Pumpkin-Spice Bars
Pumpkin-Spice Bars are moist, flavorful treats that blend the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the rich sweetness of pumpkin and raisins. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy snack, they offer a delightful combination of spice and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Beat eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin together until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves.
- Mix in raisins and chopped nuts (if using). Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake until light brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars measuring approximately 2 x 1.5 inches and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce for a healthier twist. Ensure the pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the bars. If you don't have ground cloves, you can omit them or use allspice as a substitute for a similar taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious pumpkin-spice bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for fall gatherings. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Creamy Potato Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled pumpkin-spice bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them where they can last up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold. They are perfect for snacking or dessert any time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin-Spice Bars contains roughly 132 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 689mg per serving (30% 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 make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan pumpkin-spice bars by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. Additionally, you can replace the vegetable oil with a neutral plant-based oil.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots. Each option will add a different flavor profile while keeping the bars delicious. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The pumpkin-spice bars are done when they are light brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them after about 25 minutes of baking, as oven times may vary. Avoid overbaking to ensure they remain moist and tender.
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).