There are few things that capture the essence of autumn quite like the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin baking in the oven. These Paula Deen pumpkin bars are the epitome of fall comfort food. They are incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that will have everyone reaching for a second piece. This recipe is wonderfully simple to follow, making it a perfect treat for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Inspired by the queen of Southern cooking, this recipe delivers a decadent dessert that’s ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee. You’ll love how the rich pumpkin flavor melds with the classic cream cheese frosting for a truly unforgettable treat.
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The pumpkin puree ensures these bars have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives these bars their signature autumn flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, this is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is accessible for everyone.
Ingredients for the Best Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Using room temperature eggs and butter will help everything mix together smoothly for the perfect texture.
For the Pumpkin Bars
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the bars.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a tender crumb.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bars rise.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Ginger: The classic pumpkin spice trio.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Large Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds incredible moisture.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best results, softened to room temperature.
- Unsalted Butter: Also softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious pumpkin bars you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is all about simple techniques for maximum flavor.
Making the Pumpkin Bars
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan. This preparation is key to preventing the bars from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil until they are well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting them. A warm cake will melt the frosting.
Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until they are light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assembling and Chilling
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Chill and Serve: For the best results and cleanest cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the frosting to set up perfectly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the frosting, softened cream cheese and butter are essential for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Cool Completely: I can’t stress this enough! The bars must be 100% cool before frosting. Patience is key for a beautiful final product.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bars at the 25-minute mark. The toothpick test is the most reliable way to know they’re done. For an even more indulgent dessert, try our crème brûlée cheesecake cupcakes.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to get creative!
- Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can be stirred into the batter or sprinkled over the frosting for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Brown Butter Frosting: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the cream cheese. If you love maple, you might also enjoy these homemade maple donut bars.
Storing Your Pumpkin Bars
Because of the cream cheese frosting, these Paula Deen pumpkin bars must be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze them! For best results, freeze the bars unfrosted. Wrap the cooled slab tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
Absolutely! For best results, freeze the bars without the frosting. Wrap the cooled slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Ensure it has a similar consistency to canned puree. If it’s too watery, you may need to blot it with paper towels to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
Due to the cream cheese frosting, you must store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
The key to moist pumpkin bars is the combination of pumpkin puree and oil. These ingredients add a significant amount of moisture and fat, resulting in a very tender and soft crumb.
Runny frosting is usually caused by using cream cheese from a tub (which has more water) instead of block-style cream cheese, or by using butter and cream cheese that are too soft. Make sure they are at room temperature but not overly warm.
More Fall Desserts You’ll Love
If you’re in the mood for more cozy autumn baking, you won’t want to miss our Pioneer Woman apple crisp or these delicious and healthy pumpkin muffins. They are both perfect for the season!
Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars (The Perfect Fall Treat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add the vanilla and beat on medium-high until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
Tip 2: For extra clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
Tip 3: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this Paula Deen pumpkin bars recipe as much as we do! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to see your creations on Pinterest!
