Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Recipe Pin

I have baked about fifty cakes and bars for holidays and special occasions, and Paula Deen Pumpkin Bar has always been everyone’s favorite dessert. Enjoying the warmth and coziness of these phenomenal pumpkin bars satisfy my cravings. I can’t wait to share the recipe, which is so simple and delicious.

I came across this recipe a few years ago during one of those picture-perfect fall weekends. I was hosting a small family get-together and wanted something that would perfectly capture the joy of the season. After reading such positive reviews, I eventually decided to try Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars.

As soon as I mixed the ingredients, my kitchen was filled with that irresistible pumpkin spice aroma; pure magic! From that day until now, these bars have been my go-to recipe whenever I am hosting a family gathering, craving a homemade treat, or just want to fill my kitchen with that tempting pumpkin aroma.

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are easy to make and incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and eggs. The ultimate highlight of this recipe is the rich cream cheese frosting that adds a sweet, tangy finish to each bite.

I promise you’ll find it challenging to stop at just one, and hopefully, you will have as much fun making them as I do. So, let’s get into cooking and start your day with this delightful recipe. Happy baking!

What's In The Post

Equipments Required

Oven: I suggest using the oven to bake the pumpkin bars.
Baking Pan: To bake the pumpkin bar, I prefer to pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
Mixer: I use an electric mixer to beat the pumpkin and dry ingredients.
Spatula: A silicone or wooden spatula works best.
Bowl: To combine all of the ingredients, you should have a large bowl.
Knife: To cut pumpkin bars in shape, use a sharp knife.

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients mentioned in this recipe are enough to make ten portions of Paula Deen’s pumpkin bars. If you want to make more or less, you will have to adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.

4 Eggs
1⅔ Cups Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a replacement.
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
15 Oz Pumpkin Puree: I suggest using homemade pumpkin puree if canned is unavailable.
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: Consider using allspice or pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
8 Ounces Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup Butter: Olive oil or vegetable oil are the perfect substitutes.
2 Cups Confectioners Sugar: Powdered sugar mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch can work as a substitute.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: When vanilla extract is unavailable, I use almond extract as a replacement.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	30 Minutes	40 Minutes

How To Make Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars At Home

Take a bowl and add eggs and sugar to it.
Then add the pumpkin to the bowl and mix.
Now, add olive oil.
Next, add the all-purpose flour.
Sprinkle salt and ground cinnamon in the batter and mix well.
You can now add baking powder and baking soda and mix well to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
Meanwhile, grease the baking pan with butter and pour the prepared batter into it.
Furthermore, for the icing, combine butter with cream cheese and beat until smooth.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the prepared batter for thirty minutes. However, check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick after 25 minutes.
Add the confectioner’s sugar to the icing and mix at low speed until combined.
Add vanilla extract to the frosting mix.
Now, combine all the ingredients gently to make a smooth cream cheese frosting.
Spread the cream cheese frosting on the cooled cake to prepare your pumpkin bars.
Your Paula Deen pumpkin bars are finally ready to cut and serve.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I prefer a denser texture, so I reduce the amount of oil slightly. For a lighter texture, increase the oil or add a small amount of yogurt or applesauce for moisture.
Before baking, I like to swirl melted chocolate or chocolate sauce into the pumpkin bar batter to create a marbled effect. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the chocolate through the batter for a visually appealing and decadent twist.
Another good tip is to drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the cooled bars for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin flavor combination.

FAQs About Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

What can you do if your Pumpkin Bars turn out too dry?

If your pumpkin bars turn out too dry, you can add moisture by brushing them with a simple syrup or lightly spraying them with water. To avoid overbaking, check for doneness a few minutes beforehand. Adjusting the baking time can help achieve the right texture.

How can you make sure the Pumpkin Bars bake evenly?

Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and use the middle rack for even baking. Rotate the pan halfway through baking. Spread the batter evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking.

How can you achieve a more tender texture in Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars?

To achieve a more tender texture, avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop the gluten and make the bars dense. Also, you should ensure that the wet and dry ingredients are well-balanced. Adding an extra egg yolk or a bit of sour cream can help improve moisture and tenderness.

How can you incorporate spices into the Pumpkin Bars without overpowering the flavor?

