Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Bars Recipe
When autumn rolls around, I can’t help but crave these delicious pumpkin bars. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, making them the ultimate seasonal treat.
I love how easy they’re to make, requiring just a few simple steps. Plus, the warm aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is absolutely irresistible.
Each bite offers a delightful blend of pumpkin and spice, topped with a creamy frosting that takes them over the top. Sharing these bars with friends and family brings everyone together, creating cozy memories.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Pumpkin Bars
Let’s explore the delicious world of pumpkin bars! If you’re like me, you start dreaming about these scrumptious treats as soon as the first leaves begin to fall. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and that creamy frosting creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and festive.
Plus, the best part? You don’t need to be a baking wizard to whip these up. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a pan of pumpkin bars that will make everyone around you swoon.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful recipe:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 3 eggs
- 15 ounces canned pumpkin
- 18 ounces Pillsbury Plus butter recipe cake mix
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 16 ounces vanilla frosting (canned)
- 3 ounces cream cheese
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations before you start mixing. First, when choosing your canned pumpkin, make sure you grab 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, unless you want your bars to taste like a spice explosion gone wrong.
Also, don’t be shy about using the frosting; you can easily jazz it up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a little extra flair. And if you’re looking for a healthier twist, you could swap out the oil for applesauce.
Just remember, it’s all about finding that perfect balance that suits your taste buds. Happy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars
Making pumpkin bars is a delightful experience that’ll fill your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas—perfect for those chilly fall days. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step is essential because you want your bars to bake evenly, so don’t skip it.
While the oven is warming up, grab your trusty 15 x 10 pan and give it a good greasing and flouring. This will help your pumpkin bars slide right out after baking, which is always a bonus.
Now, let’s get mixing. In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup oil, 3 eggs, and a generous 15 ounces of canned pumpkin. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro at cracking eggs—just do your best, and if a shell slips in, consider it extra crunch.
Using a hand mixer, beat this mixture on high speed for about a minute until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. Then, it’s time to add in the magic ingredient: 18 ounces of Pillsbury Plus butter recipe cake mix and 3 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice. This is where the fun really begins.
Blend it all together, and then beat it again for about two minutes at high speed. Your batter should be smooth and creamy, making you wonder if it’s a cake batter or a decadent dessert in disguise.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Now, you just have to wait 25 to 35 minutes while it bakes. It’s the hardest part, really, because the smell wafting from the oven will be almost unbearable.
Use a toothpick to check for doneness; if it comes out clean from the center, you’re golden. After baking, let the bars cool completely.
In the meantime, you can whip up a simple frosting by mixing 16 ounces of canned vanilla frosting with 3 ounces of cream cheese using your hand mixer on low speed. Once everything is smooth and creamy, spread it generously over the cooled bars.
And there you have it—a tray of pumpkin bars that not only look fabulous but taste even better. Enjoy sharing these with friends or keep them all to yourself; I won’t judge.
Pumpkin Bars Substitutions & Variations
Although pumpkin bars are delicious as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to personalize this treat.
For a healthier option, I often swap out the oil for applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you want to add a twist, try mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
You can also use a spice mix like cinnamon or nutmeg instead of pumpkin pie spice. For a gluten-free version, I’ve had success with almond flour or a gluten-free cake mix.
Don’t forget to experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese or chocolate, to elevate your bars!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Bars
When I serve pumpkin bars, I love pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance their rich flavor. The coolness of the cream complements the warmth of the spices perfectly.
I also enjoy adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. Sometimes, I’ll serve them with a hot cup of spiced chai or apple cider, creating a cozy atmosphere.
If I’m feeling adventurous, a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the dessert even more. These combinations make every bite of pumpkin bar a memorable experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and mixing them thoroughly.
Don’t skip greasing and flouring your pan; it’ll make removal a breeze. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
For a fun twist, try using different frostings, like cream cheese or maple. Always check your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overcooking.
Finally, let them cool completely before frosting to prevent a melty mess. Enjoy sharing your delicious pumpkin bars with friends and family!