Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. These bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. With a moist pumpkin base and creamy frosting, they stand out as a favorite among pumpkin lovers. This easy recipe ensures that even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for everyone.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, comforting flavor perfect for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these pumpkin bars are ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them plain or topped with cream cheese frosting; either way, they’re sure to please.
• Seasonal Delight: Embrace the flavors of fall with every bite of these scrumptious bars.

Tools and Preparation

To make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for achieving the right thickness for your pumpkin bars.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the batter evenly in the pan and frosting the cooled bars seamlessly.

Ingredients

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars is made with eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract. This easy Pumpkin Bars recipe creates a delicious dessert that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 16 people.

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• (15 oz) can pumpkin
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Frosting

• (8 oz) package softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup softened (or margarine) butter
• 2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer at medium speed:
1. Combine the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture:
1. Mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan:
1. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting them.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add confectioner’s sugar and mix at low speed until incorporated.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 8: Frost the Bars

Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars:
1. Cut into squares to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars!

How to Serve Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these bars can be served in styles that suit any occasion.

Casual Gatherings

• With Coffee: Pairing your pumpkin bars with a warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a cozy experience.
• As Finger Food: Cut the bars into small squares for easy serving at parties. Guests will love grabbing them as they mingle.

Special Occasions

• At Holiday Parties: These pumpkin bars are perfect for Thanksgiving or Halloween gatherings, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm pumpkin bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures.

Family Dinners

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of richness to the bars.
• As Breakfast Treats: Enjoy these bars as a sweet addition to your breakfast spread. They pair wonderfully with fruit and yogurt.

How to Perfect Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

To ensure that your Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag, which can lead to dense bars.
• Mix Properly: Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients; this keeps the texture light and fluffy.
• Cool Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting off.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick that complements the cinnamon.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

When serving Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, consider pairing them with delightful side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage complements the spices in pumpkin bars beautifully, creating a cozy fall vibe.
2. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize well with pumpkin flavors, making it an excellent pairing.
3. Cranberry Sauce: A spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce adds tartness that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bars.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
5. Roasted Nuts: Serve assorted roasted nuts as a crunchy side that offers texture and flavor alongside the soft pumpkin bars.
6. Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten up your dessert table with a colorful fruit salad, adding freshness and lightness after rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars can be a breeze, but some common mistakes might affect the final result.

• Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting your flour can lead to dense bars. Always sift the flour for a lighter texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for best results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can make the bars tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a softer finish.
• Not Cooling Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars can melt the icing. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before adding frosting.
• Ignoring Freshness of Ingredients: Using old eggs or expired baking powder can impact texture and flavor. Check expiration dates before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

• Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on low power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture, and warm bars for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree as a substitute. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and pureed smoothly.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.

How do I know when my pumpkin bars are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bars are fully baked.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Are Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are not only delicious but also easy to customize with various toppings and mix-ins. Their moist texture and rich flavors make them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins!

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Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 16 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, a quintessential fall dessert that will elevate any gathering. These bars feature a moist pumpkin base spiced to perfection and are generously topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for parties or as a cozy treat with your morning coffee, this easy recipe ensures you can create a delightful dessert even as a novice baker.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups confectioner's sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree; mix until fluffy.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
4. Gradually add dry mixture to the wet ingredients; stir until smooth.
5. Spread batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.