Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen – Fall Most Addictive Dessert
Picture this: the aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen while golden, incredibly moist pumpkin bars cool on your counter. Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen are the ultimate fall comfort dessert that transforms simple pantry ingredients into pure magic.
These heavenly bars boast a perfectly spiced cake-like texture topped with the most decadent cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted.
Here’s a fun fact: Paula originally created this recipe for her restaurant in Savannah, where it became the most requested dessert during autumn months! What makes these bars truly special is their foolproof nature – even beginner bakers achieve bakery-quality results every single time.
What Are Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen?
Ever wondered why these delectable treats are called “bars” instead of cake? Well, honey, it’s all about that perfect texture! Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen strike the perfect balance between a moist cake and a chewy brownie, creating something uniquely satisfying.
The name comes from their rectangular shape and dense, bar-like consistency that’s sturdy enough to hold that luscious cream cheese frosting. As Paula always says, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these pumpkin bars have certainly won countless hearts! Ready to fall in love with fall’s most irresistible dessert?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen Recipe
The Ultimate Fall Comfort Dessert
These pumpkin bars deliver everything you crave in a fall dessert – warm cinnamon, nutty spices, and that rich pumpkin flavor that tastes like autumn in every bite. The texture is absolutely divine: incredibly moist, tender, and perfectly spiced without being overwhelming.
Budget-Friendly Baking
Making these bars at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. With basic pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree, you can create enough bars to feed a crowd or have treats for the entire week. Compare that to buying individual desserts, and you’ll save serious money!
That Heavenly Cream Cheese Frosting
The crowning glory of these bars is Paula’s signature cream cheese frosting – it’s tangy, sweet, and perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin base. Unlike our popular carrot cake bars, these feature a more pronounced pumpkin flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy topping.
Ready to bring some Southern charm to your kitchen? Let’s start baking these incredible pumpkin bars!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen
Quick Overview
This recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers consistently perfect results. The preparation involves mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, then combining for a smooth batter that bakes into golden perfection.
Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes (before frosting)
Difficulty Level: Easy Servings: 24 bars
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen
For the Bars:
- 4 large eggs
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly pale. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures even spice distribution throughout your bars.
Step 4: Create the Batter Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps your bars tender and moist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool Completely Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean cuts.
Step 7: Make the Frosting Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar and salt until smooth and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Serve Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
What to Serve Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen With
These versatile bars pair beautifully with various beverages and accompaniments:
Hot Beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, spiced chai tea, or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
Cold Options: Pair with cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or even a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Party Presentation: Arrange on a platter with other fall treats like apple crisp bites or mini pecan tarts for a seasonal dessert spread.
Breakfast Treat: These bars are delicious enough to enjoy with your morning coffee as a special weekend breakfast treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for the smoothest mixing and best texture. Cold ingredients can create lumps in your batter and frosting.
Don’t Overbake
The bars are done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking leads to dry bars, and nobody wants that!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Oil Alternative: Replace vegetable oil with melted butter or applesauce for different flavor profiles
- Spice Variations: Use pumpkin pie spice (2½ teaspoons) instead of individual spices
- Sugar Options: Substitute up to half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor
Frosting Consistency
If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the perfect spreading consistency.
Perfect Cutting Technique
For clean, professional-looking squares, chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store covered pumpkin bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration, so don’t leave these at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Freezing Instructions
Unfrosted Bars: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Frosted Bars: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Serving Temperature
These bars taste best when served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Bar (1/24 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 185mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make them up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
What’s the best pumpkin puree to use?
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Libby’s is the most popular brand, but any 100% pure pumpkin puree works perfectly.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree your own pumpkin, but make sure to drain excess moisture. You’ll need about 1¾ cups of fresh puree to equal one 15-oz can.
Why are my bars soggy in the middle?
This usually indicates underbaking. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and test doneness with a toothpick. The center should be set but still moist.
Can I make these without frosting?
Certainly! Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream instead. The bars are delicious on their own.
How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting. If your kitchen is very warm, chill the bars for 15 minutes before applying frosting.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use two jelly roll pans or one large sheet pan. You may need to adjust baking time slightly – start checking at 25 minutes.
What causes bars to be dry?
Overbaking is the main culprit. Also, measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, don’t pack it down.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Bars Paula Deen represent everything wonderful about fall baking – they’re comforting, delicious, and bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a harvest party, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating your family to something special, these bars deliver every single time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll achieve professional-looking results that taste absolutely incredible. The combination of warm spices, moist pumpkin base, and that signature cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.
So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. These pumpkin bars aren’t just a recipe – they’re a ticket to becoming the most popular baker in your circle. Happy baking, y’all!
