Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting
These comforting pumpkin bars, topped with sweet brown sugar frosting, are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat that evokes cozy memories.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 113 grams 1 stick unsalted butter adds richness and moisture
- 133 grams 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar provides sweetness and depth of flavor
- 1 large 1 large egg, at cool room temperature acts as a binder
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 212 grams 1 cup pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor
- 190 grams 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice
- 0.25 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger adds a hint of spice
- 0.25 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg adds depth of flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda helps with leavening
- 0.25 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt balances sweetness
For the Frosting
- 113 grams 1 stick unsalted butter, at cool room temperature adds richness and moisture
- 50 grams 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar provides sweetness and depth of flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds flavor to frosting
- 0.125 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt enhances overall sweetness
- 188 grams 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted sweetens and thickens frosting
- 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon milk, plus more if needed adjusts consistency of frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly.
- Add the packed light brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk together until smooth.
- Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree into the mixture and whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, checking for doneness with a cake tester.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before frosting.
Frosting
- Beat unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Mix in ground cinnamon and salt, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
- Blend in vanilla extract and milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Spread frosting over cooled pumpkin bars and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
Allow ingredients, especially eggs and butter, to reach a cool room temperature for better mixing. Sift powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting to avoid lumps.