Pilgrim Pumpkin Bars
Sweet pumpkin bars with raisins and nuts feature warm spices and moist texture, perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting treat for pumpkin lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup canned pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 cup all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.
- Beat together eggs, brown sugar, sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir well.
- Fold in raisins or chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 34 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool. Spread with frosting if desired.
- Cut into 1 by 3 inch bars and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with applesauce. If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the sugar by an additional 1/4 cup. You can also add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth. For a variation, try using chocolate chips instead of raisins, which pairs beautifully with Milk Chocolate Popcorn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful pumpkin bars as a dessert or snack alongside your favorite autumn beverages, like spiced cider or coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of Betty'S Butter Pecan Ice Cream for a decadent treat. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or a light glaze.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pilgrim Pumpkin Bars contains roughly 92 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 566mg per serving (25% 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 pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but you'll need to cook and puree it first. Make sure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bars. About 1 1/4 cups of fresh pumpkin puree should replace 1 cup of canned pumpkin.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan option?
For a vegan version, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, or use 1/4 cup of applesauce to replace each egg for moisture and binding.
How can I make these bars more festive for holiday gatherings?
Add holiday spices like cloves or allspice to the batter for a festive twist. You can also top them with a cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture and flavor during gatherings.
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).