Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bars

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bars are the perfect blend of autumn flavors, bringing warmth and coziness to any gathering. With a delightful mix of spices and a creamy frosting, these bars are a must-try for pumpkin lovers.

Ingredients for Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bars

The star of the show is, of course, pumpkin puree, which provides moisture and that distinctive autumn taste. Granulated sugar and light brown sugar bring sweetness, with the brown sugar adding a hint of molasses depth. Unsalted butter keeps the bars rich and tender, while eggs bind everything together. Our blend of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—creates that classic pumpkin spice flavor. Walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

The cream cheese is the base for our luscious frosting, and powdered sugar sweetens it just right. A dash of vanilla extract adds a fragrant note to round it all out.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
  • If you prefer a thicker frosting layer, double the frosting ingredients.
  • Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these bars as a delightful dessert at your next fall gathering. They pair wonderfully with a warm apple cider or a spiced chai tea. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just ensure it is pureed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips if desired.

Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bars Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan. This sets the stage for even baking and makes removing the bars a breeze later on.

In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and eggs until smooth and well-blended. This mixture should look like a thick, golden batter.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.

Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts to distribute them evenly.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While waiting, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting over the top in an even layer.

Finally, cut the bars into squares and they're ready to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Combines the richness of pumpkin with the crunch of walnuts.
  • A delightful balance of spices that feels like a hug in every bite.
  • Cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy, tangy finish.

Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the frosting evenly over the top.
10. Cut into squares and serve.

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