Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are a perfect fall treat that combines the moist, spiced goodness of pumpkin with a rich cream cheese frosting.

These bars are ideal for serving at family gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet snack on a cozy autumn day. With a moist, flavorful base and creamy frosting, these pumpkin bars are a guaranteed hit!

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars: Moist and Delicious Fall Treat

These pumpkin bars are wonderfully soft and bursting with pumpkin and cinnamon flavors. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make for a delectable dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24-48 bars, depending on size
Equipment:

• Electric mixer
• 13×10-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

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

For the Icing:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×10-inch baking pan and set it aside.
2. Mix wet ingredients:
   Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
5. Bake the bars:
   Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool:
   Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before applying the frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

1. Make the icing:
   In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla:
   Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is well incorporated and the icing is smooth and creamy.
3. Frost the bars:
   Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top.
4. Serve:
   Cut the frosted bars into your desired size and serve.

These Pumpkin Bars with rich cream cheese frosting are a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that celebrates the best flavors of fall!