Brown Butter Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack, the bars are sure to please everyone. The nutty aroma of brown butter adds a unique twist that complements the pumpkin beautifully, making them a seasonal favorite.
For substitutions, you can use gluten-free flour if needed, but keep in mind that the texture may vary. Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices. Always check for allergies, particularly with eggs and dairy if you’re catering to specific dietary needs. Most ingredients can be found in any grocery store, especially during the fall season when pumpkin products are plentiful.
Brownies & Bars
Brown Butter Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, for frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar, for frosting
- 2 tablespoons milk, for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges look set and slightly golden.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips
- Make the bars ahead of time; they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- The bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
If you’re in the mood for something equally delightful, try the Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting. Their creamy topping perfectly balances the warm spices and pumpkin flavors, making them another must-try treat the season.