Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These bars are moist, spiced just right, and topped with creamy icing, making them ideal for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying family time, or simply seeking a sweet snack, these pumpkin bars deliver on flavor and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Serve these bars at parties, potlucks, or as a comforting dessert after dinner.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the pumpkin and oil, each bite is soft and satisfying.
• Cream Cheese Icing: The rich icing adds a luxurious touch that elevates the bars.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready makes cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Sifter
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: Makes it easy to beat ingredients until smooth without much effort.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch pan provides the perfect size for these pumpkin bars.
• Sifter: Ensures your flour is light and fluffy, contributing to the bars’ texture.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 oz. can pumpkin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 8 oz. package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using an electric mixer), beat together:
1. 4 eggs,
2. 1 2/3 cup sugar,
3. 1 cup vegetable oil,
4. 15 oz. can pumpkin

Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine:
2 cups all-purpose flour,
2 tsp. baking powder,
1 tsp. baking soda,
1 tsp. salt,
2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix these dry ingredients until blended.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until everything is combined well.

Step 6: Spread Batter

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish using a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 30 minutes.
2. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re done! If not, add an extra 5 minutes as needed.

Step 8: Cool Bars

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting with cream cheese icing.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Icing

In another bowl, beat together:
1. 1/2 cup softened butter
2. 8 oz. cream cheese

Mix until smooth before gradually adding in:
3. 2 cups powdered sugar

Beat over medium speed until combined, then add:
4. 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix on high for one minute until creamy.

Step 10: Frost Bars

Spread the icing over cooled pumpkin bars or pipe rosettes using a decorating bag if desired.

These delicious Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are sure to become a favorite in your fall dessert rotation!

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your experience and make these bars even more irresistible.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoying these pumpkin bars with a hot cup of coffee creates a warm and cozy experience, perfect for fall afternoons.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between the warm, spiced bars and the cold, creamy treat.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the pumpkin bars.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Lightly whipped cream on top provides a fluffy texture that complements the moistness of Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the pumpkin bars on a festive dessert platter alongside other seasonal treats, making it a great centerpiece for gatherings.

How to Perfect Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

For those looking to achieve the perfect batch of Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, consider these tips for success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.

• Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour before measuring can prevent clumps and ensure even distribution in your batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain the bars’ moistness. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the center is cooked through. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing the bars to cool completely will prevent the icing from melting off when you spread it on top.

Best Side Dishes for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars pair well with several side dishes, making them ideal for any occasion. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies topped with cream cheese frosting offer a decadent contrast to pumpkin flavors.

2. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp brings together spices that complement pumpkin while adding a fruity twist to your dessert spread.

3. Spiced Chai Tea: This fragrant tea enhances the warm spices in the pumpkin bars, creating a comforting beverage pairing.

4. Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature pecan pies add another layer of texture and flavor, making them perfect companions at any gathering.

5. Maple Glazed Doughnuts: Sweet doughnuts glazed with maple syrup provide an indulgent addition that resonates well with fall flavors.

6. Gingerbread Cookies: These spiced cookies echo similar flavors found in pumpkin treats and offer delightful variety on your dessert table.

7. Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate is an excellent drink choice, especially when served during chilly autumn evenings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s texture. Always let these ingredients warm up before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the bars dense. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure accurately.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough pumpkin bars. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy result.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Check your bars a few minutes earlier than the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
• Frosting too early: Frosting warm bars can cause the icing to melt. Wait until the bars are completely cool before applying frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s well-pureed and drained of excess moisture.

How do I know when my pumpkin bars are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

How do I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips make great additions to the batter.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as they are or customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. These cozy bars will surely bring warmth and comfort during fall gatherings, so give this recipe a try!