Irresistible Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Discover the rich, creamy flavors of Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, an absolute delight that’s easy to bake and perfect for cozy fall gatherings or holiday treats. This recipe combines tender pumpkin spice cake layers with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a pumpkin fan or just love a good, moist bar dessert, Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars offer a perfect balance of warm spices and creamy sweetness that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The pumpkin keeps the bars soft and incredibly moist, never dry.
• Classic Fall Flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy autumn vibes to every bite.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or a comforting family dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create the perfect Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, combining classic pumpkin flavors with creamy frosting and just the right spice. Each item contributes to the rich texture, warm aroma, and stunning appearance.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the tender bars while keeping them light.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin base and helps with browning.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and soft without making them greasy.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the bars a perfect rise.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic spices that create that warm, fall-inspired taste.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Leavening agents to help the bars rise and stay fluffy.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting; adds richness and tang.
• Butter: Adds flavor and creamy texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a smooth finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, adding a sweet aromatic note.

Variations for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Feel free to customize Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars to suit your taste or dietary needs. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, letting you make it your own with little tweaks that won’t sacrifice any flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top for added crunch.
• Spice Boost: Increase spice quantities or add cloves and ginger for a stronger autumn flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate lactose intolerance.
• Chocolate Swirl: Drop dollops of chocolate ganache in the batter and swirl it for a delicious mocha pumpkin twist.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your bars come out perfectly clean and easy to slice.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Setting these spices and leaveners aside ensures even distribution and consistent flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, creating a luscious wet base for the bars.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Components

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and moist.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and enjoy the creamy, spiced pumpkin goodness any time you like!

Pro Tips for Making Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains extra sugar and spices.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients until just combined to keep the bars tender.
• Check Baking Time Early: Oven temperatures vary; check the bars at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely: Frost bars only after they have cooled to prevent melting or pooling frosting.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting for an elegant finish that adds texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these pumpkin bars alongside hot apple cider, a warm mug of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful autumn pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into festive shapes using cookie cutters or layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and frosting stability.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the bars into portions and wrap them individually in plastic wrap with a layer of foil over that. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm dessert, reheat bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of the bars.

How can I make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars dairy-free?

Simply swap the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine or coconut oil.

What is the best way to store these bars to keep them fresh?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting firm and the bars moist.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make these pumpkin bars suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising taste.

Do Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars freeze well?

Absolutely! Freeze individual wrapped bars in foil and plastic wrap to preserve freshness for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings the rich flavors of fall to your table with ease and comfort. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family treat, these bars are guaranteed to become a beloved staple. Don’t wait to try this irresistible recipe and experience why it’s a favorite in so many homes.

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