Cozy Up with These Deliciously Moist Pumpkin Bars This Season!

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As the crisp air of autumn settles in, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with the comforting taste of pumpkin. From its vibrant color to its warm, spiced aroma, pumpkin is a symbol of fall that finds its way into both savory and sweet dishes. Among the most popular are pumpkin bars – a moist, tender cake with a creamy frosting that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you're planning for a family gathering or simply craving a seasonal treat, these pumpkin bars will surely delight.

The Perfect Autumn Treat

Pumpkin bars bring together the best of fall flavors in an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars are soft, moist, and delicately spiced with the iconic pumpkin pie spice blend. Each bite offers a delicious balance of sweetness and warmth, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and crunchy candied pumpkin seeds. It's a dessert that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a staple at your fall festivities.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple dessert that impresses, these pumpkin bars are a great option. The rich pumpkin flavor paired with a tangy frosting creates a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist.

Recipe: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Pumpkin Seeds

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (9 oz.)
• 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. table salt
• 1 cup canola oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree

Candied Pumpkin Seeds:

• 1 cup roasted salted pepitas
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Frosting:

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. table salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 15 x 10 x 1–inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some excess hanging over the edges for easy removal later.

2. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and pumpkin puree until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

3. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the candied pumpkin seeds: Line a sheet pan or large platter with parchment paper. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the pepitas, sugar, and butter. Stir frequently until the sugar melts and turns an amber color, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the pumpkin pie spice, and immediately transfer the mixture onto the parchment paper, spreading it out into small clusters. Allow the candied seeds to cool completely, then break up any large pieces.

5. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar at low speed until the frosting is creamy and thick.

6. Finish the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle the candied pumpkin seeds over the frosting for a delightful crunch. Slice into bars and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness.

These pumpkin bars are perfect for any fall event, from a cozy night in to a holiday party. The combination of the moist cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy candied pumpkin seeds creates a treat that’s both satisfying and memorable. As you take a bite, the warm spices and creamy sweetness will remind you why pumpkin is a beloved flavor of the season.

Here are some great sources for the Pumpkin Bars recipe with detailed instructions on how to make these delicious fall treats:

1. Southern Living offers a classic Pumpkin Bars recipe with candied pumpkin seeds and cream cheese frosting. They include steps for creating the candied pumpkin seeds, a creamy frosting, and a moist pumpkin base. Check it out here​(Southern Living).
2. Taste of Home provides a slightly different version with cream cheese icing and tips on ensuring the bars are perfectly baked. They also offer ideas for adding extra spices to give your bars more flavor. You can find it here​(Taste of Home).
3. Paula Deen features her take on pumpkin bars with a rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe emphasizes ease of preparation and perfect results for holiday gatherings. Explore the recipe here​(Paula Deen).
4. AllRecipes has a community-approved recipe known as Paul's Pumpkin Bars, praised for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. The frosting is rich, and the pumpkin flavor stands out. You can check the recipe here​(Allrecipes).