Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a delightful fall treat that everyone will love! These bars are moist, slightly cakey, and topped with a rich layer of brown sugar frosting that adds the perfect sweet crunch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need a dessert for a potluck, these pumpkin bars are easy to make and transport, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with pumpkin create a comforting taste perfect for autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these bars.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat!
• Transportable: Cut into squares and easily pack for parties or picnics without the fuss.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A guaranteed hit among family and friends, suitable for all ages!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting, ensure you have the right tools on hand. This will help streamline your baking process and ensure flawless results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly and preventing spills.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading frosting evenly over the bars for that appealing finish.

Ingredients

To make these Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

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)

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:
* Unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Mix until creamy.
* Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
* Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully combined.

Next, in another bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and sea salt.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While cooling, prepare your brown sugar frosting:
In a mixing bowl:
* Beat together unsalted butter and light brown sugar until fluffy.
* Add ground cinnamon and fine sea salt; mix well.
Then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth.
Finally, incorporate vanilla extract and milk until you achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once cooled completely, spread frosting evenly over your baked pumpkin bars. Cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether at a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, these bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways.

Individual Servings

• Serve each bar on a small dessert plate for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Coffee Companion

• Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your drink can complement the pumpkin spice beautifully.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the bars on a colorful serving platter for parties.
• Garnish with fall-themed decorations like mini pumpkins or autumn leaves.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert option.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the ice cream for extra sweetness.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Achieving the perfect Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting is simple when you follow these helpful tips. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate your baking game.

• Choose fresh pumpkin puree: Using fresh pumpkin puree will enhance the flavor and moisture of your bars.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to prevent dense bars.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and vanilla extract are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your bars soft and light.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your bars to cool fully so the frosting doesn’t melt into the cake.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Complementing your Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting can elevate any meal. Here are some great side dishes that pair wonderfully with this sweet treat.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider adds a fragrant touch that pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: The nutty flavors and textures contrast nicely with the soft sweetness of the bars.
3. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots bring out the autumnal taste profile alongside the dessert.
4. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the bars, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
5. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash offers a hearty side that complements pumpkin desserts well.
6. Nutty Granola Parfait: Layered granola parfaits provide crunch and freshness, enhancing your dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using melted butter instead of softened can lead to dense bars. Ensure the butter is at cool room temperature for the right texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make your bars tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and cakey.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can affect the outcome. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly.
• Skipping the Sifting Step: Not sifting powdered sugar can result in a lumpy frosting. Take the time to sift for a smooth finish.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out your bars, while underbaking leaves them gooey. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Using pumpkin pie filling will alter the flavor since it contains spices and sweeteners. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for best results.

How do I know when my pumpkin bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready!

What is the best way to frost my pumpkin bars?

Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the brown sugar frosting across the cooled bars for an even layer.

Can I customize these Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even cream cheese frosting for different flavors.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar mixed with molasses or use coconut sugar for a different taste.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings or spices. Enjoy this fall treat that everyone will love!