Spiced Pumpkin Bars

Spiced Pumpkin Bars Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

Spiced Pumpkin Bars are a delicious and flavorful treat that are perfect for the fall season. These bars are moist, tender, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of pumpkin puree adds a rich and creamy texture, while the chopped dates provide a sweet and chewy element. Topped with a maple-pecan glaze, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself.

History

Pumpkin bars have been a popular dessert in American cuisine for many years, especially during the autumn months when pumpkins are in season. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices has been a classic flavor profile that has stood the test of time. This recipe takes the traditional pumpkin bar and adds a unique twist with the addition of chopped dates and a maple-pecan topping, making it a standout dessert that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.75 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
0.75 cup pitted chopped dates (4 oz (113 g))
1 cup buttermilk
0.5 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 cup packed light brown sugar
Maple-pecan topping
0.25 cup shelled or chopped pecans or walnuts (1 oz (28 g))
1.25 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 to 0.33 cup pure maple syrup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together both flours, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in dates.
In another medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla.
In a large bowl, combine egg, egg white, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until thickened and fluffy, for 3 to 5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the dry ingredients alternately with the liquid ingredients, making 3 additions of dry and 2 additions of liquid. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake until the top springs back when lightly touched in the center, for 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely in the pan. Leave the oven on.
Meanwhile, make the topping: Spread the nuts in a small baking pan and bake until fragrant, for 5 to 10 minutes. Let them cool; chop them coarsely if necessary.
In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Gradually whisk in enough maple syrup to make a coating consistency. Spread it over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with nuts. Let it stand until the topping has set, for about 30 minutes. Cut into small bars.

Variations

Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
Swap out the dates for raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Omit the maple-pecan topping and dust the bars with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use canned unseasoned pumpkin puree for this recipe, as it provides a smooth and consistent texture.

- Be sure to beat the egg, egg white, and brown sugar until thickened and fluffy to ensure a light and airy batter.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the maple-pecan topping to prevent it from melting and running off the bars.

- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

These Spiced Pumpkin Bars are perfect for serving as a dessert at a fall gathering or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be enjoyed as a snack on the go or as a lunchbox treat for kids.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly mix the wet and dry ingredients to ensure a smooth and evenly baked batter.

- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the dry ingredients to prevent overmixing and a tough texture.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can use a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

- Canola oil or melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil.

- If you don't have dates, you can use raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots instead.

Make Ahead Tips

These Spiced Pumpkin Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The maple-pecan topping can be made in advance and stored separately until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these bars on a platter lined with parchment paper for a rustic and inviting presentation. Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

These Spiced Pumpkin Bars pair well with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider. They also go nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the bars in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 38g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 26g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 35%

Calcium: 6%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Nuts, Wheat

Summary

These Spiced Pumpkin Bars are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of vitamin A and provide a small amount of protein. However, they do contain allergens such as eggs, nuts, and wheat, so be mindful of any dietary restrictions.

Summary

Spiced Pumpkin Bars are a delightful and flavorful dessert that is perfect for the fall season. With warm spices, creamy pumpkin puree, and a sweet maple-pecan topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or lunchbox treat, these bars are a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of autumn.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a crisp autumn morning, the leaves were changing colors and there was a chill in the air. I had just arrived at my friend Margaret's house for our weekly cooking exchange. Each week, we would take turns teaching each other new recipes that we had learned over the years.

As I walked into Margaret's cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of spices and baking pumpkin. Margaret had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of the most delicious looking spiced pumpkin bars I had ever seen. The bars were moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. I took a bite and knew that I had to learn how to make them.

Margaret laughed as she saw the look of delight on my face. "I knew you would love these pumpkin bars, Martha," she said. "They are a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I'm happy to share it with you."

I eagerly grabbed a pen and paper and started jotting down the ingredients and instructions as Margaret walked me through the recipe. She explained how the bars were made with fresh pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and a crunchy oat topping. As she spoke, I could tell that she had a deep love and respect for this recipe, just as I did for all the recipes that I had collected over the years.

After spending the afternoon baking and chatting with Margaret, I left her house with a plate of spiced pumpkin bars and a heart full of gratitude. I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family and friends.

Over the next few weeks, I made the spiced pumpkin bars countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a bit more cinnamon, a touch of cloves, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top. Each time I made the bars, they disappeared within minutes, much to the delight of my loved ones.

As the years passed, the spiced pumpkin bars became a fall tradition in our family. My children would eagerly anticipate the first batch of bars each year, knowing that the smell of pumpkin and spices meant that autumn had truly arrived. Even as my grandchildren grew up and moved away, they would always come back home for a taste of my famous spiced pumpkin bars.

One day, as I was flipping through my recipe box, I came across the original recipe that Margaret had given me all those years ago. I smiled as I read through the weathered card, remembering the day that I had first learned to make these delicious bars. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass down traditions from one generation to the next.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and friends, enjoying a plate of spiced pumpkin bars on a cool autumn day, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. These bars are more than just a recipe to me - they are a symbol of the love and connection that food can bring into our lives. And for that, I am truly thankful.