There is something absolutely special about the delicious smell and warmth of anything and all things pumpkin during the holiday season (and throughout the year as well). With Thanksgiving just around the corner and family awaiting scrumptious food they can get their hands on; you have to have recipes that are seasoned to perfection!
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This pumpkin bars recipe is perfected with cinnamon, nutmeg, and even walnuts to fulfill all of your spice-y needs. Additionally, the fact that you can cut these pumpkin bars into squares is fantastic for a Thanksgiving table, but also great for bringing something sweet for all of your wonderful co-workers to enjoy.
These soft, yet sturdy bars make the best fall treat as they can be enjoyed on the dinner table or wrapped individually as a kind gift. This recipe is very moist and cakey, but is not fully as cakey as other recipes have been.
Spiced Apple Cider with a Pumpkin Bars
What is your favorite holiday drink? Is it a deliciously hot spiced apple cider or perhaps a lovely and foamy chai latte? Whatever that drink maybe, this dessert completes any after-meal snack or mid-day treat.
You could make your favorite pumpkin bread recipe, however, if you are looking for that moist, creamy pumpkin goodness then look no further. This could take a new spot in your family’s holiday traditions.
This lighter and shareable alternative to pumpkin bread is pleasantly comforting. There are always ways to vary your recipe to make it unique to your preferences and taste buds.
Scrumptious Variations
There are so many wonderful things you can add to your pumpkin bars recipe to give your creation a taste of who you are.
For example, you can add a brown butter cream cheese instead of the regular cream cheese typically selected. Brown butter has been growing in popularity over the last year or so and offers an explosive flavor profile.
You can purchase a brown butter cream cheese spread or simply make your own brown butter by melting and slowly heating butter on your stove top until the perfect color and flavor profile is met.
Have a slight dislike of walnuts? Simply add toasted almonds instead for an even better taste.
For a healthier alternative, try using apple sauce instead of butter or oil. ¾ cup of apple sauce should give you an even and consistent taste.
Bottom Line
The options are always numerous for those who love to bake, who love to share with family and friends, and for those who have a deep appreciation of the holiday seasons.
If you like this pumpkin recipe, try these!
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Pumpkin Bars
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 43 minutes
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 10×15 inch jellyroll pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together ¾ cup butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir into the pumpkin mixture. Mix in walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ⅓ cup butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually blend in sugar, then beat until smooth. Spread over cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 33