Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a quintessential fall dessert, renowned for their incredibly moist texture, aromatic spices, and luscious cream cheese frosting. These delightful bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite, making them a perfect addition to family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee. Their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor ensure they’ll become a cherished part of your seasonal baking traditions.

There’s something truly special about the combination of earthy pumpkin and warm spices that signals the arrival of cooler weather and festive occasions. These pumpkin bars offer all the comforting flavors you adore in a convenient, handheld format, eliminating the need for complex pie crusts or intricate baking techniques. Our family cherishes Canned Pumpkin Dessert Recipes, and this particular rendition stands out as a clear favorite among our collection of autumn treats.

This recipe results in an incredibly moist, oven-baked dessert with a rich pumpkin mixture that appeals to everyone. If you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin pie spice flavor, you’ll also love exploring other delightful recipes such as the Easy Pumpkin Delight Recipe and our comforting Pumpkin Bread Recipe. For those who appreciate Paula Deen’s signature touch in the kitchen, you might also enjoy preparing her iconic Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake or the rich and nutty Paula Deen Pecan Pie.

Why This Recipe Works: A Seasonal Sensation

These Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall, perfected through thoughtful design. Here’s why this recipe consistently delivers outstanding results and becomes a cherished favorite:

• Perfectly Moist Texture: The generous amount of pumpkin puree, combined with vegetable oil, ensures a remarkably soft and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. This isn’t a dry cake; it’s a consistently moist and delightful bar. The natural moisture of pumpkin eliminates any risk of a dense or crumbly texture.
• Effortless Preparation: Forget the complexities of pie crusts or intricate decorating. This recipe is designed for ease. With straightforward mixing and baking steps, you can achieve a gourmet-quality dessert without any stress, making it ideal for busy bakers or those new to baking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of warm spices and sweet pumpkin creates a flavor that is universally loved. The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting provides the perfect counterpoint, adding a layer of creamy sweetness that balances the spice beautifully, making it irresistible to all palates.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a grand holiday feast, a casual potluck, a school bake sale, or a simple weeknight treat, these bars fit right in. Their appealing taste and attractive appearance make them suitable for any event, big or small.
• Convenient and Portable: Unlike many desserts, pumpkin bars are inherently easy to slice, serve, and transport. This makes them an excellent choice for taking to gatherings, parties, or packing in lunchboxes for a special surprise.

The Magic of Fall Baking with Pumpkin

As autumn leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, our culinary senses naturally turn towards comforting, spiced flavors. Pumpkin, with its vibrant color and subtly sweet, earthy taste, is the undisputed star of fall baking. It’s not just its flavor that makes it a favorite; pumpkin adds incredible moisture and a tender crumb to baked goods, transforming ordinary recipes into something truly extraordinary. Beyond its deliciousness, pumpkin is also packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, making these bars a somewhat guilt-free indulgence. The warm spices typically paired with pumpkin – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger – evoke a sense of coziness and nostalgia, bringing warmth to any kitchen and smile to every face. These Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars perfectly encapsulate this autumnal magic, delivering a dessert that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully festive.

Ingredients for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars: Simple & Flavorful

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structure of the bars, providing a tender and sturdy base. It’s crucial not to substitute with self-rising flour, as that contains leavening agents that could affect the rise and texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: A cornerstone of fall flavors, ground cinnamon infuses the bars with its characteristic warmth and sweetness. Feel free to slightly increase the amount if you prefer a bolder spice profile. For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in tandem to give the bars their light and airy texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic pumpkin, while baking powder provides additional lift. If you find yourself without baking soda, consult our guide on the Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the pumpkin and spices, creating a perfectly palatable flavor without being overly sugary. The amount is carefully calibrated to enhance, not overpower, the natural taste of pumpkin.
• Vegetable Oil: Key to the bars’ renowned moistness and tender crumb. Unlike butter, which can sometimes make baked goods drier, oil ensures a consistently soft texture that lasts.
• Pure Pumpkin Puree: This is the heart of the recipe! It’s vital to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not the pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that would alter the recipe’s balance. Pure pumpkin provides the natural flavor and moisture needed.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent, helping to emulsify the batter and add to the overall structure and richness of the bars. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, cream cheese is essential for achieving that smooth, creamy, and tangy frosting texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Use real unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for a rich, buttery flavor and a silky, spreadable consistency. Unsalted butter allows you to control the total sodium in the recipe.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial to remove any lumps, ensuring a flawlessly smooth and velvety frosting. This fine sugar dissolves easily, creating a perfect texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and enhances all the flavors in the frosting, complementing the cream cheese and pumpkin beautifully. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best results.

