The Paula Deen pumpkin bars recipe is soft, moist and full of warm fall flavor. These bars are easy to make at home. The Paula Deen pumpkin bars have a rich pumpkin taste with sweet cream cheese frosting.
They are perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings. If you love simple desserts, this recipe is a great choice.
Many people enjoy the Paula Deen pumpkin bars because they are soft, fluffy and full of spice.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried pumpkin bars inspired by Paula Deen during autumn. The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon filled the kitchen. The texture was soft and light.
The frosting was creamy and smooth. I loved how easy it was to prepare. Now, I bake these bars every year. They are always a hit with family and friends.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
- Pumpkin puree – 1 cup
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2
- Vegetable oil – ½ cup
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
For Frosting:
- Cream cheese – 200 grams
- Butter – ½ cup
- Powdered sugar – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan lightly. You can also line it with parchment paper. This helps the bars come out easily after baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, add pumpkin puree, eggs, oil and both sugars. Mix well using a whisk or mixer. Blend until smooth and creamy without lumps.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix them well so the spices spread evenly throughout the flour mixture.
4. Make the Batter
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick in texture.
5. Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
6. Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven. Let the pumpkin bars cool fully on a rack. This step is important before adding frosting, or it will melt.
7. Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly. Mix well. Add vanilla extract and beat until creamy and fluffy.
8. Frost and Slice
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into equal squares. Serve fresh for best taste and texture. Enjoy the soft and sweet dessert.
Recipe Tips
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- Do not overmix the batter
- Always cool bars before frosting
- Use room temperature cream cheese
- Adjust sugar if you prefer less sweetness
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pumpkin bars chilled or at room temperature. They taste great with tea or coffee. You can dust a little cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
These bars are perfect for holidays, parties or casual snacks. They also work well as a sweet treat after dinner.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Hot coffee
- Chai tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit salad
- Caramel drizzle
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Wrap each piece tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Do not heat too much, as frosting may melt.
Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree – 1 cup
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2
- Vegetable oil – ½ cup
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
For Frosting:
- Cream cheese – 200 grams
- Butter – ½ cup
- Powdered sugar – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan lightly. You can also line it with parchment paper. This helps the bars come out easily after baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add pumpkin puree, eggs, oil and both sugars. Mix well using a whisk or mixer. Blend until smooth and creamy without lumps.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix them well so the spices spread evenly throughout the flour mixture.
Make the Batter
- Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick in texture.
Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Cool Completely
- Remove the pan from the oven. Let the pumpkin bars cool fully on a rack. This step is important before adding frosting, or it will melt.
Prepare the Frosting
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly. Mix well. Add vanilla extract and beat until creamy and fluffy.
Frost and Slice
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into equal squares. Serve fresh for best taste and texture. Enjoy the soft and sweet dessert.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- Do not overmix the batter
- Always cool bars before frosting
- Use room temperature cream cheese
- Adjust sugar if you prefer less sweetness
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture
FAQs about Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Cook and mash it until smooth. Make sure it is not watery. Thick puree works best for soft and fluffy bars.
2. How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are done. The top should look set and slightly golden.
3. Can I make these bars without frosting?
Yes, you can skip the frosting. The bars still taste great. You can also dust powdered sugar on top for a lighter option.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious and enjoyable.
5. Why are my pumpkin bars dense instead of soft?
Overmixing the batter can make them dense. Also, using too much flour can affect texture. Measure ingredients carefully for best results.
Conclusion
The Paula Deen pumpkin bars recipe is simple, delicious and perfect for any season. It brings warm flavors and soft texture together.
You do not need special skills to make it. Just follow the steps and enjoy the result. These bars are great for sharing with loved ones. Try this recipe once, and it will become a regular treat in your home.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
