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Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a delightful fall treat featuring soft, cakey pumpkin spice bars topped with a rich, slightly crunchy brown sugar frosting. These bars are easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and transport-friendly, combining warm spices and creamy sweetness in every bite.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 large or 16 small bars

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Melt butter and combine wet ingredients: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Allow it to cool until just warm (about 80°F). Once cooled, whisk in the brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Stir to mix evenly.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the cooled butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
  5. Bake the bars: Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking. Remove from oven and set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat the butter and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula. Add the cinnamon and salt, mixing briefly to combine.
  7. Add powdered sugar and liquids: On low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar until incorporated. Add vanilla extract and milk, then increase mixer speed to medium-high. Beat until frosting is very light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too runny or more milk if too thick.
  8. Frost the bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
  9. Serve and store: Cut into squares before serving. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Do not overbake to maintain the cakey texture of the bars.
  • For ease of removal, use foil or parchment with an overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
  • Adjust frosting consistency by adding powdered sugar or milk as needed.
  • Keep frosting smooth by beating thoroughly until light and fluffy.
  • Bars can be kept refrigerated to extend freshness but should be brought to room temperature before serving for best texture.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/pumpkin-bars-with-brown-sugar-frosting-recipe/