Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are not just a seasonal favorite; they are a delightful treat for any occasion! These bars combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with a rich, sweet frosting that makes them irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these pumpkin bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that is perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them at parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet snack with coffee.
• Transportable: Cut them into bars, and they’re easy to take on the go for picnics or bake sales.
• Perfectly Frosted: The brown sugar frosting adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft pumpkin base.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for even baking and easy slicing of bars.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer speeds up the process of creaming butter and sugar together.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 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

For the Brown Sugar Frosting

• 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 ensures even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together:
1. The unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the pumpkin bars bake:
1. In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter and light brown sugar until creamy.
2. Mix in cinnamon and sea salt.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while alternating with milk until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on top. Cut into squares or rectangles before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Serving Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting is as delightful as making them. They can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance their delicious flavor and texture.

Individual Servings

• These bars can be cut into squares and served on their own, perfect for a quick treat or dessert at any gathering.

With Whipped Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped topping for a creamy contrast to the soft pumpkin bars. This works great for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars on a large platter with other fall treats like cookies or brownies. This makes for an attractive presentation at parties or potlucks.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages complement the spices in the bars beautifully.

Chilled Version

• For a refreshing twist, chill the pumpkin bars before serving. This enhances their flavor and provides a cool treat on warm days.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

To make your Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting even better, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree has a richer flavor than canned varieties, enhancing the overall taste of your bars.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and maintains its texture.

• Add Nuts for Crunch: Consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference; adding cloves or allspice can give your bars an exciting twist.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting can elevate your dessert table. Here are some great options:

1. Cream Cheese Dip: A smooth cream cheese dip pairs well and adds a rich creaminess that complements the flavors of pumpkin.

2. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices provide a crunchy contrast and balance out the sweetness of the bars.

3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the bars adds an extra layer of sweetness that many will enjoy.

4. Candied Pecans: These nutty bites add crunch and sweetness, making them a perfect accompaniment to pumpkin desserts.

5. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A homemade pumpkin spice latte enhances the fall theme while providing warmth alongside your treats.

6. Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea offers a soothing element that pairs nicely with sweet desserts like these pumpkin bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• One common mistake is using cold butter. Cold butter does not blend well with sugar, resulting in a dense texture. Always use softened butter at room temperature for the best results.
• Another error is not measuring ingredients correctly. Inaccurate measurements can lead to imbalances in taste and texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy.
• Many people forget to preheat the oven. Baking in an unheated oven can cause uneven cooking and affect the rise of your bars. Always preheat your oven before baking.
• Skipping the sifting of powdered sugar can result in lumps in your frosting. Make sure to sift your sugar before mixing for a smooth consistency.
• A frequent mistake is overbaking the bars. This can lead to dry and crumbly bars. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking and perform the toothpick test.
• Lastly, avoid underestimating cooling time. Frosting warm bars can lead to melted frosting and a messy presentation. Let the pumpkin bars cool completely before adding frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last up to 5 days when properly stored.

Freezing Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Frozen pumpkin bars can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on high for 15-20 seconds until warm, but do not overheat as it may alter the texture.
• Stovetop: For a quick heat-up, place a bar in a pan over low heat, cover it, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves time compared to making fresh puree.

How do I make my pumpkin bars more spiced?

You can increase the amount of cinnamon or add other spices like allspice or cloves for an extra kick of flavor.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or maple syrup for similar sweetness and moisture.

Can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour to make gluten-free pumpkin bars.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual dessert nights. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!