Pilgram Pumpkin Bars And Frosting
Sweet pumpkin bars with a spiced frosting, combining rich pumpkin flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and crunchy nuts, perfect for fall gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup canned pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.
- Beat together eggs, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup sugar, vegetable oil, and canned pumpkin.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir well.
- Fold in raisins and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat together margarine, vanilla, powdered sugar, and hot water until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin cake.
- Cut into bars and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense pumpkin flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. You can also substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, increase the powdered sugar to taste. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimum rise.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin bars are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of spiced chai or coffee, making them a perfect addition to any fall gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pilgram Pumpkin Bars And Frosting contains roughly 464 calories, with 1g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1095mg per serving (48% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser. For best results, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a light texture.
What can I substitute for margarine in the frosting?
You can use unsalted butter instead of margarine for the frosting. It will add a richer flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can also work well.
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. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).