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Homemade pumpkin bars drizzled with caramel frosting on a rustic wood background

Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Caramel Frosting

These delightful homemade pumpkin bars are incredibly moist and spiced to perfection, topped with a rich, creamy caramel frosting. They're an ideal treat for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting dessert.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Bars
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp Ground ginger
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 4 Large eggs
  • 1 15 oz can Canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Caramel Frosting
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup Brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup Milk
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 15x10 inch baking pan
  • Wire rack
  • Medium saucepan
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula or knife

Method
 

Pumpkin Bars
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10 inch baking pan for the bars.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the wet ingredients: eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined; avoid overmixing the batter.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
  6. Allow the baked pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to frost them.
Caramel Frosting
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly for 1 minute before removing from heat.
  2. Stir in vanilla extract and let the caramel mixture cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting becomes smooth and attains a creamy consistency.
  4. Spread the prepared caramel frosting evenly over the completely cooled pumpkin bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans or a dash of sea salt before the frosting sets.