Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are the best ever! These moist and lightly spiced treats make for a perfect addition to your fall baking list. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating Thanksgiving, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these bars are sure to impress. Their unique blend of spices and creamy icing will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious pumpkin bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea!
• Cream Cheese Icing: The rich icing adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates these bars to something truly special.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, they’re great for parties, bake sales, or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment helps ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve a smooth batter.
• Baking dish (9×13 inches): The right size ensures even baking and proper texture for your pumpkin bars.
• Sifter: Sifting flour helps eliminate lumps and aerates the dry ingredients for better mixing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars:

For the Bars

• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 oz. can pumpkin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 8 oz. package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then set it aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, or using an electric mixer with a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture:
1. Mix at low speed until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
2. Test the center using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, they may need an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

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

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Icing

To prepare icing:
1. Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on medium speed until combined.
3. Add in the vanilla extract, then mix on high for about one minute until creamy.

Step 9: Frosting and Serving

Spread or pipe the cream cheese icing onto cooled pumpkin bars:
1. Cut into squares or use a piping bag for decorative rosettes if desired.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars!

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, these bars pair wonderfully with different accompaniments.

Pair with a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these pumpkin bars alongside a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top your pumpkin bars with a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness and creaminess. This simple addition elevates the dessert experience.

Serve with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delicious contrast to the moist bars. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm pumpkin bars for a heavenly combination.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. The sweet and buttery flavor of caramel pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness. This enhances both texture and flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

To ensure your Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour helps prevent clumps and ensures an even consistency in your batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your bars light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the bars are done baking. It should come out clean from the center.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool fully before adding icing. This prevents the frosting from melting into the bars.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

When serving Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors.

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm glass of spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin flavors perfectly, making it a great fall beverage choice.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses such as brie or sharp cheddar adds a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bars.

3. Pecan Pie Bites
   These mini desserts offer another layered flavor profile while still keeping with the fall theme.

4. Sweet Potato Mash
   Creamy sweet potato mash provides a comforting side dish that echoes the flavors found in pumpkin desserts.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts offers a nice contrast to the sweet pumpkin bars, making for an interesting pairing.

6. Caramelized Pear Salad
   A fresh salad topped with caramelized pears adds brightness and sweetness that complements Paula Deen’s recipe nicely.

7. Maple Syrup Drizzled Yogurt
   Serve creamy yogurt drizzled with maple syrup as a refreshing side that enhances the dish’s seasonal flavors.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies
   For those who love variety, chocolate chip cookies provide another sweet treat to enjoy alongside your pumpkin bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Using cold eggs – Cold eggs can affect the batter’s texture. Always use room temperature eggs for a smooth mix.
• Skipping the sifting step – Not sifting flour can lead to clumpy batter. Sift all dry ingredients to achieve a light and airy texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make your pumpkin bars dense. Mix just until combined for a moist and fluffy result.
• Not checking doneness – Relying solely on baking time might lead to undercooked bars. Always test with a toothpick for doneness.
• Frosting too soon – Frosting warm bars can cause the icing to melt. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual pieces on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars that may help you with your baking adventure.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

You can use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just ensure it’s thick enough.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour works well in this recipe.

What is the best way to store Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips enhances flavor and texture.

How long do these pumpkin bars last?

When stored properly, they stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months frozen.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or extra spices based on your taste. Try this recipe this fall, and enjoy every bite with friends and family!