Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their rich pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting, these bars are sure to impress family and friends. They are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or craving a sweet treat, these pumpkin bars will satisfy your taste buds and fill your home with delightful aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal cooking skills.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an everyday treat, these bars are versatile enough for all events.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or bake sales.
• Customizable Topping: You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra twist on the classic flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process smooth and efficient.

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 helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when mixing wet ingredients quickly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare dry and wet ingredients separately without confusion.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect taste and texture in your pumpkin bars.

Ingredients

For these delicious Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the 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 Frosting

• (8 oz) package softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup softened butter (or margarine)
• 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). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer at medium speed:
1. Combine the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin until the mixture is 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 ingredient mixture 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 about 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 them. This step is important for achieving clean slices when serving.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Gradually add sifted confectioner’s sugar while mixing at low speed until incorporated.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 8: Frost the Bars

Spread the prepared frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars:
1. Cut into squares to serve. Enjoy your delicious Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars!

How to Serve Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These bars can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar for a light and airy finish that complements the pumpkin flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm pumpkin bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of temperatures creates a delicious treat.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the sweetness and add a rich, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the bars.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. This also provides a nice textural contrast to the soft bars.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears. The freshness balances the richness of the pumpkin bars and adds a fruity note.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars on a platter with other desserts, like brownies or cookies, for an inviting and varied dessert selection at gatherings.

How to Perfect Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

To achieve the best results with your Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, follow these handy tips for an even tastier treat.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, use homemade pumpkin puree for a richer flavor than canned varieties.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures an even distribution of baking powder and spices throughout the batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to prevent dense bars. This will keep them light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they’re done baking; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars can enhance your dessert enjoyment. Consider these delicious options:

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sauté apples in cinnamon and sugar for a warm, sweet side that complements pumpkin flavors beautifully.
2. Chai-Spiced Tea: Offer cups of chai tea as a cozy beverage option that pairs well with spiced desserts.
3. Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature pecan pies provide contrast in texture while aligning with autumn flavors.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole: A creamy sweet potato dish brings warmth and depth, making it great alongside pumpkin treats.
5. Carrot Cake Muffins: Moist and spiced muffins echo similar flavors found in pumpkin bars, creating harmony on your plate.
6. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast that balances sweetness.
7. Ginger Snap Cookies: These spicy cookies add extra crunch and flavor depth, complementing the soft texture of pumpkin bars.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in Brussels sprouts, making them an unexpected but delightful side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Preheating: Forgetting to preheat the oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure proper cooking.

• Not Mixing Ingredients Properly: Overmixing or undermixing can affect texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for perfect bars.

• Using Incorrect Measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision to get the best results.

• Cooling Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars can cause melting. Make sure the bars cool completely before applying frosting for a neat presentation.

• Storing Improperly: Not storing correctly can lead to dryness. Use airtight containers to keep your pumpkin bars fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars:

Can I use another type of flour for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour, but the texture may vary slightly.

What should I serve with Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

These delicious bars pair well with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

How do I make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars healthier?

You can reduce sugar or use applesauce as a substitute for some vegetable oil without compromising flavor.

Can I customize the frosting on my Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

Absolutely! You could add spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the frosting or even use chocolate ganache instead.

How long do Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. Their moist texture and creamy frosting make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with nuts or different spices according to your taste!