Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are the perfect fall crowd-pleasing treat! With their soft and slightly cakey texture, these bars bring the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice to your dessert table. The thick layer of brown sugar frosting adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These bars are not only easy to make but also transport well, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
- Transport Friendly: These bars hold up well during transport, making them great for sharing.
- Crown Pleaser: The unique brown sugar frosting elevates the bars, impressing friends and family alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth process from prep to bake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results in flavor and texture.
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process for both batter and frosting, ensuring a fluffy consistency.
- Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for achieving the right thickness in your pumpkin bars.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
– 2/3 cup (133 grams) packed light brown sugar
– 1 large egg, (at cool room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (212 grams) pumpkin puree
– 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, (at cool room temperature)
– 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) powdered sugar, (sifted)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon milk, (plus more if needed)
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease the baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Bar Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together:
* Beat the stick of unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until smooth.
* Add in the large egg and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
* Stir in the pumpkin puree until blended.
In another bowl, combine:
* All-purpose flour,
* Ground cinnamon,
* Ground ginger,
* Ground nutmeg,
* Baking soda,
* Fine sea salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the surface. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Make Frosting
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. While they cool, prepare the brown sugar frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat together:
* Unsalted butter,
* Packed light brown sugar,
* Ground cinnamon,
* Fine sea salt.
Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing. Add vanilla extract and milk until you reach desired consistency.
Step 6: Frost the Bars
Once cooled, spread the frosting generously over your pumpkin bars. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve!
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pumpkin bar experience during fall gatherings or cozy nights at home.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Pair your pumpkin bars with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. The flavors of pumpkin and spices complement the rich coffee perfectly.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. This adds a light texture that balances the richness of the brown sugar frosting.
Chilled and Served with Ice Cream
- Serve your bars chilled alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm spices in the pumpkin bars.
Garnished with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. This enhances both texture and flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include your pumpkin bars on a dessert platter with other fall treats like cookies and brownies. This offers variety and is great for entertaining guests.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Achieving the perfect pumpkin bars requires some attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.
Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree enhances flavor compared to canned options, giving your bars a homemade taste.
Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour helps aerate it, resulting in lighter, fluffier bars. It can make a significant difference in texture.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so using an oven thermometer ensures that your pumpkin bars bake evenly without burning.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a thick, beautiful layer.
Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting enhances their flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:
- Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage that complements the spices in the bars perfectly. Serve it hot for a cozy touch.
- Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears add an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pumpkin.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A savory salad featuring roasted butternut squash brings balance to the meal, making it well-rounded.
- Chai Tea: The flavors of chai tea match nicely with pumpkin spice, creating a comforting beverage choice.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese provides a creamy contrast to the spiced sweetness of pumpkin bars.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pie bites offer another sweet option that pairs well without overwhelming the palate.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These cookies echo similar spices found in pumpkin desserts, creating a harmonious dessert spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature for better mixing. This helps achieve a smooth batter and a soft texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can alter the taste and texture of your bars.
- Skipping the cooling time: Letting the bars cool completely before frosting is crucial. If you frost them too early, the frosting may melt and slide off.
- Using cold frosting ingredients: Ensure that the butter for the frosting is at room temperature. Cold butter can cause lumps in your frosting, leading to uneven texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about making Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
You can use fresh pumpkin puree; just make sure it’s well-drained and cooked down properly for the right consistency.
How do I know when my pumpkin bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready!
Can I customize the frosting for my pumpkin bars?
Absolutely! You can add spices like nutmeg or allspice, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
What should I serve with Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting?
These delicious bars pair well with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping out spices based on your preferences. These delightful treats are perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave something sweet. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!
Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delectable Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting. Perfectly soft and slightly cakey, these bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite. The rich, brown sugar frosting adds a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices in the pumpkin base. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home, these treats are sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to make and transport-friendly, they bring comfort and joy to any dessert table. Try this simple recipe today and savor the taste of fall!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup (133 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at cool room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (212 grams) pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined. Stir in pumpkin puree.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool completely before preparing the frosting by beating butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Once cooled, frost the bars generously and cut them into squares or rectangles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg