Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars have a special place in my heart, especially when that crisp autumn air arrives. They remind me of cozy weekends and the comforting aroma that used to fill my childhood kitchen. These are the classic pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that taste so familiar, just like pumpkin bars like my mom used to make. The texture is perfectly moist and subtly spiced, and that tangy frosting is just divine. I’ve tried countless variations over the years, but nothing beats the simple, pure flavor of these homemade bars. They’re truly a taste of home. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

• Incredibly moist and perfectly spiced, these bars offer a delightful taste of fall.
• A quick 20-minute prep time makes these easy old fashioned pumpkin bars a weeknight treat.
• Packed with pumpkin, they offer a good source of Vitamin A for a touch of healthiness.
• Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can enjoy this classic dessert without breaking the bank.
• They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and holiday events.
• The simple preparation makes these easy old fashioned pumpkin bars perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• The combination of warm spices and sweet pumpkin is pure comfort in every bite.
• They’re a delightful alternative to pumpkin pie, offering a different, yet equally delicious, experience.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making truly authentic homemade pumpkin bars from scratch. This pumpkin bar recipe with cinnamon and nutmeg relies on pantry staples for that signature fall flavor. You’ll need:

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender bars
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – for lift and tenderness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that warm, cozy flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds depth to the spice profile
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – a little goes a long way for spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
• 2 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and moisture
• 1 cup vegetable oil – keeps these bars incredibly moist
• 4 large eggs – helps bind everything together
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree – make sure it’s puree, not pie filling!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – the key to a creamy, tangy frosting
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – adds richness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for extra flavor in the frosting
• 2 cups powdered sugar – for that classic smooth, sweet frosting

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

Making these classic pumpkin bars from scratch is surprisingly simple, and the aroma that fills your kitchen is pure autumn magic. This traditional pumpkin bar recipe is designed for ease and deliciousness, so don’t worry if you’re new to baking. Let’s create something wonderful together!

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure to generously grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your bars lift out perfectly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, grab your whisk and combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, leading to a uniform bake and flavor.
3. Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until they form a smooth, well-combined mixture. This creates the base for our wet ingredients.
4. Step 4: Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. The mixture will look thick and vibrantly orange – a sign of good things to come!
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ingredients from Step 4. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s really important not to overmix here; a few streaks of flour are okay, as overmixing can make the bars tough.
6. Step 6: Pour the delicious batter into your prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all corners are filled. This is a key part of any traditional pumpkin bar recipe for even cooking.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden and the center should look set.
8. Step 8: Let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience here is key for the best frosting application!
9. Step 9: While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until they are perfectly smooth and creamy.
10. Step 10: Beat in the vanilla extract and then gradually add the powdered sugar. Continue to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and beautifully smooth.
11. Step 11: Once your pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the glorious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy this delightful taste of fall!

Pro Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure these bars are always a hit. Follow these simple tips for guaranteed deliciousness!

• Always use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices that will throw off the flavor balance of your bars.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher bars instead of tender ones.
• Ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened for the frosting. This makes it much easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• For extra flavor and texture, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter before baking.

What’s the secret to perfect Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars?

The secret to achieving perfectly moist old fashioned pumpkin bars lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients and avoiding overmixing. Using vegetable oil, as this recipe calls for, also contributes significantly to their tender crumb and lasting moisture, making them superior to many other recipes. For more baking tips, check out the beauty of food.

Can I make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin bars themselves up to a day in advance and store them, unfrosted, in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving or a few hours ahead if you prefer.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars?

The most common pitfall is using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. Always double-check your can! Also, resist the urge to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; stop as soon as they’re just combined to keep the bars tender.

Best Ways to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

These delightful bars are fantastic on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate them even further. They truly shine as classic old fashioned pumpkin dessert bars.

• Enjoy them as a simple, satisfying treat with a cup of hot coffee or spiced apple cider.
• Layer them on a dessert platter alongside other fall favorites like apple pie or pecan pie for a festive spread.
• Serve them slightly warmed with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Nutrition Facts for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

These homemade pumpkin bars are a delicious fall treat. Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the recipe yield of 24 bars:

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

Properly storing these delightful old fashioned pumpkin bars ensures you can savor them for days, making this an incredibly convenient easy pumpkin bar recipe for fall. Once your bars have completely cooled on the wire rack, it’s time to think about storage. For enjoying them over the next few days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, the refrigerator is your best friend; they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For long-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in foil, to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating is simple! If you prefer your bars warm, you can gently microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) works wonders, especially if you want to crisp them up slightly. Just be sure to remove the frosting if reheating in the oven, or reheat very gently to prevent it from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

What are old fashioned pumpkin bars?

These are classic, cake-like bars made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and typically topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re a beloved fall dessert, offering a moist and tender texture that’s different from a pie but equally comforting. Many people associate them with home baking and family traditions.

How do you make old fashioned pumpkin bars moist?

The key to making these old fashioned pumpkin bars moist is using vegetable oil, which stays liquid at room temperature, and not overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture. Also, ensuring you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling is crucial for the right moisture and flavor balance. For more on baking ingredients, see barley.

What’s the difference between old fashioned pumpkin bars and pumpkin cake?

While similar, the main difference often lies in texture and frosting. Pumpkin bars are typically baked in a sheet pan and frosted on top, creating a denser, cake-like bar. Pumpkin cake can vary greatly but might be baked as a layer cake or bundt cake, and the frosting might be incorporated differently or be a different style altogether. This traditional pumpkin bar recipe focuses on that distinct bar form.

Can I make old fashioned pumpkin bars vegan?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan! You’ll need to substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer, and use a dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative for the frosting. It’s a great way to enjoy these delicious bars if you have dietary restrictions. You might also enjoy our mediterranean chickpea salad for a lighter option.

Variations of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to jazz up these delightful bars. These variations ensure you can always find a new favorite way to enjoy this beloved fall treat, making them even more versatile for any occasion. They’re perfect for experimenting!

• Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, fold 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. Sprinkle a few extra on top of the frosting for that signature touch in old fashioned pumpkin bars with pecans.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Easily make these bars vegan by swapping the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and using dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting.
• Spiced Up: If you love extra warmth, increase the cinnamon to 1.5 teaspoons and add a pinch of ground ginger to the spice blend. This creates even more intensely spiced pumpkin bars.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one with xanthan gum) for the all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious! For more gluten-free ideas, consider our pistachio pavlova.

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