Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
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.
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 9x13-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