Gooey Pumpkin Bars

$To make gooey pumpkin bars, gather these items: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) These ingredients create a rich and flavorful treat. The chocolate chips and nuts add great texture. If you need gluten-free options, try using almond flour or coconut flour. Both work well in this recipe. For sweeteners, you can swap brown sugar with maple syrup or honey. Adjust the liquids slightly if you do. If you want a dairy-free version, use pumpkin puree from a can. It is naturally dairy-free. You can also replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. These substitutions let you enjoy gooey pumpkin bars in many ways. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures! To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the bars later without a mess. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until everything is well blended. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy. Now, it’s time to combine the mixes. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps. This keeps the bars gooey. If you want to add chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently. This step adds texture and flavor. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are fine. This tells you the bars are done. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they are cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. These bars will be rich and gooey, a true fall treat! You can find the full recipe to guide you through this process. To keep your pumpkin bars gooey, avoid overmixing. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. It’s okay if some lumps remain. Overmixing makes the bars dense and dry. For perfect baking, watch the time closely. Bake for 25-30 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. If you see moist crumbs, that’s fine. You want them soft and light. Serve your bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes them extra special. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor. Pair these bars with warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream balances the warm bars perfectly. Make your bars look great with simple garnishes. Add a few pecans or a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top. This adds color and texture. When storing your bars, use a nice dish. A clear container shows off their rich color, making them look inviting for gatherings. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your gooey pumpkin bars. Adding spices can make them even better. For a pumpkin spice version, mix in more cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Try adding a teaspoon of allspice or cloves for extra warmth. You can also add other ingredients. Chopped coconut adds a nice chewy texture. Dried cranberries give a sweet and tart flavor. If you love nuts, walnuts or pecans are great choices too. They add crunch and richness. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix up flavors. If you want a healthier version, there are easy swaps. You can reduce the sugar by half. Try using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes the bars more nutritious and adds a nice nutty taste. For those who prefer vegan options, you can replace the eggs. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water to bind the ingredients. Instead of vegetable oil, try using applesauce. It keeps the bars moist and adds a hint of sweetness. These swaps keep the flavors rich while making them healthier. For the full recipe, see the beginning of the article. To keep your gooey pumpkin bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container for the best results. This helps maintain their soft, moist texture. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This way, they won't stick together. Enjoy them within three to five days for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer without losing quality. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a special touch, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. These gooey pumpkin bars are still tasty even after freezing! Gooey pumpkin bars can stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They will keep well for up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy. Yes, you can make gooey pumpkin bars ahead of time! Bake them a day or two before you need them. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. This way, the flavors have time to blend. You can also freeze the bars. Just remember to let them cool first. This makes it easy to have a tasty treat ready when you need one. You can top gooey pumpkin bars with many delicious options! Here are some ideas: - Powdered sugar for a sweet dusting - Cream cheese frosting for a rich touch - Caramel sauce for a sweet drizzle - Chopped nuts for crunch - Whipped cream for a light finish Feel free to mix and match these toppings for extra flavor. Each one adds a fun twist to the bars, making them even more special! For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. You now have all the tools to make amazing gooey pumpkin bars. You learned about key ingredients and how to mix them perfectly. The baking steps were clear to help you achieve the right texture. Plus, we shared fun tips for serving and storing your bars. Remember, you can always adapt the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy your baking journey and savor every delicious bite. Create your own variations and make these bars your own!$

Indulge in the fall flavors with these irresistible gooey pumpkin bars! This easy recipe combines rich pumpkin puree with warm spices and optional chocolate chips for a delicious dessert everyone will love. Perfect for cozy gatherings, these bars are simple to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well blended.

In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if some lumps remain.

Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using, spreading the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are deliciously gooey, so be prepared for their rich texture!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.