Moist Pumpkin Bars – The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Get ready for fall with these incredibly moist pumpkin bars! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, especially as we gear up for Halloween. This recipe is so easy; even beginner bakers can whip them up in no time. These bars are wonderfully spiced, perfectly sweet, and undeniably addicting. They are so family-friendly that make them a great Halloween desserts that kids would love. So, ditch the store-bought goodies and bake a batch of these amazing pumpkin bars. Your family will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Moist Pumpkin Bars
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour from start to finish!
- Incredibly Moist: The perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
- Kid-Friendly: A treat everyone in the family will adore, especially around Halloween.
- Perfect for Parties: Makes a large batch, ideal for sharing at Halloween gatherings.
- Full of Flavor: Warm spices make it the perfect fall treat.
- Freezable: Make ahead and enjoy later!
Ingredients for Moist Pumpkin Bars
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (not pumpkin pie filling)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Cream Cheese Frosting: (recipe below or store-bought). Check out this amazing cream cheese frosting recipe!.
- Optional:Halloween sprinkles for decoration! These make great halloween food ideas!.
Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- You can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
How to Make Moist Pumpkin Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Frost and Decorate: Frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
- Cut and Enjoy! Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious moist pumpkin bars!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry bars. Check for doneness after 25 minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and a plant-based oil to make these bars vegan.
Serving Suggestions
These moist pumpkin bars are great on their own, but here are some serving ideas to make them even more special:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cool sweetness complements the warm spices perfectly.
- Alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea: A perfect fall afternoon treat.
- Paired with apple cider: Complement the pumpkin with another fall flavor. This makes a great entry into your list of halloween recipes.
- Add caramel sauce drizzle: The sweetness of caramel adds great flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars, unfrosted, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
- Reheating: If desired, you can warm the bars in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQ about Moist Pumpkin Bars
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar, which will alter the recipe. Use plain pumpkin puree for the best results.
Q: How can I make these bars part of my Halloween food ideas?
A: Add spooky sprinkles, candy eyeballs, or a web design with chocolate frosting for a fun Halloween food for party touch! Don’t be afraid to get extra with making these easy halloween food.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the bars and store them, unfrosted, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Frost them just before serving.
Q: I’m looking for other Halloween food ideas for dinner, what goes well with this?
A: This dessert goes great after any savory option! Consider monster burgers or spooky mac and cheese for your Halloween food ideas for dinner!
Final Thoughts on Moist Pumpkin Bars
These moist pumpkin bars are a must-try for fall baking! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or simply craving a taste of autumn, these bars are sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later, leave a comment below if you try them, and subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes!
Moist Pumpkin Bars
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- oven
- – Mixing bowls
- – Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Cream Cheese Frosting (see recipe link or store-bought)
- Halloween sprinkles optional for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
- Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious moist pumpkin bars!
