Patrick Simon November 3, 2025

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Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Name: Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped (optional for added texture)

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There’s something truly magical about the smell of homemade pumpkin bars wafting through the house, especially as crisp autumn leaves rustle outside. These delectable treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, fall celebrations, or simply when you want to enjoy a slice of bliss with your afternoon tea. Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are not only heartwarming but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal dessert for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

Reasons to Love Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

When it comes to pumpkin-flavored desserts, Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars stand out for a multitude of reasons. Here’s why these treats are bound to become a favorite in your home:

–Delicious Flavor: Each bite combines the spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the richness of pumpkin, creating a delightful flavor synergy.

–Moist and Tender: The texture is wonderfully soft and moist, ensuring that every slice is enjoyable.

–Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these bars are straightforward to whip up any time a craving strikes.

–Perfect for Sharing: A tray of pumpkin bars is an inviting centerpiece at any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family snack.

What You’ll Need

To create these delightful Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work harmoniously together. Turns out, they’re all easy to find and perfect for this comforting recipe.

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped (optional for added texture)

Bringing It Together

Creating Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars is as delightful as enjoying them. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal later, or line it with parchment paper for convenience.
Mix Sugars and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Incorporate Eggs and Pumpkin: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Then, stir in the pure pumpkin until well blended. This will not only add flavor but also moisture to your bars.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to mix everything uniformly.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture. If you’re using walnuts or turkey bacon, fold them in gently at this stage.
Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 35 minutes, Total ~ 55 minutes, Servings ~ 24, Kcal ~ 200 (estimated).

Prepare in Advance

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars can easily be made ahead of time! You can whip up the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent contamination. Bake the bars the next day for fresh-out-of-the-oven deliciousness. If you want to save some time before a gathering, you can bake them a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your delightful pumpkin bars, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh and tasty:

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for about a week.
If you want to preserve the bars for an extended period, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just remember to thaw before serving!

When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, gently rewarm them in the oven at a low temperature until they’re warmed through—this will help to revive their lovely texture. Look for the warmth and aroma as your cue that it’s time to dig in!

Perfect Pairings

To make your pumpkin bar experience even more delightful, consider these pairing ideas:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sumptuous treat.
Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Enjoy alongside a steaming mug of apple cider or coffee for a classic fall feel.

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars! Here are some fun variations to elevate your baking:

Add a Cream Cheese Swirl: Make a cream cheese filling to swirl into the batter before baking for a rich, tangy taste.
Include Chocolate Chips: Fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
Nut-Free Option: Swap out the nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunch without allergens.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for an extra burst of warmth.
Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Make sure your pumpkin is pure and not a sweetened filling—it makes a significant difference in flavor.
Check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda for the best rise.
Don’t overmix; it can lead to dense bars instead of moist ones.
Allow bars to cool in the pan to finish cooking; this helps set their texture.
Use a toothpick to test for doneness, but remember that a few moist crumbs are ideal.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s cooked and pureed to replicate the texture of canned pumpkin.
What’s the best way to cut these bars? Use a sharp knife to cut through the bars once they have cooled completely to avoid crumbling.
Can I freeze these pumpkin bars? Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw before serving.
How can I tell when the bars are done? When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
Can I add other spices? Definitely! Feel free to mix in other warm spices like cardamom or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that embodies the essence of fall, bringing warmth and coziness to any table. With their tender texture and deliciously spiced pumpkin flavor, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch soon—your loved ones will thank you, and you might find yourself reaching for just one more slice!

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Bars

Author: patrick
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious pumpkin bars infused with warm spices, perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy moments.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition, then stir in the pure pumpkin.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the walnuts or turkey bacon.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for freshness. Feel free to experiment with variations like adding chocolate chips or a cream cheese swirl.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American