You’ll find the complete list of exact measurements and quantities for all these ingredients in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Perfecting Your Cream Cheese Frosting

A truly exceptional cream cheese frosting can elevate any dessert, and it’s especially vital for these pumpkin bars. The secret to a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly pipeable frosting lies in a few key details. Firstly, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature – soft enough to yield to a gentle press, but not melted. This allows them to cream together effortlessly, creating a smooth base. Start by beating them together until they are truly light and fluffy, incorporating plenty of air. Then, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Sifting is non-negotiable for avoiding grainy lumps. Finally, a good quality vanilla extract ties all the flavors together, providing a warm, aromatic finish. Don’t overmix once the powdered sugar is incorporated, as this can thin the frosting. The goal is a rich, stable, and spreadable consistency that holds its shape beautifully on your pumpkin bars.

Variations to Customize Your Pumpkin Bars: Endless Possibilities

While the classic Paula Deen Pumpkin Bar recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for your creative culinary experiments. Here are some delightful variations to make these bars uniquely yours:

• Nutty Crunch Bars: For an added layer of texture and a wholesome flavor, gently fold in about ½ to ¾ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter just before baking. The nuts toast slightly in the oven, releasing their aromatic oils and providing a delightful crunch with every bite.
• Elevated Spice Profile: If you crave a more intensely spiced pumpkin bar, feel free to increase the ground cinnamon to 2½ teaspoons. Additionally, consider incorporating a pinch (¼ teaspoon) of ground nutmeg, allspice, or ground cloves. A touch of ground ginger can also add a delightful zing, enhancing the overall warmth of the dessert.
• Decadent Chocolate Swirl: For chocolate lovers, a swirl of melted chocolate or a handful of chocolate chips can transform these bars. Before baking, drizzle ⅓ cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the batter and gently swirl with a knife, or fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for pockets of melty goodness.
• Gluten-Free Delight: To cater to dietary needs, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your preferred gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for optimal structure, or add ¼ teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t.
• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Give your cream cheese frosting a distinct fall-inspired twist by replacing half of the vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) with pure maple syrup. This adds a subtle, rich maple flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully, without making it overly sweet.
• Caramel Drizzle: After frosting the cooled bars, a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can add a touch of sophisticated sweetness and visual appeal.
• Coconut-Pumpkin Fusion: Mix in ½ cup of shredded unsweetened coconut to the batter for a tropical twist that also adds moisture and chewiness.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions: Achieving Perfection

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly moist and flavorful Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, topped with irresistible cream cheese frosting.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (177°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and either grease it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, or, for easiest removal, line it with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper extends beyond the sides of the pan, creating “handles” that will allow you to easily lift the entire baked bar out once cooled.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until all these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 3: Whisk Together Initial Wet Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and the can of pure pumpkin puree. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are completely smooth and well-integrated, forming a vibrant orange mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs. To the pumpkin mixture, add the large eggs one at a time. Whisk thoroughly after each addition until the egg is fully incorporated into the batter. This helps to create a cohesive and smooth base for your bars.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Now, gradually pour the whisked dry ingredients into the bowl containing the wet pumpkin mixture. Using a spatula or spoon, stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. It is crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in dense, rather than tender, bars.

Step 6: Bake the Bars. Carefully spread the prepared batter evenly into your greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Ensure the surface is level for even baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 32 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 7: Cool Completely. Once baked, carefully remove the pumpkin bars from the oven. Place the baking pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. This step is vital before frosting, as warm bars will melt the cream cheese frosting, causing it to slide off.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting Base. While your pumpkin bars are cooling, begin preparing the decadent cream cheese frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 9: Finish the Frosting. Once the cream cheese and butter are thoroughly combined, add the vanilla extract and the sifted powdered sugar to the bowl. Start mixing on a low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar, then gradually increase the speed to medium. Beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the frosting too thin.

Step 10: Frost and Cut. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled to room temperature, carefully spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or knife. Aim for a smooth, consistent layer. After frosting, you can chill the bars for 15-20 minutes to make cutting easier. Then, slice the large bar into individual squares or rectangles of your desired size.

Step 11: Serve and Savor. Your delectable Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are now ready! Arrange them beautifully on a serving platter and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors. These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Keeping Your Bars Fresh

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars for longer. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious, along with make-ahead advice:

• Room Temperature: If your environment is cool (below 70°F/21°C) and you plan to serve them within 1-2 days, frosted pumpkin bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The container is essential to prevent the frosting from drying out and the bars from becoming stale.
• Refrigerator: For optimal freshness and to extend their shelf life, store frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling the bars will firm up both the cake and the frosting slightly, but their flavor and texture remain excellent, especially once they come back to room temperature.
• Freezer: These pumpkin bars freeze beautifully!
  1. For Frosted Bars: First, flash freeze the frosted bars on a baking sheet until the frosting is firm (about 1-2 hours). Then, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  2. For Unfrosted Bars: You can bake the bars and let them cool completely without frosting. Wrap the entire slab or individual unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

  Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen bars (frosted or unfrosted) in the refrigerator overnight. If unfrosted, you can then frost them just before serving.

