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A serving of delicious pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting.

Proven way to grow 5 Pumpkin Bars recipes

This guide provides a foundational recipe for pumpkin bars and suggests four variations to explore. Learn how to create delicious pumpkin bars and customize them with different flavors and toppings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Bar Base
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon cloves
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Variation 1: Spiced Pecan Topping
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
Variation 2: Chocolate Chip
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Variation 3: Maple Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon milk
Variation 4: Streusel Topping
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Pumpkin Bars
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl, then set aside.
  3. In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting or adding toppings.
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
  1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
  3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Variation 1: Spiced Pecan Topping
  1. Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the batter.
Variation 2: Chocolate Chip
  1. Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring it into the pan.
Variation 3: Maple Glaze
  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Variation 4: Streusel Topping
  1. Combine flour, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, and cinnamon in a bowl until crumbly.
  2. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the batter before baking.

Notes

For extra moist bars, avoid overmixing the batter. Adjust spices to your preference. These pumpkin bars are delicious served plain or with any of the suggested toppings/frostings. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if frosted with cream cheese.