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Chewy Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Chewy Pumpkin Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

These Chewy Pumpkin Bars are a delightful fall treat featuring a moist, fluffy texture complemented by a cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for autumn gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert combines pumpkin puree with warm spices and a tender crumb, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup soft brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup smooth pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup melted butter

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for sprinkling
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, soft brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, powdered ginger, ground nutmeg, and cream of tartar, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just blended. Do not overmix to keep the bars tender and chewy.
  5. Top: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the batter for a sweet and spicy crust.
  6. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For an extra gooey texture, consider slightly underbaking them and letting them set as they cool.

Notes

  • For best results, avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a chewy texture.
  • Slightly underbaking the bars yields a moist, gooey center that is very satisfying.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Use canned pumpkin puree if fresh pumpkin is unavailable; avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
  • Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, chewy pumpkin bars, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, cinnamon sugar crust, autumn treats

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/chewy-pumpkin-bars-recipe/