If you love soft and spiced desserts, this Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe is perfect for you. These bars are moist, sweet and full of fall flavor.
Many people enjoy them during holidays or cozy evenings. The Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe is simple and beginner-friendly. If you want to learn How to make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, follow this easy guide.
Let’s explore the best Ingredients for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars and bake this delicious treat at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen, famous for rich and comforting desserts.
The secret is using real pumpkin puree. It keeps the bars moist and soft. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add deep flavor.
A creamy cream cheese frosting makes these bars extra special. The combination of soft cake and smooth topping is irresistible.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
For the Bars:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly for easy removal. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil and eggs until smooth and creamy. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg evenly. - Make the Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. - Pour into Pan
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. - Bake the Bars
Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few crumbs. - Cool Completely
Remove from oven and let bars cool completely before adding frosting. - Prepare Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy and fluffy. - Frost and Serve
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor
- Do not overbake to keep bars moist
- Add chopped nuts for crunch
- Sprinkle cinnamon on frosting for extra flavor
- Use maple extract for a fall twist
- Chill before cutting for neat slices
- Add chocolate chips for variation
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe chilled or at room temperature.
- They pair well with coffee, tea or milk.
- Perfect for holidays, parties or dessert after dinner.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Let them sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.
- You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.
Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil and eggs until smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg evenly.
Make the Batter
- Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour into Pan
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
Bake the Bars
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few crumbs.
Cool Completely
- Remove from oven and let bars cool completely before adding frosting.
Prepare Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy and fluffy.
Frost and Serve
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor
- Do not overbake to keep bars moist
- Add chopped nuts for crunch
- Sprinkle cinnamon on frosting for extra flavor
- Use maple extract for a fall twist
- Chill before cutting for neat slices
- Add chocolate chips for variation
FAQs about Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
1. Can I make these bars without frosting?
Yes, they taste great without frosting too. The bars are already moist and flavorful on their own.
2. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure it is not pumpkin pie filling.
3. Why are my bars dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Measure carefully and bake just until done.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly but still tastes good.
5. Can I make cupcakes instead of bars?
Yes, pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18–20 minutes until done.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe is soft, moist and full of warm spice flavor. Now you know How to make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars step by step.
With simple Ingredients for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, you can bake a delicious dessert at home.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.