Pat'S Pumpkin Bars
Moist, spiced pumpkin bars with a tender crumb, perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat. Rich pumpkin flavor complemented by cinnamon and pumpkin spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients well until smooth.
- Grease a jelly roll pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute it with additional cinnamon and nutmeg. For a lighter version, you can use applesauce instead of oil. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or drizzle with caramel sauce. They make a great dessert for gatherings, especially alongside Green Cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Pumpkin Bars contains roughly 776 calories, with 17g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2392mg per serving (104% 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 fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure to cook and puree it first to achieve the right consistency. One medium pumpkin typically yields about 2 cups of puree, which is perfect for this recipe.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free pumpkin bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For additional flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries to the batter. A dash of vanilla extract can also enhance the overall taste of the bars.
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).