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Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

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4.4 from 140 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful pumpkin bars topped with a smooth brown sugar cinnamon frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert, the bars combine warm spices and rich pumpkin with a creamy, lightly sweetened topping that balances every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Melt butter and mix wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool to about 80°F. Whisk in the light brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
  4. Mix the batter: Pour the wet butter and pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring the batter is thick but evenly mixed.
  5. Pour and bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without wet batter.
  6. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
  7. Prepare the frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  8. Add spices and powdered sugar: Mix in the ground cinnamon and fine sea salt, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar on low speed until incorporated.
  9. Finish frosting consistency: Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until very light and fluffy. Adjust the frosting consistency with more powdered sugar if too runny, or additional milk if too thick.
  10. Frost and serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares before serving.
  11. Storage: Store your pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is just warm, not hot, when mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
  • Do not overbake the bars to keep them moist and tender.
  • Adjust the frosting thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed for spreading consistency.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
  • These bars can be stored in the refrigerator to extend shelf life and can be returned to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

Keywords: pumpkin bars, brown sugar frosting, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, spiced pumpkin bars, easy pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/pumpkin-bars-with-brown-sugar-frosting-recipe/