Description
These Pumpkin Bars with Old-Fashioned Caramel Frosting combine the warm spices of fall with a rich, buttery caramel frosting for a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Bar Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup firm butter (unsalted recommended)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 4 eggs, 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Then, add 1/2 cup melted butter as the last step and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into a greased 10 1/2 by 16 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched, indicating it is fully baked.
- Prepare the Caramel Frosting: While the bars bake, start the frosting. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup firm butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it boil gently for two minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Milk and Powdered Sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat, then add 1/4 cup milk and bring back to a boil once more. After it boils again, remove from heat and immediately whisk in 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely in the pan, pour the caramel frosting evenly over the top. Since the frosting sets very quickly, pour it smoothly and evenly without attempting to spread it with a spatula.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin bars have cooled fully before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Use unsalted butter for better control of the frosting’s saltiness.
- The frosting sets very fast, so pour gently and evenly for a smooth finish.
- For a spicier cake, consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the bar batter.
- Store leftover pumpkin bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin Bars, Caramel Frosting, Fall Dessert, Spiced Pumpkin Cake, Old-Fashioned Frosting
