Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise with these mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Bars! Imagine biting into a perfectly spiced, moist dessert that captures the essence of fall in every single bite. Whether you're a pumpkin spice fanatic or just looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars are about to become your new seasonal obsession. With a perfect blend of warming spices and incredible texture, these bars are so good, they'll have your friends and family begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and uniform in color.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a smooth, level surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take approximately 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality spices to ensure the most vibrant flavor. If your spices are more than 6 months old, consider replacing them.
- Don't overmix the batter! Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and light.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute some of the vegetable oil with applesauce.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- For a fancy presentation, try drizzling cream cheese frosting or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for a quick dessert anytime.
- For best results, use canned pumpkin puree rather than fresh pumpkin to ensure consistent moisture and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
