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Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars
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Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced fall treats topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy recipe combines simple pantry ingredients to create a rich autumn dessert that balances sweetness and warm spices, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened (or plant-based butter for dairy-free)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or maple syrup for maple frosting variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars don’t stick and come out cleanly after baking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture lays the foundation for the perfect spice balance throughout the bars.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and uniform.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently and thoroughly to combine without overworking the batter, helping keep the bars moist and tender.
  5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar a little at a time until smooth and fluffy, then mix in vanilla extract or maple syrup if using. Spread evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
  7. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles as preferred. Serve immediately or chill for a firmer frosting and more set texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients (eggs, cream cheese, butter) for easier mixing and smoother frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter; mix just until ingredients combine to ensure soft bars.
  • Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer for even baking.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent sliding.
  • Use fresh spices for best flavor impact.
  • For clean cuts without messing up the frosting, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin Bars, Paula Deen, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Spiced Pumpkin Bars

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/paula-deens-pumpkin-bars/