Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bars with Creamy Frosting
Indulge in the rich flavors of autumn with these delightful Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The moist, spiced pumpkin base is complemented by crunchy pecans, making these bars the perfect treat for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, they will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy a slice or two with your favorite hot beverage!
15-20
Servings
122
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
pumpkin puree
16 ounce can (canned)
eggs
4 (large)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (dry)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (table or kosher)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
chopped pecans
1 cup (chopped)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
powdered sugar
1.5 lbs (5.25 cups) (sifted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10x15 inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the pumpkin puree and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture and blend until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
5
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6
Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
10
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
11
Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined, then stir in the vanilla extract.
12
Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
13
Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
16.5g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bars?
Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bars are a festive autumn dessert featuring a moist, spiced pumpkin cake base, crunchy pecans, and a smooth cream cheese frosting.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield between 15 and 20 servings.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for these bars.
What size pan is needed for the Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bars?
You will need a 10x15 inch baking pan that has been greased.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 122 calories.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
Which spices are included in the batter?
The batter is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much fat is in each bar?
There are approximately 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
Are the pecans added to the batter or used as a topping?
The one cup of chopped pecans is folded directly into the batter before baking.
What is the total baking time?
The bars should bake for 25 to 35 minutes.
How do I know the bars are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean.
Do the bars need to cool before I frost them?
Yes, it is essential to allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before spreading the frosting.
What ingredients make up the creamy frosting?
The frosting is made by beating together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1.5 lbs of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How much powdered sugar is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 1.5 lbs of sifted powdered sugar, which is approximately 5.25 cups.
How many eggs are needed for the pumpkin base?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs.
What type of flour should I use for these bars?
You should use 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is sifting the dry ingredients necessary?
Yes, you should sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg for the best texture.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of butter in the batter and an additional 1/2 cup in the frosting, totaling 1.25 cups.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, grease the 10x15 inch pan before adding the batter to prevent sticking.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
Can I use imitation vanilla?
Yes, you can use either pure or imitation vanilla extract in the frosting.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 16.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per bar?
Each bar contains about 1.3 grams of protein.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts entirely if preferred.
Are these bars suitable for holiday events?
Absolutely, they are a perfect treat for autumn gatherings, holidays, or cozy afternoons.
How do I make the frosting creamy?
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth before gradually incorporating the powdered sugar and vanilla.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to cut the cooled, frosted bars into squares.
Is salt included in the batter?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of table or kosher salt is used in the dry ingredient mixture.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dry baking powder.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dry baking soda.