Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

ByDeShawn Ellis
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
SPREAD LOVE

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Fall isn’t just about the leaves changing colors; it’s about the wonderful flavors that come alive when the temperature drops. One dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season is Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars. With their moist texture and rich flavor, these treats are bursting with the warm spices of autumn, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or comfort food craving. Perfectly complemented by cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to become a tradition in your home.

Why Make This Recipe

  • Bold Flavors: Infused with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these bars might just become your new fall favorite.
  • Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even kitchen novices can whip up a batch.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy night in with friends.

What sets Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars apart is their ability to evoke nostalgia and warmth, making them perfect for family gatherings or solo indulging. You won’t just enjoy delicious bars; you’ll create lasting memories.

Easy Method for Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until well combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  8. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
  9. Once the bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
  10. Cut into squares and serve!

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Keeping Pumpkin Bars Fresh

To enjoy your delicious pumpkin bars even days later, follow these simple storage tips:

  • Room Temperature: Store for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerator: They can last up to a week when refrigerated.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the bars for 2-3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Bars

  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Pair with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance those cozy fall vibes.
  • Top with candied pecans for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Bars

  • Use fresh pumpkin: If you have the time, consider using homemade pumpkin puree for a fresher taste.
  • Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to add more spices if you love that kick of flavor.
  • Don’t overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter; this can lead to denser bars.

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option that retains the delicious flavor.
  • Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin to use in this recipe. Just be sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Q: How can I keep the bars moist?
A: Make sure to watch the baking time closely; over-baking can lead to dry bars. Additionally, using oil contributes to their moist texture.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?

  • Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a delicious addition.
  • You can also swirl some into the cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

With their irresistible flavor and delightful frosting, Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate fall treat. Whether you bake them to share or keep all for yourself, they are sure to warm your heart and home! Enjoy this recipe as a cherished family tradition, and let each bite remind you of the joys of the season. Happy baking!

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Moist and rich pumpkin bars infused with warm spices, complemented by a cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until well combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  8. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
  9. Once the bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
  10. Cut into squares and serve!

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Freeze bars for 2-3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, Paula Deen recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hey, I’m DeShawn Ellis—friends call me D. I’m 42 years old, born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and now I’m holding it down in Atlanta, Georgia, where I run a soul food kitchen that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the food. Cooking isn’t just what I do it’s who I am. It’s how I honor where I come from, and how I speak love into the world.

My earliest memories are in my grandma’s kitchen barefoot on a step stool, stirring roux while she told me stories about her own mama, who used to cook for church fish fries back in the ’50s. That kitchen was my school. That woman was my first chef. She never measured a thing, but everything came out perfect. She taught me that food could heal, could gather people, could celebrate and comfort at the same time.

I didn’t come up through culinary school I came up through Sunday dinners, community cookouts, and elbow grease. I worked every back-of-house job you can think of, from janitor to pitmaster. Over time, I built my own rhythm in the kitchen deeply rooted in Southern Black tradition but open to everything. My oxtails have a splash of Caribbean heat. My collards might get kissed with smoked paprika and a dash of coconut vinegar. And yeah, I’ll put Cajun spice on anything that holds still long enough.

What drives me most is making food that feels like a hug from home. I want folks to taste a dish and remember their auntie's kitchen, or a summer evening on the porch, or that one bite that made them feel seen. But I also want to evolve because our food, our culture, is not stuck in the past. It’s growing, remixing, finding new voices. I’m proud to be one of them.

I cook for people who love food with a story behind it. You don’t need fancy tools or a French accent to make magic you just need heart, hustle, and a little bit of fire. If you’ve ever cooked with love, failed with style, or fed someone just to see them smile, then we’re already family.

Welcome to my kitchen. Let’s build something beautiful one bite at a time.

MORE RECIPES

homemade peach butter

Homemade Peach Butter Swim Biscuits: A Sweet, Southern-Inspired Treat

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEhomemade peach butter : if you’re a fan of buttery biscuits and juicy peaches, then this delightful fusion of the two will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Homemade Peach Butter Swim Biscuits bring together the richness of butter-soaked dough and the comforting sweetness of peaches and cinnamon. Whether you’re craving a cozy…

Delicious Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with a rich chocolate base and jam filling.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

ByCole Matthews
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEChocolate Thumbprint Cookies Sweet, chocolatey, and irresistibly charming, Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their rich cocoa base and luscious filling, these cookies are bound to bring smiles to everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, an afternoon tea, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies offer…

Christmas Pavlova Trifle with layers of meringue, cream, and berries

Christmas Pavlova Trifle

ByCole Matthews
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEWhy Make This Recipe Christmas Pavlova Trifle is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any festive table. It combines the lightness of pavlova with rich whipped cream, smooth custard, and fresh berries. This trifle makes for an eye-catching dessert that looks beautiful and tastes amazing. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends…

pumpkin bundt cake

Easy pumpkin bundt cake

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEThe rich aroma of autumn spices fills the air as you slice into this easy pumpkin bundt cake. With its moist perfection, you’re reminded of cozy gatherings with loved ones and the simple joys of seasonal baking. This easy pumpkin bundt cake is not just another dessert; it’s a heartfelt invitation to savor cherished…