
Keep in mind that each alternative may slightly alter the texture and taste, so choose based on your dietary preferences and needs.
Proper Storage
To keep your pumpkin bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The cream cheese frosting can soften at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers.
Properly stored, these bars can last up to a week, allowing you to savor the flavors of fall for days to come.
Pumpkin bars are a quintessential autumn treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion.
With the perfect blend of pumpkin and spices, topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, these bars are a delightful indulgence for the season.
All in all, whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, the step-by-step process and suggested substitutions make this recipe accessible to all, ensuring everyone can enjoy the taste of fall in every bite.
How to make your cake extra fluffy and moist?
Opting for cake flour instead of all-purpose flour in your pumpkin bar recipe can yield a noticeable difference in texture and tenderness.
Cake flour is finely milled and has a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour.
This lower protein content results in a lighter, more delicate crumb, making your pumpkin bars exceptionally soft and fluffy.
The fine texture of cake flour also allows for better absorption of liquids, contributing to a moist and tender finished product.
If you prefer a more delicate and tender consistency in your pumpkin bars, making the switch to cake flour can enhance the overall quality of your baked goods.
Just keep in mind that cake flour tends to absorb less moisture, so you may need to adjust the liquid content of your recipe slightly for optimal results.
Additional Recipes
Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Pumpkin bars are a quintessential autumn treat, featuring rich pumpkin flavors, warm spices, and a velvety cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 15oz Libbys
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- â…” cup granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Baking Spray
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring your pumpkin bars won’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
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