Paul’s Pumpkin Bars
Imagine the scent of warm spices and pumpkin filling your kitchen, a true testament to the cozy embrace of autumn. Paul’s Pumpkin Bars are the perfect blend of soft, spicy, and sweet—a treat that will leave your taste buds dancing and your soul warmed. These bars are not just about pumpkin; they’re an invitation to savor the essence of fall, perfect for both casual gatherings and family festivities.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs: 4 large
- White sugar: 1 2/3 cups
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup
- Pumpkin puree: 1 (15 ounce) can
- Cream cheese: 2 (3 ounce) packages, softened
- Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Confectioners’ sugar: 4 cups
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10×15 inch jellyroll pan. This will ensure the bars do not stick and are easy to remove once cooked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base of the pumpkin bars.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, white sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth. This will create the moist texture of the bars.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures and Bake
Gradually blend in the flour mixture with the pumpkin mixture. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. Allow them to cool before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth. Spread evenly on the cooled bars.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful taste of autumn in each bite.
Notes
Choosing the Right Pumpkin Puree
When selecting pumpkin puree, opt for the pure variety rather than pumpkin pie mix to maintain the authenticity and flavor intended for these bars. Pure pumpkin puree brings out a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more easily and provides a smooth consistency for both the batter and frosting.
Use of Spices
Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger if you want to enhance the pumpkin bars further. These spices complement cinnamon well and add a richer depth to the flavor profile.
Storing the Bars
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They are best consumed within a few days for optimal taste and texture.
Frosting Variations
For those who prefer a different twist on frosting, consider adding a splash of maple syrup to the cream cheese mix. This variation provides a sweet earthiness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Find it online: https://chyachya.com/pauls-pumpkin-bars/