Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that screams autumn? Look no further than these delectable Paula Deen-inspired pumpkin bars! This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin dessert, perfect for cozy nights in or impressive gatherings. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and delivers a rich, moist, and spiced pumpkin experience that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to dive into a world of delicious, homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars release easily and prevents sticking.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is key for a tender crust! Beat in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and oil until well blended. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the crust.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Frosting Time: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Frost & Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, frost them evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Bars:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture in both the crust and the frosting.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry bars. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the bars to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
- Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pumpkin filling for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the crust before adding the pumpkin filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with other frostings, such as a caramel or chocolate ganache.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient measurements. Expect a serving to be roughly 300-350 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein.
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. It's perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply a comforting dessert any time of year. Enjoy!