Pumpkin Bars I

Pumpkin Bars I Recipe - A Delicious Treat from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

Pumpkin bars are a delicious and seasonal treat that are perfect for autumn gatherings or as a sweet snack. These bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with warm spices that will remind you of the cozy flavors of fall.

History

Pumpkin bars have been a popular dessert in American cuisine for many years, especially during the fall season. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and nuts creates a comforting and satisfying treat that is loved by many.

Ingredients

0.33 cup sugar
0.5 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup canned or cooked pumpkin
1.5 cups whole wheat flour
3 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground cloves
0.5 cup orange juice
0.5 cup chopped walnuts
0.5 cup raisins (dark or golden)
0.25 cup coconut

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, oil, egg, and pumpkin until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and orange juice.
Add the walnuts and raisins to the mixture.
Stir well to blend all the ingredients together.
Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled 9 by 13 inch baking pan.
Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the top of the mixture.
Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
Cut the baked mixture into bars before serving.

Variations

Add in chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra sweetness and texture.
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use canned or cooked pumpkin puree for this recipe, as fresh pumpkin may not yield the same results.

- Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough texture.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pumpkin bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the pumpkin bars at a lower temperature for a longer time helps to ensure that they cook evenly and stay moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if desired. Additionally, you can use different nuts or dried fruits in place of the walnuts and raisins.

Make Ahead Tips

These pumpkin bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle some powdered sugar or cinnamon on top of the bars before serving for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy these pumpkin bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pumpkin bars contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pumpkin bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pumpkin bars contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of pumpkin bars contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin bars are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Pumpkin bars are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good amount of essential nutrients.

Summary

Pumpkin bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet snack. With warm spices, nuts, and raisins, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a cool autumn day, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of red and orange. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious baking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the warm and comforting aroma of spices filled the air.

Margaret had a tray of pumpkin bars cooling on the counter, and they looked absolutely divine. The golden crust was perfectly crumbly, and the creamy pumpkin filling was topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe.

Margaret smiled warmly and handed me a worn and stained index card with the recipe written in her elegant cursive handwriting. She told me that it was a family recipe passed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

I carefully copied down the recipe, making sure to capture every detail and instruction. Margaret watched me with a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I was eager to try it out for myself. Little did I know that this simple recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own family for years to come.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in my own cozy kitchen. The familiar scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filled the air as I mixed the batter and poured it into a greased baking dish. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As the pumpkin bars baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma wafted through the house, drawing my family into the kitchen. My husband and children eagerly gathered around the oven, their mouths watering in anticipation.

When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the pumpkin bars from the oven and let them cool on the counter. The golden crust shimmered in the soft light, and the creamy pumpkin filling looked perfectly set. I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

I cut the pumpkin bars into neat squares and served them on delicate china plates. My family's eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite. The flavors were a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, with a hint of warmth that only pumpkin can provide.

From that moment on, pumpkin bars became a beloved tradition in our household. I made them every autumn, as soon as the leaves began to change and the air turned crisp. The recipe became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.

Over the years, I learned to make subtle tweaks to the recipe, adding a dash of vanilla or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture. Each batch was a labor of love, made with care and attention to detail.

As my children grew up and started families of their own, they asked me to teach them how to make the pumpkin bars. I happily passed down the recipe, along with the memories and traditions that came with it.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the scents and sounds of autumn, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasure of baking. The recipe for pumpkin bars may have originated from a dear friend, but it has become a part of my own story, woven into the fabric of my family's history.

I may not know the exact origins of the recipe, or the friend who first shared it with Margaret's grandmother. But what I do know is that it brings joy and warmth to those who taste it, just as it did for me on that fateful autumn day.

And so, as I take a bite of a freshly baked pumpkin bar, I savor the flavors and memories that it evokes. It may be just a simple dessert, but to me, it is a reminder of the power of tradition, friendship, and the simple joys of life. And for that, I am truly grateful.