Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe with Fall Flavor in Every Bite

Craving a slice of autumn magic? Paula Deen’s pumpkin bars are the ultimate seasonal indulgence that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Bursting with warm spices and velvety smoothness, these bars capture the heartwarming essence of fall baking.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with delicate precision.

The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a decadent layer of creamy perfection that elevates these bars from simple to spectacular.

Crafted with love and simplicity, this recipe ensures even novice bakers can create a dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.

Baking Directions for Pumpkin Bars – Paula Deen Style

Whip Up Pumpkin Bars

• Preheat and Prepare Baking Station

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a spacious baking pan. Lightly grease the surface to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create Luscious Pumpkin Base

Grab your electric mixer and transform eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree into a dreamy, light mixture. Beat until the texture looks fluffy and inviting.

• Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, dance your whisk through flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Ensure everything is perfectly combined and lump-free.

• Craft the Perfect Batter

Tenderly fold the dry ingredients into your pumpkin mixture. Stir with love until the batter becomes smooth and harmonious.

• Bake and Test

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly like a smooth blanket. Slide into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – a clean pick means baking success.

• Create Creamy Frosting

While bars cool, whip up a decadent cream cheese frosting. Blend softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and irresistible.

• Final Touch and Serve

Once bars are completely cooled, lavish them with a generous layer of frosting. Slice into squares and savor your homemade pumpkin delight!

Pumpkin Bar Tips and Toppings from Paula Deen

• Swap out classic spices like cinnamon for a personalized autumn twist. Try adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to enhance the warm flavor profile.
• Replace some vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce calories. Experiment with whole wheat flour for added nutrition without sacrificing taste.
• Create a maple cream cheese frosting by adding a tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Serving Ideas for Paula Deen’s Spiced Pumpkin Bars

• Serve Warm and Cozy: Pair these pumpkin bars with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea for the ultimate autumn comfort experience.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars alongside other seasonal treats like maple pecan cookies or caramel apple slices for a stunning dessert spread.
• Add Festive Toppings: Sprinkle extra cinnamon, chopped pecans, or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the frosted bars to enhance their visual appeal and flavor.
• Perfect Party Treat: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations.

How to Store and Plan Ahead with Pumpkin Bars

• Preserve Freshness: Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and moist.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Extend shelf life by placing bars in the refrigerator, which keeps them fresh for up to a week. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Later Delight: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These treats can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings or last-minute dessert emergencies.
• Smart Serving Tips: Allow refrigerated or frozen bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original texture and enhance flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Eggs: Choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Sugar: Opt for granulated sugar that dissolves easily and creates a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Select a neutral-flavored oil like canola for moisture without overpowering taste.
• Pumpkin Puree: Look for 100% pure pumpkin, avoiding pie filling with added spices.

• All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached flour for better flavor and consistent baking results.
• Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal rising.
• Ground Cinnamon: Choose high-quality, fragrant cinnamon for a warm, rich flavor.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and balanced sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Check freshness by testing its reactivity with vinegar.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Select full-fat, room-temperature dairy for smooth, creamy consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sift to remove lumps and create silky frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla for authentic, deep flavor profile.

Tools and Pans for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Electric mixer: Perfect for creating smooth, light batter and creamy frosting.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal size for evenly spreading the pumpkin bar batter.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and spread batter evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking baking doneness.
• Cooling rack: Optional, but helpful for cooling bars evenly.

Mouthwatering Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy paula deen pumpkin bars combine autumn’s warmest spices with rich cream cheese frosting. Sweet layers of seasonal comfort deliver classic southern dessert magic you’ll savor down to the last delicious crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 4 eggs
• 1 ⅔ cups (400 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pumpkin
• 2 cups (240 g) sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 (8 oz/225 g) package softened cream cheese
• ½ cup (115 g) softened butter
• 2 cups (240 g) sifted confectioner’s sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the pumpkin bars.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Combine eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree in an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture becomes light and thoroughly blended.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl, ensuring complete and even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Batter Creation: Fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, mixing gently to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing to maintain a delicate texture.
5. Pan Preparation: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring uniform coverage for consistent baking.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean and free from raw batter.
7. Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan while simultaneously preparing the cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Finishing Touch: Once cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface of the pumpkin bars, creating an even layer with a spatula.
9. Serving: Allow frosting to set briefly, then slice into precise square portions using a sharp knife for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Oven Precision: Preheat exactly at 350°F for consistent, golden-brown bars with perfect texture.
• Mixing Mastery: Blend wet ingredients until ultra-smooth and light to ensure a tender, moist dessert.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent tough, dense bars that lose their delicate crumb.
• Frosting Finesse: Let bars cool completely before spreading cream cheese topping for clean, professional-looking results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg