Name: Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 can pumpkin puree; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.5 teaspoon salt

What are some of the best Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars? What are some good pumpkin desserts? Is this a Southern charm that gets better with every bite? My grandmother made these for the first time. I can’t remember the name. I knew something special was about to come out of the house, and it smelled like autumn. What are some good blondies that taste like Pumpkin Pie? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? If you love pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, you’re going to adore these! If you’re craving something that tastes like fall and feels like home, this is it.

What is Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are the sophisticated, yet approachable cousin of the classic. What’s a pumpkin bar with spice? The base is a sweet, cake-like mixture loaded with pumpkin puree and spices. Where the magic happens is in the glaze, oh that glaze! Is it rich, sweet, and adds the perfect final touch? Is it too heavy or too sweet? What are some of the best autumn recipes?

Why do I love this recipe?

What are the reasons why this recipe is a keeper? What is that perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that just screams “fall.” What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Even if you’re not a confident baker, you can nail this. Is it also super cost-effective? Is pumpkin puree cheap? What’s a good dessert to serve for t-shirt parties? What are some good ways to enjoy coffee? Plus, the versatility is a game-changer. Is it okay to eat them as is, top them with whipped cream, or even serve them in a bowl with vanilla ice cream? What are some of the best recipes for Pumpkin Pie?

How do I make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars? You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients and combining them to form the dough. Is it safe to pour the batter into a baking pan and bake until golden brown? While the bars are cooling, you’ll whip up the glaze and drizzle it over the top. The best part? Is it a one-bowl wonder? How easily these come together, and the result is seriously impressive.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure your butter is *really* soft. I leave mine out for a good hour before baking. * 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – You can use brown sugar for a more caramel-y flavor. * 2 large eggs – I always use large, room-temperature eggs for baking. It helps the batter come together better. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds so much flavor. * 1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree – Make sure it’s *puree*, not pumpkin pie filling! * 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level your flour for the most accurate measurement. * 1 teaspoon baking powder – This gives the bars their lift. * 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the baking powder to create a perfect rise. * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds that warm, cozy spice. * 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A must-have for pumpkin recipes! * 1/4 teaspoon ground clove – Adds a touch of warmth and depth. * 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness.

For the Glaze:
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Melted Butter creates a smooth, pourable, non-sticky surface. * 2 cups powdered sugar – Sift it to avoid any lumps! * 1/4 cup milk – Add more or less to reach your desired consistency. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a touch to enhance the flavor.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always use a little baking spray with flour already in it; it’s lifesaver! Why do bars come out clean? Is it also helpful to cut a parchment paper sling out easily?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking is key here to make sure everything is evenly distributed. You don’t want pockets of baking soda in your bars!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. I always make sure my eggs are room temperature, which helps them incorporate into the batter.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you avoid overmixing a bar? I stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour and then gently fold them in with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake

How do you spread the batter in a baking pan? Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around 25 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important! If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. I like my glaze to be thin enough to coat the bars but thick enough for a drizzle easily.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving. I like to run my knife under hot water before slicing. It helps to create clean, even cuts.

What should I serve it with?

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a salad. What are the right accompaniments?

For Breakfast:Serve with a hot cup of coffee or Pumpkin Spice latte for the ultimate fall treat. I like to crumble a few bars over yogurt or oatmeal for pumpkin-y start to the day.

For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch bars to serve with fresh fruit and other pastries? What are the best cocktails to serve with mimosas?

As Dessert:Top them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. Is it good to sprinkle pecans with caramel sauce?

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a glass of milk or tea on chilly evenings. What are some good packing ideas for road trips?

My family loves to serve these bars with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh mint. What is a simple but delicious combination that never fails to please!

How do I make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

What are some of the best ways to take your Paula Deen pumpkin bars to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?

Butter is KEY:What is the best way to make butter and sugar light and fluffy? Don’t rush this step!

Don’t Overmix:Can overmixing the batter lead to tough bars? I like to mix flour with water, and then fold in any remaining streaks with a spatula.

Spice it Up:Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a stronger spice flavor, add some more cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.

Nutty Addition:Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and flavor. I always toast mine before adding them to my smoothies for an extra nutty kick.

Glaze Variations:How do you create a glaze? What are some good ways to use pumpkin spice in a glaze? Instead of butter for a tangy cream cheese glaze.

Baking Time:Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so they may need more or less time. When a toothpick comes out clean, they’re done.

I tested this recipe with brown butter in the glaze, and it was absolutely amazing! The nutty flavor of the brown butter really complements the pumpkin spice.

What are some Storing and Reheating tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house) then please share! How do you store and reheat Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

Room Temperature:Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. What are the best ways to eat a tomato the next day?

Refrigerator Storage: What For longer storage, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky, but the flavor will still be great.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to freeze them without the glaze. You can make the glaze fresh when you’re ready to serve them. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or watery.

I always store my bars in a single layer in an airtight container. This prevents them from getting smushed and keeps them fresh for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to add a little extra liquid to the batter, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in these! So, no peeling required! You might be thinking of another recipe, but trust me, this one is pure pumpkin goodness.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! Fill muffin liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on your oven. The glaze works perfectly on muffins too!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in place of some of the granulated sugar. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture of the bars. And for the glaze, simply use less powdered sugar.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar or top them with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle them with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup. Or, if you want a more rustic look, just leave them plain!

Final Thoughts

These Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home, a slice of Southern comfort, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to be a hit. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes for more sweet treats. Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try them and what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe below!