These brown sugar spice pumpkin bars are the perfect treat for autumn. They combine the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin puree with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The result is a moist and flavorful bar that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up pumpkin puree if you don't have it on hand. Additionally, make sure you have ground cloves, as it's not always a common spice in every household. These ingredients can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin puree: This provides the moist, earthy base for the bars.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
All-purpose flour: The main structure for the bars, providing the necessary bulk.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure proper leavening.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the bars.
Ground nutmeg: Provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Ground cloves: Adds a deep, aromatic spice that complements the other flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together, ensure that you whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well-blended. This helps to evenly distribute the sugar and oil, which contributes to the moist texture of the pumpkin bars. Additionally, when incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, do so gradually and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in dense bars.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a good alternative.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can reduce the fat content while maintaining moisture in the bars.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg; this works well as a binding agent.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a different but complementary flavor profile to the bars.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bars slightly denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder, but this may affect the texture slightly.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices, enhancing the overall flavor.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
ground cloves - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom offers a unique, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices well.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store / Freeze These Pumpkin Bars
- To keep your pumpkin bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place the pumpkin bars in the refrigerator. This will extend their shelf life to about a week. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- If you want to freeze the pumpkin bars, first let them cool completely. Cut them into individual squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pumpkin bars, simply remove the desired number of pieces from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- For a quick thaw, you can microwave individual pumpkin bars on a low setting for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make them dry and tough.
- To add a touch of freshness, consider dusting the thawed pumpkin bars with a bit of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting before serving. This will enhance their flavor and presentation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pumpkin bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the bars' moist texture and enhances the spice blend.
Microwave Method: Place a pumpkin bar on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed. This method is quick and convenient but may slightly alter the texture.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pumpkin bars on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method is great for small batches and retains the bars' original texture.
Steaming Method: If you have a steamer, place the pumpkin bars on a heatproof plate and steam for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the bars moist and enhances the pumpkin puree flavor.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the pumpkin bars in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method provides a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the pumpkin bars at the specified temperature.
9x13 inch baking pan: The container in which the batter is poured and baked.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the wet ingredients together.
Another mixing bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients separately.
Whisk: Helps in blending the wet ingredients smoothly.
Spatula: Useful for scraping the batter from the bowl and spreading it evenly in the baking pan.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Toothpick: Used to check if the bars are baked through by inserting it into the center.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking.
How to Save Time on Making These Pumpkin Bars
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start. This will streamline your process and make mixing quicker.
Use canned pumpkin: Opt for canned pumpkin puree instead of making your own to save time.
One-bowl method: Combine all wet ingredients in one bowl and all dry ingredients in another, then mix them together. This minimizes cleanup.
Line the pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleaning.
Quick cool: Place the baking pan on a wire rack to cool faster, so you can cut and serve sooner.
Brown Sugar Spice Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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