You’ll love these soft and rich Paul’s pumpkin bars topped with silky cream cheese frosting.

What is Paul’s Pumpkin Bars?

This Paul’s Pumpkin Bars is a single-layer recipe filled with rich pumpkin flavor. Preparing the cake only takes about 15 minutes, and the remaining time is for baking. Finish it off with a cream cheese frosting on the top.

The Nutrition Benefits

Paul’s Pumpkin Bars offers a range of nutritional benefits. The pumpkin puree provides fiber, supports digestion, and brings vitamins A and C for immune health and skin benefits. With a moderate sugar content, the bars offer a sweet taste without excess. You can opt for healthier alternatives like olive oil or applesauce instead of vegetable oil. Adding nuts introduces healthy fats and protein.

The cream cheese frosting, while rich, contains calcium and protein, with lower-fat options available. Using a gluten-free flour blend accommodates those with gluten sensitivities. Remembering portion control allows you to enjoy the bars as a flavorful part of a balanced diet.

How To Make Paul’s Pumpkin Bars

Paul’s Pumpkin Bars Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree
• 1 ⅔ cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup butter softened
• 1 (3-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Kitchen Equipment

1. Mixing bowls
2. Electric mixer
3. Spatula
4. 9×13-inch baking pan
5. Parchment paper (optional)
6. Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Instructions

Step1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line the baking pan with parchment paper.

Step2:

Whisk together pumpkin puree, white sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl until well combined.

Step3:

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step4:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step5:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. and Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.

Step6:

Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and well-blended.

Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Recipe Tips:

Nutty Crunch: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful nutty texture.

Make-Ahead Magic: These bars taste even better the next day, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Variations of Paul’s Pumpkin Bars

Nutty Maple Bliss Bars: Incorporate a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful nutty crunch. Drizzle the bars with a maple glaze made by combining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a splash of milk.

Caramel Apple Pumpkin Bars: Mix in diced apples to the batter for a fruity surprise. After baking, drizzle the bars with a luscious caramel sauce made by melting 1/2 cup of caramel candies with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.

Ginger-Spiced Pumpkin Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients for an extra kick of spice. Top the bars with cream cheese and ginger frosting by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger into the cream cheese frosting.

Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Bars: Swirl in a cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the pumpkin batter for a chocolatey twist. Create a marbled effect by gently swirling the chocolate through the batter before baking.

Feel free to get creative and customize Paul’s Pumpkin Bars to your liking. These variations offer a range of flavors, from nutty and fruity to spicy and chocolaty, providing a perfect treat for every palate!

Conclusion

Paul’s Pumpkin Bars are a celebration of autumn flavors—soft, spiced, and generously frosted. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, these bars bring the comforting essence of the season to your table. So, embrace the fall vibes, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the sweet magic of Paul’s Pumpkin Bars. Happy baking!

FAQ

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree for Paul’s Pumpkin Bars?

• While it’s tempting, it’s best to stick to pumpkin puree for the authentic flavor and texture of these bars. Pumpkin pie filling may alter the consistency and sweetness.

Can I freeze Paul’s Pumpkin Bars for later?

• Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving them for the best results.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

• For a different twist, try using mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. However, the classic cream cheese frosting provides the perfect richness for Paul’s Pumpkin Bars.

Any recommendations for a gluten-free version of Paul’s Pumpkin Bars?

• Yes! Experiment with a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that other ingredients, like baking powder and spices, are also gluten-free for a tasty gluten-free version.

Can I reduce the sugar in Paul’s Pumpkin Bars recipe?

• Certainly! You can adjust the sugar to your liking, but keep in mind that it contributes to both the bars’ moisture and sweetness. Finding the right balance ensures a delicious outcome.