To incorporate spices without overpowering the flavor, start with the recommended amounts and adjust gradually. You should balance adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves with the pumpkin flavor. Taste the batter and adjust as needed, but be cautious with strong spice.

Why do your bars have a dense or heavy texture?

If the bars appear dense, it may be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined and measure your flour correctly, ideally using a kitchen scale for accuracy. You can also try adding a bit of baking powder to lighten the texture.

Can you add a layer of cream cheese filling inside the Pumpkin Bars?

Yes, you can add a layer of cream cheese filling by spreading a portion of the mixture over the batter before baking. To create a marbled effect, swirl it gently with a knife. Bake as usual, and adjust the baking time if needed.

How can you prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

To prevent frosting from becoming too runny, always ensure that your butter or cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If the frosting does become too runny, you can thicken it by gradually adding more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable texture.

What can you do if the batter is too thick or too thin?

If your batter is too thick, gradually incorporate a small amount of liquid, such as milk or water, while mixing until it reaches a smoother consistency. Similarly, if the batter is too thin, add more dry ingredients like flour or oats, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens to the desired consistency. Adjusting the batter’s thickness ensures your baked goods will have the proper texture and structure when finished.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a tasty and healthy dessert. However, due to the high amount of calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sugar, it is best to enjoy this dessert in moderation or occasionally.

Have a look at the exact nutritional values for one portion of these bars in the table below.

Calories	628 kcal
Carbohydrates	81 g
Protein	7 g
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	7 g
Monounsaturated Fat	17 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	88 mg
Sodium	525 mg
Potassium	228 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	59 g
Vitamin A	4020 IU
Vitamin C	4 mg
Calcium	92 mg
Iron	2 mg

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are unsuitable for vegetarian and vegan diets because they contain eggs and dairy products. Due to their flour-based preparation, they are also unsuitable for gluten-free diets.

Additionally, their high carbohydrate content makes them incompatible with a keto diet. For specific dietary needs, ingredient substitutions and adjustments would be required.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Keto Diet: To adapt to a keto diet, I suggest replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, which are lower in carbohydrates. Also, use low-carb sweeteners instead of regular white sugar.
Vegan Diet: For a vegan diet, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia seeds. Use coconut oil, vegan butter, or applesauce instead of regular butter. Also, use plant-based milk, non-dairy yogurt, or cream cheese.
Gluten-Free Diet: I prefer to use gluten-free all-purpose or almond flour instead of regular flour. Additionally, I ensure all other ingredients, including baking powder and spices, are gluten-free.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing:

In The Refrigerator: For more extended storage, store the Paula Deen’s pumpkin bars in the refrigerator. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I love pairing Paula Deen’s pumpkin bars with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor. These complementary additions make the pumpkin bars even more enjoyable.

Raspberry Sauce: A drizzle of raspberry sauce adds a tangy contrast to my pumpkin bars.
Vanilla Ice Cream: This is my all-time favorite, and I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Coffee and Tea: I typically pair my bars with a cup of coffee or tea, which is perfect for a satisfying evening snack.
Caramel Sauce: I also love drizzling the bars with caramel sauce for added sweetness and a touch of decadence.
Apple Slices: I love the idea of adding fresh or lightly spiced apple slices to create a crisp, fruity element.
Swirled Cheesecake: For a decadent fusion of pumpkin and cheesecake flavors, top the bars with a cheesecake swirl.
Toast Coconut: I also consider sprinkling with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch and a bit of crunch.
Gingerbread Crumb: Add crushed gingerbread cookies or crumbs for a spicy, festive flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.

Printable Version

More Paula Deen Recipes You Can Try

Cinnamon Roll Close Up Look — Paula Deen Cinnamon Roll

Baked Paula Deen Banana Bread — Paula Deen Cinnamon Roll

Conclusion

As I wrap up this Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars recipe article, I encourage you to savor the process of baking these delightful treats. Every step, from the rich, spiced pumpkin flavor to the warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen, aims to create a memorable and delicious dessert.

Baking these bars is more than just a culinary experience; it’s about celebrating the natural flavors of pumpkin paired with decadent cream cheese icing. These bars are also ideal for cozy family gatherings and romantic evenings, so you must try them at home.

Lastly, your feedback is incredibly valuable, so please share your thoughts in the comments below when you make these bars. We always appreciate your insights and experiences with the recipe, as they help improve this baker community!