Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet. These bars are packed with wholesome pumpkin flavor and topped with a creamy frosting that adds a delightful sweetness. They are easy to make, suitable for gatherings, and a great way to use canned pumpkin. Enjoying these bars is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket!

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or cream

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and eggs, whisking until smooth.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
If you like, stir in the walnuts or pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Serve these pumpkin bars as a delightful dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack during the day. They go well with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. To make them even more inviting, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Use fresh spices for a more vibrant flavor.
Make sure to measure your flour correctly; too much can make the bars dense.
Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix until just combined for lighter bars.
Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruits for extra flavor.

Variation

You can easily change up this recipe by adding different nuts, such as pecans, or trying different spices like ginger or allspice. You can even swap the frosting for a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a less sweet option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before using it in the recipe.

Q: How can I tell when the pumpkin bars are done?
A: The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the frosting a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick mix before spreading it on the bars.