Pumpkin Bars: A Delicious Fall Dessert

Hey, Mom Tribe! Vivien here, ready to spill the beans (or should I say, pumpkin?) on a fall favorite that’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a dessert that’s easy, comforting, and doesn’t require you to sell your soul to the kitchen gods. That’s where these amazing Pumpkin Bars come in.

I remember the first time I made these Pumpkin Bars. It was a chilly October evening, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I was desperately trying to figure out what to bring to a school potluck. I stumbled upon a Pumpkin Bars recipe and thought, “Why not?”. Turns out, it was a total hit! They’re now a staple for my family, and I think you will love them too!

These Pumpkin Bars are a lifesaver! They are perfect for when you’re craving a taste of fall without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re also a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your kids’ diets. Hey, every little bit counts, right?

So, grab your apron, pour yourself a coffee (or a glass of wine, I won’t judge!), and let’s dive into this easy Pumpkin Bars recipe that will have your family begging for more. I promise, you’ve got this, fellow kitchen warriors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Okay, mamas, let’s talk ingredients. The best part about this Pumpkin Bars recipe is that it uses pantry staples. No need to run to a fancy grocery store – you can grab everything you need during your regular Target run. Trust me, this Pumpkin Bars ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• All-purpose flour: 3 cups. You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed. My family barely notices the difference.
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups. This gives the Pumpkin Bars the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Baking soda: 2 teaspoons. This is what gives our bars that lovely rise.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Because what’s fall without cinnamon?
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Eggs: 4 large. They bind everything together.
• Canned pumpkin puree: 1 (15-ounce) can. Make sure it’s puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
• Vegetable oil: 1 cup. Keeps the bars moist and delicious.
• Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened. This is for the Cream Cheese Frosting, and it’s a MUST.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. For the Cream Cheese Frosting.
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups. For the Cream Cheese Frosting, adds the perfect sweetness and consistency.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. For the Cream Cheese Frosting, enhances the flavor.

No worries if you don’t have nutmeg – I sometimes use a pinch of ground cloves in my Pumpkin Bars, and it works great! Also, this Pumpkin Bars recipe doesn’t have to break the bank. Keep an eye out for sales on canned pumpkin, especially around Thanksgiving.

Here’s a Pumpkin Bars trick that saved my sanity: I usually double the recipe and freeze half of the bars (without frosting) for future dessert emergencies. They thaw beautifully! My family loves when I add extra cinnamon. I say the more spice the better when creating this easy Fall Dessert.

Let’s Make It Happen!

Alright, let’s get baking! These Pumpkin Bars are so easy to make, even with a toddler hanging on your leg (been there, done that!). Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan. This prevents the Pumpkin Bars from sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil. This step ensures all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in tough bars. Your Pumpkin Bars batter should be smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Pumpkin Bars should smell amazing by now.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is super important – otherwise, your frosting will melt!
8. While the bars are cooling, make the Cream Cheese Frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
10. Once the bars are completely cool, frost them with the Cream Cheese Frosting. Feel free to get creative with your frosting design!
11. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Bars!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin Bars– don’t make my mistake! I always forgot to let the bars cool completely before frosting. This resulted in a melty, messy situation. Patience, my friends, patience! In my chaotic kitchen, this Pumpkin Bars usually takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. While your Pumpkin Bars is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

This Easy Pumpkin Dessert will surely become a family favorite!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve baked your Pumpkin Bars, and they look absolutely divine. Now what? Well, let me tell you how my family loves to devour these Fall Dessert treats.

The kids devour this Pumpkin Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm spice and cool creaminess. My hubby loves his with a cup of coffee in the evening. I personally love a dollop of whipped cream.

These Pumpkin Bars are perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy dessert. They’re also a fantastic addition to any potluck or holiday gathering. I love bringing them to Thanksgiving – they’re always a hit!

I also like to get fancy and drizzle some caramel sauce over the Pumpkin Bars before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look extra special. My family and friends love this Spice Bars recipe!

The best part? Leftover Pumpkin Bars are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can even freeze them for later! These freeze wonderfully, if you store them correctly!

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these Pumpkin French Toast Roll Ups too! I sometimes add chopped walnuts to the batter for extra crunch. It’s a great way to add some healthy fats and texture.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, mamas, let’s tackle some common questions about these Pumpkin Bars. I know you’re probably thinking, “Will my picky eater actually eat these?” or “What if I burn them?”. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

1. Can my picky eater handle this Pumpkin Bars? Honestly, it depends on your picky eater. But the pumpkin flavor is pretty mild, and the Cream Cheese Frosting usually wins them over. You can also try cutting the bars into smaller pieces or adding some chocolate chips to make them more appealing.
2. What if I burn my Pumpkin Bars? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! If the edges are slightly burnt but the center is still good, just trim off the burnt parts. No one will ever know!
3. Can I make this Pumpkin Bars ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Just bake them, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Frost them right before serving.
4. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? I don’t recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar, which will alter the taste and texture of the bars. Stick with pumpkin puree for the best results.
5. Can I make these Pumpkin Bars without the Cream Cheese Frosting? Sure! You can skip the frosting altogether, or you can try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. But honestly, the Cream Cheese Frosting is what makes these bars so special!
6. How do I store leftover Pumpkin Bars? Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to the Pumpkin Bars? Yes, absolutely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to these bars. You can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter.

Final Thoughts:

So, there you have it, my friends! A super easy and delicious Pumpkin Bars recipe that’s perfect for busy families. I hope this becomes a staple in your home.

These Pumpkin Bars are special to my family because they remind us of fall, cozy nights, and spending time together. My kids love helping me make them, and it’s a tradition that I cherish.

My Pumpkin Bars Mom Hacks:

• Double the recipe: Always double the recipe and freeze half for future dessert emergencies.
• Get the kids involved: Let the kids help measure ingredients or decorate the bars with frosting.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or different spices to customize the recipe to your family’s tastes.

Here are a few family-tested Pumpkin Bars variations:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. My daughter loves this version!
• Walnut Pumpkin Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter. My husband prefers this one.
• Spiced Pumpkin Bars: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or ginger to the batter for extra spice.

Remember, don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Cooking should be fun and stress-free. I’m sending you all my best vibes for cooking success. You’ve got this, kitchen warriors! You can use this Pumpkin Bars Recipe with ease and joy!

I hope you and your family love these Pumpkin Bars as much as we do! Happy baking! And if you are still in a pumpkin kind of mood you should try these Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.

 

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