Jacque'S Favorite Pumpkin Bars
Moist, flavorful pumpkin bars with warm spices, perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat. They combine pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix eggs, oil, sugar, and pumpkin in a large bowl.
- Sift dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix well.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 15 x 10-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool the bars and frost if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar to 1 1/2 cups. You can also substitute half of the salad oil with applesauce for a healthier option. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin bars are delightful served plain or topped with cream cheese frosting. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans or chocolate shavings. They make a perfect dessert alongside coffee or tea, just like Grandma'S Sweet Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jacque'S Favorite Pumpkin Bars contains roughly 232 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it's pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).