Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further! These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a delightful treat that will warm your heart and home. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a soft, cakey texture, while the brown sugar frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness. They are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings—everyone will love them!

What makes these bars truly special is their simplicity. You’ll find that making them is a breeze, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones. Plus, they travel well, making them an excellent choice for potlucks or holiday parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors of pumpkin and brown sugar.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake these bars ahead of time and store them for an easy dessert option whenever you need.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these bars fit right in.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of spices and creamy frosting makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather everything you need to create these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting!

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup (133 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg (at cool room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (212 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Brown Sugar Frosting

• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter (at cool room temperature)
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Add nuts: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try different spices: Experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom to give your bars a unique twist.
• Frost with cream cheese icing: Swap out the brown sugar frosting for a tangy cream cheese icing for a delicious variation.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pumpkin bars bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars that lovely soft texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Then add in the pumpkin puree—this is where all that delicious flavor comes from!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed before combining.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those soft and slightly cakey bars! Spread this beautiful batter into a greased baking pan.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your pumpkin bars are cooling down, let’s prepare that mouthwatering brown sugar frosting! In a mixing bowl, cream together another stick of unsalted butter with light brown sugar until smooth. Add in ground cinnamon and fine sea salt followed by sifted powdered sugar. Lastly, mix in vanilla extract and milk until you achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once your pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread that luscious brown sugar frosting generously on top. Cut them into squares or rectangles as you prefer. Serve them up at your next gathering or simply enjoy them at home—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Making the perfect pumpkin bars is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your bars turn out wonderfully every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg, and any other refrigerated components to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture.
• Sift your powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting avoids lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency that spreads beautifully over the bars.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your pumpkin bars light and tender.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing your pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting into the bars, keeping that lovely thick layer intact.
• Adjust milk for desired consistency: Depending on your preference for frosting thickness, feel free to add more milk gradually. This way, you can achieve the perfect spreadable texture that suits your taste.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Serving these delightful pumpkin bars is as fun as making them! You can elevate their presentation with a few simple ideas that will impress your guests or family.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream on each bar adds a nice creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon over the frosted bars not only enhances visual appeal but also boosts that warm, spicy aroma.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: A warm mug of apple cider complements the fall flavors in these bars while providing a cozy beverage option.
• Ice cream: Serve these pumpkin bars with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The creaminess balances out the sweetness beautifully.
• Chai latte: The spiced flavors in chai tea harmonize with pumpkin spice, making this beverage a delightful pairing for your bars.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad on the side offers a refreshing contrast to the dense texture of pumpkin bars while adding a burst of color to your plate.

Enjoy sharing these Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting at your next gathering or cozy night in! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious pumpkin bars, you’re in the right place!

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are done baking?

Your bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set and slightly golden.

Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use plant-based butter or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. This will still yield deliciously moist pumpkin bars!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting! They’re not only a fantastic way to celebrate fall but also bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself! Happy baking!