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Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are the perfect fall crowd-pleasing treat with a rich aroma of pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a thick layer of brown sugar frosting.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick unsalted butter Ensure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar This adds moisture and deep flavor.
  • 1 large egg Use a cool room-temperature egg for better emulsification.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Fresh or canned works perfectly here.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure to the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Contributes a subtle heat.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Complements the other spices beautifully.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bars rise slightly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
  • 1 stick unsalted butter For the frosting, ensures it blends smoothly.
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar Sweetens the frosting while adding richness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Reinforces the spiced flavor of the bars in the frosting too.
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt Just a pinch to balance sweetness again.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Creates a smooth consistency for frosting.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to your frosting flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon milk Adjusts consistency for spreading on top of the bars.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract followed by the pumpkin puree, mixing until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly mixed.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can lead to dense bars.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. While your bars are cooling down completely in their pan, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy; then add powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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