Decadent Praline Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

As the leaves start to turn and the air crispens, there’s something undeniably comforting about baking with pumpkin. Praline Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are the perfect treat for cozy evenings spent gathered around the table, welcoming the flavors of fall into your home. This delightful recipe is inspired by traditional pumpkin desserts but gives them a unique twist with the addition of crunchy praline topping. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert yet special enough to be served during festive gatherings.

What makes these pumpkin bars shine is their moist, tender crumb paired with the rich, creamy sweetness of the brown sugar frosting. They offer a luscious blend of flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia—all while being easy to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these bars promise to create delightful moments and memorable experiences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe. First and foremost, the combination of pumpkin and praline is a match made in dessert heaven. The pumpkin offers a smooth, creamy texture while the praline adds a satisfying crunch and a caramelized flavor that you won’t be able to resist. Additionally, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort for a fantastic outcome. It’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Moreover, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a delightful dessert after a holiday meal, or they can double as a sweet treat with your morning coffee. The brown sugar frosting is creamy yet not overly sweet, balancing perfectly with the spiced pumpkin base. Each bite is a celebration of fall, making them an essential addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree: This is the star of the dish, providing moisture and a natural sweetness that complements the spices.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the structure of the bars, the flour helps give them a sturdy base.
• 1 cup brown sugar: This sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that enriches the bars significantly.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the richness of brown sugar and helps to achieve a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs provide moisture and stability, binding all the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, making it more aromatic.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent is crucial for the bars to rise and maintain a light texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a familiar fall aroma that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This spice adds depth and a hint of earthiness to the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and enhances the overall taste of the bars.

Optional Additions

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: For those who enjoy an extra crunch, adding chopped nuts creates a lovely texture contrast in the bars.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: If you want a spicier kick, this mix can replace the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips: A handful of chocolate chips can add richness and a delightful surprise in each bite.

Special Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds lightness, perfect for serving with warm bars.
• Crushed praline: A sprinkle of crushed praline on the frosting will elevate the presentation and provide an extra crunch.
• Fresh mint leaves: For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, top with small mint leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this simple guide to crafting your Praline Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting.

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, both sugars, and eggs until well combined and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add optional ingredients: If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.
6. Pour into the pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool in the pan.
8. Make the frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the brown sugar frosting. In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of milk until combined. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
9. Add sugar: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
10. Frost the bars: Once the pumpkin bars have completely cooled, spread the brown sugar frosting over the top and finish with any garnishes you prefer.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Praline Pumpkin Bars are best served fresh, but they can be stored for later to relive the delightful experience. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you want to enjoy them cold or room temperature, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag.

Helpful Tips

To make sure your pumpkin bars turn out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips:

• Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor of your bars.
• For a fluffier result, make sure to whisk the eggs until they’re light and frothy before incorporating them into the mixture.
• If you want to reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the sugars a bit without hindering the overall texture and flavor. Just be prepared for slightly less sweetness.
• As with most baked goods, avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light and tender crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, make sure to steam or roast it and puree it until smooth before using it in your recipe. Just ensure the excess water content is removed, which can potentially affect the texture of your bars.

What can I substitute for the brown sugar frosting?

If brown sugar frosting isn’t your thing, consider making a simple cream cheese frosting or a vanilla buttercream for a different flavor profile. Both will pair nicely with the pumpkin base!

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Yes, these pumpkin bars freeze very well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Certainly! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious pumpkin bars without the gluten.

Conclusion

With their irresistible combination of spiced pumpkin and sweet brown sugar frosting, Praline Pumpkin Bars are a treat that captures the essence of fall. They’re not just a dessert but a delightful experience crafted to create cherished memories with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for yourself or bringing a sweet treat to a gathering, these bars are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Don’t forget to share your baking experiences, adaptations, or favorite ways to enjoy these bars in the comments below! Get ready to make some delicious memories!

Decadent Praline Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Print Recipe

Indulge in decadent Praline Pumpkin Bars topped with rich brown sugar frosting Perfect for fall treats and gatherings Bake your delight today

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Optional: 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, both sugars, and eggs until smooth. Add the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fold in any optional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.

For the frosting, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and cool slightly.

Whisk in powdered sugar until creamy.

Frost the cooled bars and add garnishes as desired.

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

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 25 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 3 grams

Keywords: pumpkin bars, praline, brown sugar frosting, fall dessert, autumn treats