Pumpkin Pie Bars

$- Flour and leavening agents - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt For the base of our bars, we need all-purpose flour. The baking powder and baking soda help the bars rise. The salt adds flavor and balances the sweetness. - Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger These spices bring warmth to the bars. Cinnamon gives a classic fall taste, while nutmeg and ginger add depth. - Sweeteners and fats: brown sugar, unsalted butter - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor. The butter creates a soft, tender texture in each bite. - Pumpkin and eggs - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree Eggs help bind everything together. The pumpkin adds moisture and that signature fall flavor. - Optional toppings - Whipped cream for serving Whipped cream can enhance the sweetness and creaminess of the bars. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it even better. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. 3. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk them well and set the bowl aside. 4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes. You want it light and fluffy. 1. Add the eggs to the butter mix. Do one at a time, beating well after each. 2. Blend in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth. 3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. 4. Pour the batter into the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly. 5. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top. Create a zigzag pattern for a nice marble effect. 1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 2. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling helps you slice them neatly into squares. To get the best texture, avoid overmixing. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. If you mix too much, your bars can turn out dense. Choosing the right pumpkin puree is also key. Always use 100% pumpkin with no added spices or sugars. This gives a true pumpkin flavor and helps your bars shine. To enjoy pumpkin pie bars at their best, serve them warm. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes them even better. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on the whipped cream for a tasty touch. These bars are great for fall gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. Their rich flavor and warm spices make them a fall favorite. {{image_4}} You can make pumpkin pie bars even better! Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips give a sweet twist, while nuts add crunch. Both options create a fun texture. You can also switch up your spices. Instead of just cinnamon, try allspice or cardamom. These spices can change the taste and bring new warmth. Feel free to experiment with different flavors. If you need gluten-free bars, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer good mixes that work well in baked goods. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a bit to thicken. Also, use coconut oil instead of butter. It adds a nice flavor and keeps the bars moist. These adjustments let everyone enjoy pumpkin pie bars, no matter their diet! To keep your pumpkin pie bars fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and tasty. If you don’t have a container, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. For best results, let the bars cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from making them soggy. You can also place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. When you want to enjoy these bars again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft. If you want to store them long-term, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. How long do pumpkin pie bars last? Pumpkin pie bars stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Keep them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them moist and tasty. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess water to avoid soggy bars. What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk? Try using coconut milk with sugar. You can also blend regular milk with sugar to make a sweet mix. This works well in the recipe. What drinks pair well with pumpkin pie bars? Hot apple cider is a great choice. You can also serve them with coffee or a spiced chai latte. These drinks enhance the fall flavors. Best occasions for serving pumpkin pie bars Serve these bars at Thanksgiving or Halloween parties. They are also perfect for cozy family gatherings. Everyone loves a sweet treat in the fall! This blog post shared all you need to know about making pumpkin pie bars. We covered the key ingredients like flour, spices, and pumpkin. I outlined each step, making preparation simple and clear. I also shared tips for the best texture and flavor. You can even try fun variations or make dietary swaps. Remember to store your leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these tasty treats, and you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!$

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Spice Dream Bars! Packed with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a delicious dessert that will impress everyone. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk for a delightful twist and serve with whipped cream for an extra touch. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your autumn sweeter!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Optional: whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper—this will help you remove the bars easily after baking.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, and then set this bowl aside.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together. Beat them for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined.

Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mix one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition. Next, blend in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Mix just until combined; be cautious not to overmix as this can affect the texture of your bars.

Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the batter in a zigzag pattern to create an eye-catching marble effect.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling period will make it easier to slice them into neat squares.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: For a delightful finish, serve the pumpkin spice dream bars warm or at room temperature, generously topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a light dusting of cinnamon on top to enhance the autumn vibe and elevate the dessert's aesthetic.