Get ready to indulge in these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting! Perfectly spiced and topped with a creamy frosting, they make for a cozy treat any time of year.
Tips for Success
This part’s so satisfying—mixing the batter until just combined ensures your bars stay tender!
Why You’ll Love Them
The aromatic spices combined with the sweet frosting create a heavenly flavor that’s hard to resist. You’ve got to try this one!
Ingredients
- For the bars:
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- For the frosting:
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Instructions
- Make the bars:
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Step 1- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
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Step 2- Melt the butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter until melted. Allow to cool until just warm (about 80°F). Once cool, whisk in the brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin.
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Step 3- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
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Step 4- Mix the batter: Add the butter mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Batter will be thick. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
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Step 5- Bake the bars: Bake for 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting:
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Step 6- Beat the frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and smooth. Use a spatula to scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add in the cinnamon and salt. On low speed, gradually add in the powdered sugar until incorporated. Add the vanilla and milk and increase the speed to medium-high. Beat until very light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. If the frosting becomes too runny, add more powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash more milk. Spread the frosting evenly all over the pumpkin bars.
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Step 7- Cut and serve: Cut into squares before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250, Fat: 10g, Carbs: 38g, Protein: 2g
Cooking techniques
Microwaving butter is a quick way to get it melted without the need for a stove. Be sure to cool it properly before mixing!
Variations or substitutions
Feel free to swap canned pumpkin with freshly roasted pumpkin or add nuts for extra crunch. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor!
Storage tips
Store these pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage!
Notes
Enjoy these bars warm or chilled! They are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
