We’ve always felt the warmth of autumn when we whip up our beloved Festal Pumpkin Bars. They have a rich aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg that draws everyone into the kitchen. This treat reminds us of cozy gatherings and holiday memories.
We love how easy it’s to make these bars. They have a moist pumpkin base topped with a creamy layer of seasonal frosting. Each bite brims with soft texture and sweet spice that bring us comfort any time of year.
We’ve relied on pantry staples to keep it quick. This way we’re able to whip them up for last minute gatherings or a special family dessert. The flavor never fails to transport us straight to fall vibes.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) Festal brand pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
We measure each ingredient carefully to preserve the moist texture that makes these pumpkin bars special. We whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until everything looks uniform. We combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs in a second bowl. We gently fold the dry mixture into the wet blend to avoid overmixing. This process ensures our batter remains light and airy.
Equipment And Tools
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
We use them to measure out the sugar, flour, and spices accurately. Precision keeps our Festal Pumpkin Bars balanced and fully flavored.
- Large Mixing Bowl
We combine the wet ingredients here to minimize spills and splatters. A deep bowl ensures enough room for whisking without mess.
- Whisk
We whisk the dry mixture to remove lumps. This step aids in a smooth batter that rises evenly.
- Rubber Spatula
We fold the batter gently to retain its light texture. A flexible edge helps us scrape every bit of goodness from the bowl.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
We bake in this pan for a uniform thickness and moist texture. It supplies ample surface area for frosting later.
- Wire Rack
We cool the bars on a rack to prevent soggy bottoms. Proper airflow helps the bars set quickly and retain their shape.
- Offset Spatula
We spread the frosting evenly with an offset spatula. This tool creates a smooth finish without tearing the bars.
Instructions
Below are the step-by-step instructions for our Festal Pumpkin Bars. We follow a simple process to keep the texture light and flavors bold.
Prep The Wet Ingredients
- Crack four eggs into a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1⅔ cups of granulated sugar.
- Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
- Stir in 1 can of Festal brand pumpkin puree until fully combined.
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl measure 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
- Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon plus ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Whisk these dry ingredients until they are evenly blended.
Combine And Bake
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula.
- Continue mixing until no streaks of flour remain but avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Smooth the top evenly with an offset spatula.
- Place the pan in a preheated oven. Use the table below for temperature and time.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 350°F (177°C) | 25 to 30 minutes |
- Remove the bars from the oven once a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Set the pan on a wire rack. Cool the bars completely before frosting.
Frosting And Toppings
Creating a sweet cream cheese frosting adds a rich finish to our Festal Pumpkin Bars. We rely on a few staple ingredients mixed at just the right speed to yield a silky texture.
| Frosting Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Softened cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Softened butter | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
- We beat the cream cheese and butter at medium speed until smooth.
- We gradually add the powdered sugar to maintain a light consistency.
- We blend in the vanilla extract for a mellow sweet note.
We allow our bars to cool fully before applying the frosting. We use an offset spatula or a butter knife to spread an even layer over each bar. For an extra flourish we top the frosting with chopped pecans or a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. We can also drizzle caramel sauce for a luxuriously sweet finish.
Storing And Serving
We store leftover Festal Pumpkin Bars in a sealed container. This helps maintain their moist texture. We keep the container in the refrigerator if we plan to enjoy our bars over several days. We also freeze them when we want to keep extras for special occasions. We wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for best quality.
Below is a quick reference for storage times:
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Counter (room temperature) | 1 to 2 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
When serving our bars, we like to cut them into even squares and arrange them on a platter so everyone can admire the smoothly frosted top. We sometimes sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar for a fragrant finish or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This sweet pairing brings out the creamy frosting flavor while highlighting the warm spices in each chewy bite.
Conclusion
We love seeing how these pumpkin bars brighten our dessert table with their soft texture and sweet toppings
They keep well for future treats which means we’ll enjoy them whenever the mood strikes
Let’s gather our loved ones offer them a taste of cozy pumpkin spice and share a moment of comfort all year round
Our kitchen feels warm every time we bake a batch and we’re sure these bars will bring that same joyful feeling to yours too
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Festal Pumpkin Bars so special?
They combine warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich flavor of Festal pumpkin puree. Their moist texture comes from perfectly balanced wet and dry ingredients, and the sweet cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish. These bars are easy to make using basic pantry staples and are ideal for reliving cozy fall memories year-round.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of Festal?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin puree works well, but ensure it has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin. If it’s too watery, strain out excess liquid before mixing. The goal is a thick, smooth puree to maintain the bars’ signature moist texture.
How should I store leftover pumpkin bars?
Once cooled, place them in a sealed container and refrigerate to keep their creamy frosting and soft texture. They stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit at room temperature for a moment before serving again.
Can I freeze Festal Pumpkin Bars?
Absolutely. Store them, frosted or unfrosted, in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. If frosted, let the frosting set in the fridge first to prevent smearing. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or warm gently before enjoying.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, the bars are done. Overbaking can dry them out, so check around the 25-minute mark. A perfectly moist result means they hold their cinnamon and nutmeg flavor best.
Any topping tips for extra flair?
Try sprinkling chopped pecans or a pinch of cinnamon sugar on the cream cheese frosting. You can also drizzle caramel sauce for a sweeter touch, or top with a bit of whipped cream. These add-ons elevate the bars without overshadowing their delicious pumpkin taste.