Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a beloved family favorite in my home. They bring together the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a thick layer of sweet, crunchy frosting that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these bars are easy to whip up and even easier to share.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy these delicious bars at a potluck, serve them as an after-school snack, or present them at your Thanksgiving table as an alternative to traditional pie. Trust me, once you taste these pumpkin bars, they will become your go-to treat for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute baking urges.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the soft texture and delicious sweetness of these bars—kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them; they hold their flavor beautifully for days.
• Perfectly Spiced: With warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, each bite is a taste of autumn.
• Transportable Treat: Cut them into squares and take them along to parties or gatherings without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in the bars.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich twist on flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you love spice, increase the ginger and nutmeg for an even warmer profile.
• Frosting Flavors: Swap out the vanilla extract in the frosting for maple syrup for a unique taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan so your pumpkin bars come out easily after baking. In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your bars that lovely cakey texture.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until well combined. Then stir in the pumpkin puree. The moisture from the pumpkin not only adds flavor but also keeps the bars wonderfully soft.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; gently fold until just combined—this keeps your bars tender!

Step 4: Bake Your Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting; this prevents melting and gives you that perfect layer of frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your bars are cooling down, prepare the brown sugar frosting! Cream together another stick of unsalted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Add cinnamon and salt before gradually mixing in sifted powdered sugar. Finally, stir in milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost & Enjoy!

Once cooled, spread that creamy frosting generously over your pumpkin bars. Cut into squares—whether large or small—and enjoy! These treats pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee on a crisp autumn afternoon.

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your Pumpkin Bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter, eggs, and milk that are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter. This ensures even mixing and a fluffier texture for your bars.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the ingredients are incorporated prevents the gluten from developing too much, which keeps your bars soft and tender.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your bars during baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached for perfectly baked pumpkin bars.

• Let them cool completely before frosting: Allowing the bars to cool ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt into the bars, giving you that thick, luscious layer we all love.

• Store properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re making them ahead of time, they freeze well too!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting not only taste amazing but also look fantastic when served right! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling these nuts on top adds a delightful crunch and complements the flavor of pumpkin beautifully.

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of this dairy-free whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the richness of the frosting.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal drink to serve alongside your dessert.

• Caramel popcorn: This sweet and buttery snack brings an unexpected twist and offers a fun textural contrast to the soft bars.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing that’s hard to resist, especially when it melts slightly over those warm pumpkin bars.

• Roasted fall vegetables: For a savory complement to your sweet treat, consider serving roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts as part of a balanced meal. Their natural sweetness enhances the flavors of the pumpkin.

Enjoy baking and sharing these scrumptious Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a fantastic option for meal prep! They store beautifully and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making them perfect for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they’ll last up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the bars into desired sizes and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-sealed.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply take a bar out of the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you make the most of this delightful recipe!

Can I use another type of frosting instead of brown sugar frosting?

Absolutely! While the brown sugar frosting adds a unique flavor that complements the pumpkin bars perfectly, you can experiment with cream cheese frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer.

How can I make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting healthier?

To make these bars healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You could also reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for my Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe! Just make sure to choose pure pumpkin puree without added spices or sugars.

What should I serve with my Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting?

These delicious bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great dessert alongside some whipped coconut cream or vanilla ice cream!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting as much as I do! They’re not only easy to whip up but also bring that cozy fall spirit right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them on your own, these bars are bound to be a hit. Happy baking!