The Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Bars are a delightful fall treat that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices in a soft, moist bar topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. These pumpkin bars are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon snacks, and they’re easy to make with simple ingredients.

What Are Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars?

Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars are a soft, cake-like dessert made with pureed pumpkin, warm fall spices, and a moist batter that bakes into tender bars. They’re topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, adding the perfect balance of tangy sweetness to complement the spiced pumpkin flavor. These bars are easy to slice, making them a great option for parties or family gatherings.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and a moist batter creates perfectly soft and flavorful bars.
Easy to Make: With basic ingredients and simple instructions, these bars are easy to whip up for any occasion.
Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make this the perfect fall or holiday treat.

Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are great for serving at gatherings, potlucks, or just as a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars

For the Pumpkin Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil
1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree

4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease the pan: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Beat the sugar and oil: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the vegetable oil and sugar until smooth and well combined.

Add the eggs and pumpkin: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown and spring back when touched.
Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If needed, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Pumpkin Bars

Spread the frosting: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Slice and serve: Slice the pumpkin bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

What Goes Well with Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars

Coffee or Tea: Serve these bars with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars even more indulgent.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra richness.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use canned pumpkin: For the best texture, use canned pumpkin puree rather than fresh pumpkin. Make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, as that contains added spices and sugar.
Let the bars cool completely: Make sure the bars are fully cooled before frosting, or the cream cheese frosting may melt and become runny.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars

Spiced Pumpkin Bars: Add extra spices like cloves, allspice, or a pinch of cardamom for a more intense flavor.
Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, chocolaty twist.

Storing Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store the frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for later: You can freeze the unfrosted bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars: Best Practices

Serve chilled or at room temperature: These bars are delicious served chilled from the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Microwave option: For a warm treat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars Healthier?

To make this recipe lighter, consider the following adjustments:

Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Reduce sugar: Cut back the sugar to 1 ¼ cups for a less sweet version.
Lower fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese in the frosting to lower the fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 320

Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 220mg

Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g

FAQs

Can I freeze pumpkin bars?

Yes, pumpkin bars can be frozen. Freeze the unfrosted bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

How do I keep pumpkin bars from being too dense?

To avoid dense pumpkin bars, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a heavier texture. Also, make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to ensure proper rising.

Can I make pumpkin bars without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can make pumpkin bars without cream cheese frosting. They can be enjoyed plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter topping.

What type of pumpkin should I use for pumpkin bars?

Use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe. Make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, as that contains added sugar and spices. Canned pumpkin puree provides the best texture and flavor for the bars.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With their moist pumpkin base and creamy cream cheese frosting, they are the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or part of a holiday spread, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

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