Pumpkin bars are a delightful seasonal treat that bring the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. This Festal Pumpkin Bar Recipe is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or just a simple indulgence on a chilly afternoon.
With its moist texture, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields scrumptious results every time.
Using fresh pumpkin puree and a blend of classic fall spices, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The recipe is versatile enough to customize with nuts or chocolate chips if you wish.
Plus, they freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dessert option. So, pull out your baking trays and get ready to impress your friends and family with this festive pumpkin delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it combines the best qualities of a cake and a bar into one easy-to-make dessert. The pumpkin puree keeps the bars moist and tender, while the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives a comforting spice flavor that’s quintessentially fall.
It’s perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply as a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.
Another reason to love this recipe is its accessibility. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment, and it’s forgiving enough if you’re trying it for the first time.
Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or knife for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and combined. Add the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently using a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped nuts if using, evenly distributing them throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before frosting.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting (recipe below) and spread evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve or store in an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
For a dairy-free version of the cream cheese frosting, substitute with vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.
For extra flavor, toast your nuts before adding them to the batter. You can also add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a festive twist.
If you prefer a denser bar, slightly reduce the baking powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Make sure your pumpkin puree is well-drained if homemade to avoid soggy bars. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and consider adding sunflower seeds for crunch.
Store leftover bars in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh.
Interested in other delicious vegan treats? Check out these recipes: Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats, Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy, and Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per bar (1/12th) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 13g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 25g |
Cholesterol | 40mg |
Sodium | 210mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pumpkin bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts on top of the frosting.
These bars make an excellent dessert for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a sweet afternoon snack. You can also pack them as a treat for a picnic or a lunchbox.
If you want to elevate the presentation, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
This Festal Pumpkin Bar Recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall in a simple, delicious dessert. Its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy day at home, these bars deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy making this festive treat. Don’t forget to experiment with nuts and add-ins to make it your own.
Be sure to explore other fantastic recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Black Bean Rice Burger Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious for more culinary inspiration. Happy baking and happy fall!
📖 Recipe Card: Festal Pumpkin Bar
Description: A moist and flavorful pumpkin bar perfect for festive occasions. Topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting for a delightful finish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool before frosting or slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 36 g
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