Pumpkin Pie Bars

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ginger powder - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup sweetened condensed milk - Whipped cream for serving To create the perfect pumpkin pie bars, you need simple yet key ingredients. The dry mix includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices. These spices are crucial. They bring out the warm, cozy flavors we love in fall. For the wet mix, use softened butter and brown sugar. This combo makes your bars rich and sweet. Add in the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. These ingredients make your bars moist and flavorful. Finally, the sweetened condensed milk gives a creamy touch. Feel free to top your bars with whipped cream. It adds a nice finish. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9x13 inch baking dish. Getting the oven ready is important. A hot oven helps the bars rise well. Greasing or lining the dish ensures easy removal later. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. This includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until well blended to avoid clumps. - Cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. In a large bowl, add softened butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together for 3-4 minutes. You want a light, fluffy mix. This step adds air and sweetness to the bars. - Add eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Next, crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. This gives the bars their rich flavor and moist texture. - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Now, gently add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir slowly until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough. - Pour batter into prepared dish and drizzle with condensed milk. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Pour the batter into your baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk in a zigzag pattern over the batter. This adds a lovely marbled look. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. - Allow cooling before slicing. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature. Topping with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a tasty touch! To get the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined. This keeps them soft and chewy. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a bit longer. Serve your pumpkin pie bars warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for a lovely touch. For a decorative flair, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars. You can also use nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. Using room temperature ingredients is key. They mix better and help the batter rise nicely. Take the butter and eggs out of the fridge ahead of time. When it comes to the baking dish, you can grease it or line it with parchment paper. Lining makes removal easier and keeps the bars intact. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your pumpkin pie bars. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. Dark chocolate works best with pumpkin. You can also mix in nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch and flavor. For spices, try different blends. Add a bit of allspice or cardamom for warmth. Each choice makes your bars unique. Want a lighter version? Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can also swap out the brown sugar. Try honey or maple syrup instead. These options can make the bars taste great while being a bit healthier. If you need gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free flour blend. There are many great options now. For a dairy-free choice, replace the butter with coconut oil. You can also use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. These swaps let everyone enjoy this fall treat. To store leftover pumpkin pie bars, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for best results. They will last for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move them to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. To reheat your pumpkin pie bars, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain excess water for the best texture. Fresh pumpkin gives a nice flavor that many love. To reduce sweetness, cut back on brown sugar. You can use half a cup instead of one cup. Another option is to use less sweetened condensed milk. Taste the batter before baking to check the sweetness. Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use a larger baking dish. A 12x18 inch pan works well for doubled amounts. Be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. You can serve these bars with whipped cream on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a great choice too. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice touch. Some like to pair them with hot drinks like coffee or cider. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. The edges should look set, and the center should not jiggle. You now have a tasty pumpkin pie bar recipe! We covered ingredients, mixing, and baking steps. I shared tips for perfect texture and ways to make your bars shine. Explore variations for different flavors and find storage tips to keep them fresh. With this guide, you can create delicious treats and impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking journey and the smiles these bars will bring!$

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Spice Dream Bars! Perfectly spiced and irresistibly soft, these bars combine the rich flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a delightful dessert. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a deliciously cozy dessert that everyone will love. Click through to explore this fantastic recipe and bring a taste of autumn into your kitchen!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ginger powder

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Optional: whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger powder. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the batter in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful marbled effect.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pumpkin pie bars warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that perfect autumn touch.