Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. These moist and flavorful bars are perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the day. With a rich pumpkin taste and a creamy frosting, these bars stand out as a crowd-pleaser, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve these pumpkin bars at parties, potlucks, or family dinners—everyone will appreciate this seasonal treat.
• Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Great for Sharing: With 16 servings, it’s easy to share these bars with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your wet ingredients are mixed thoroughly, creating a light and fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients prevents clumps and helps achieve uniform mixing.
• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan allows for even baking, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your bars.

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Ingredients

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars is made with eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract. This easy Pumpkin Bars recipe creates a delicious dessert that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 16 people.

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• (15 oz) can pumpkin
• 2 cups sifted all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• (8 oz) package softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup softened (or margarine) butter
• 2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer at medium speed:
1. Combine the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture:
1. Mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan:
1. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add the confectioner’s sugar and mix at low speed until incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 8: Frost the Bars

Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars:
1. Cut into squares to serve.

Enjoy sharing these delectable Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars with family and friends!

How to Serve Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these bars can be the star of your dessert table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pumpkin bars experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the frosting for a crunchy texture and nutty taste.

A Side of Ice Cream

• Pair the pumpkin bars with vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast between warm and cold.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Garnished with Cinnamon

• Dust a little ground cinnamon over the bars before serving to enhance the fall flavors and aroma.

How to Perfect Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

To ensure your Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips. They will help you achieve the best texture and flavor possible.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and high-quality pumpkin puree for optimal taste.
• Sift Flour Properly: Sifting flour before measuring helps prevent clumps, leading to a smoother batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to maintain a light and airy texture in your bars.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Crisp
   A warm apple crisp brings a fruity flavor that balances well with pumpkin.

2. Pecan Pie
   This classic dessert offers rich sweetness and texture, making it an excellent companion.

3. Gingerbread Cookies
   The spices in gingerbread cookies harmonize beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

4. Chai Tea
   A warm cup of chai tea enhances the fall vibe and complements the spice notes in the bars.

5. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy contrast to the soft texture of pumpkin bars.

6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and lightness alongside rich pumpkin desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your results.

• Bold Ingredients: Skipping the careful measurement of ingredients can lead to inconsistent texture. Always measure accurately for the best outcome.
• Bold Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can make the bars dense. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Bold Cooling Time: Frosting the bars while they are still warm can cause it to melt. Let them cool completely for a better presentation.
• Bold Oven Temperature: Not preheating the oven properly may result in uneven baking. Ensure your oven is at 350°F (175°C) before placing the bars inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each bar on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just ensure it is well-pureed and not too watery.

How do I customize Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference.

What should I serve with Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

These bars pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.

Can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various mix-ins or toppings. Try making this delightful recipe and enjoy its rich flavors!