• Serving Tip: For the best texture and flavor experience, allow refrigerated or thawed frosted bars to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This brings the frosting to a softer, more luxurious consistency and enhances the spice notes in the pumpkin cake.
• Make-Ahead: The bars can be baked a day or two in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just whip it briefly before spreading. This makes them a perfect stress-free option for entertaining!

Expert Baking Tips for Success: Achieve Perfect Pumpkin Bars Every Time

Baking delicious Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars is simple, but a few expert tips can ensure your results are consistently exceptional. Follow these guidelines for baking perfection:

• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a golden rule for many baked goods, especially cakes and bars. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they are moistened and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense bars instead of the desired soft and tender texture.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the bars and the frosting, using room temperature ingredients (butter, cream cheese, and eggs) is crucial. This allows them to emulsify and combine smoothly, creating a homogeneous batter and a silky, lump-free frosting. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter or frosting that separates.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue here! It’s absolutely essential that the pumpkin bars are completely cooled to room temperature before you even think about applying the cream cheese frosting. Warm bars will cause the frosting to melt into a runny mess, sliding off the sides and making for an unappealing presentation.
• Test for Doneness Accurately: While baking times are a guide, ovens can vary. To ensure your bars are perfectly baked and not dry, insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the bars are done. If it’s wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest.
• Decorate with a Creative Touch: While simply spreading the frosting is lovely, you can add a professional touch by piping the frosting in elegant swirls, stars, or a decorative pattern using a pastry bag fitted with your favorite tip. This elevates the presentation for special occasions.
• Optional Aromatic Topping: For an extra layer of visual appeal and a subtle burst of spice, lightly dust the frosted bars with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a combination of fall spices just before serving. A fine mesh sieve works best for an even dusting.
• Chill for Easier, Cleaner Slicing: After frosting, refrigerate the entire pan of bars for about 15-20 minutes. This brief chill time helps the frosting to firm up slightly, allowing for much cleaner, sharper cuts when you slice them into individual portions. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
• Customize Flavor and Texture: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Incorporate additional elements like finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), mini chocolate chips, or even a delicate drizzle of caramel or white chocolate over the frosted bars for extra texture, sweetness, and complexity.
• Use Pure Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling: Always double-check your can! Pumpkin puree is just pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sweeteners that will throw off the carefully balanced flavors of this recipe.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are delightful on their own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate the experience. Serve them with a steaming mug of hot coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a soothing herbal tea for a perfect autumn afternoon treat. For a more decadent dessert, accompany a bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted pecans can add an elegant finishing touch. They are also excellent when paired with other fall favorites on a dessert platter, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors for your guests.

Troubleshooting Common Pumpkin Bar Issues

Even with a straightforward recipe, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:

• Bars are too dense/tough: This is almost always due to overmixing the batter. Remember to mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. For the future, use a light hand or even mix by hand once the dry ingredients are added.
• Bars are dry: This could be overbaking. Ensure you’re testing for doneness with a toothpick that comes out clean, but not overly dry. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time as needed. Using the correct amount of oil and pumpkin puree is also vital for moisture.
• Frosting is too runny: This usually happens if the butter or cream cheese was too warm or if the frosting was overmixed. If it’s too warm, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, then re-whip. If it’s overmixed, you can try adding a bit more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Frosting is lumpy: This is typically due to not sifting the powdered sugar or using cold cream cheese/butter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and sift your powdered sugar meticulously.
• Bars stick to the pan: Make sure your pan is thoroughly greased and floured, or, preferably, lined with parchment paper with an overhang for easy lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars:

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree? Yes, you can! You’ll need to roast, peel, and puree your own pumpkin. Ensure it’s very smooth and drained of excess liquid to match the consistency of canned puree. Approximately 1 ¾ cups of homemade puree are needed for a 15-ounce can.
• Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! The bars can be baked up to 2-3 days in advance and stored, unfrosted and tightly covered, at room temperature. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then re-whipped briefly before spreading. Frosted bars should be stored in the refrigerator.
• What if I don’t have all the spices? While the combination of cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda is standard, you can substitute a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend for the ground cinnamon, using an equal amount. Just be aware the flavor profile might differ slightly.
• How do I get clean cuts for serving? For perfectly neat squares, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. Use a sharp, thin knife and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth after each cut to prevent dragging frosting.
• Are these pumpkin bars healthy? While these bars contain nourishing pumpkin, they are a dessert with sugar and fat. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat!

We encourage you to go ahead and make this incredibly yummy Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars recipe. It’s truly perfect to enjoy any day of the week, bringing a touch of fall comfort to your home. Please don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating once you’ve had a chance to try it. We absolutely love getting your feedback on our recipes and hearing about your baking successes!