Delicious Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars Falls MustTry Treat

As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crispness that signals the arrival of fall, few things evoke the spirit of the season quite like freshly baked pumpkin treats. Imagine cozy gatherings with loved ones, warm drinks in hand, and the sweet aroma of spices wafting through the air. This is where the Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars come into play—perfect for those chilly evenings spent by the fire or as a festive addition to your holiday table.

This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s love for pumpkin desserts. Every autumn, she would whip up her signature pumpkin bars topped with a crunchy pecan praline, creating a delightful marriage of flavors and textures. These Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars carry forward that tradition, offering not only the comforting taste of pumpkin and spices but also the sweet nutty crunch that makes each bite a memorable experience. What makes these bars truly special is their irresistible softness, indulgent sweetness, and ease of preparation—a perfect way to embrace the season and share warm moments with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars are more than just a dessert; they are an experience encapsulated in every bite. Here’s why you will love making—and sharing—this recipe:

• Deliciously Soft Texture: These bars have a cake-like softness that melts in your mouth, making them an instant favorite.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the pumpkin is beautifully complemented by a rich praline topping, creating a harmonious balance that is hard to resist.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly option for a delightful treat.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy family dessert, or an afternoon snack, these bars are versatile for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delicious Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: This creamy base adds natural sweetness and moisture, imparting that lovely pumpkin flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar enhances sweetness, balancing out the spices and pumpkin’s natural flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter lends richness and depth, contributing to the soft texture that makes these bars so delectable.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the bars, creating that delightful soft and cake-like mouthfeel.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle aromatic sweetness.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour is essential for structure; it binds everything together to achieve that perfect bar consistency.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This leavener helps the bars rise, ensuring they are fluffy instead of dense.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this spice mix provides that quintessential autumn flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.

Optional Additions

If you want to customize your Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars, consider these variations:

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
• If you enjoy a hint of chocolate, try folding in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious twist.

Special Garnishes

Finishing touches can elevate these bars even further. Here are some suggestions:

• Top with whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delightful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars is straightforward! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Pour into the pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
6. Make the praline topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of butter. Stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans.
7. Top with praline: Carefully pour the praline mixture over the pumpkin batter, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges may slightly pull away from the pan.
9. Cool before serving: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Serving and Storage Tips

These Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars are best served fresh but can keep for several days under the right conditions:

• Serving: Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars turn out perfectly:

• Use quality pumpkin puree: For the best flavor, opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pie filling, which can be overly sweet.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, and nobody wants that!
• Experiment with spices: If you love spiced treats, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your liking by increasing the amount of pumpkin pie spice or adding cardamom.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about 1 cup of pureed fresh pumpkin.

What can I substitute for nuts in the recipe?

If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, feel free to leave the nuts out entirely. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or chocolate chips for a delightful variation.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes! These bars store well and can be made a few days in advance. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze the Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Conclusion

Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars are not just another recipe; they embody the warmth and comfort of autumn and the beauty of tradition. With their luscious pumpkin flavor, rich praline topping, and soft texture, they are sure to charm anyone who tries them. I invite you to share your own experiences or any creative adaptations in the comments below. Remember, this recipe is not just about the food; it’s about creating memories with those you love. So, gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some deliciousness that will surely leave a lasting impression on your family and friends!

Delicious Soft Pumpkin Praline Bars Falls MustTry Treat

Print Recipe

Indulge in Falls musttry treat These delicious soft pumpkin praline bars offer a perfect blend of flavors in every bite Experience the delight

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar for praline topping

1/2 cup heavy cream for praline topping

1/4 cup butter for praline topping

1 cup chopped pecans for praline topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

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

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter for the praline topping. Stir until it comes to a gentle boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in chopped pecans.

Pour the praline mixture over the pumpkin batter, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

• Author: souzanfood
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: Pumpkin Praline Bars, Pumpkin Dessert, Fall Recipes