10.07.2011

Best Yet! Pumpkin Bars

. 6-0.  That's right, ladies and gents.  The Foamers are 6-0 in the league with one game left.  Can we make it an undefeated season?  I guess we'll know next week!

But for now, let's relish in our blemish-free record.  And dive right in to the best treat [in my opinion and I didn't have any left after the game if that says anything!] to grace the Foamer's bench.  Yes, it's that delicious looking Pumpkin Bar you see below, topped with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.  I kid you not.


I've had this recipe bookmarked since I first started this blog.  I've mentioned Gingerbread Bagels before, one of the very first blogs I absolutely fell in love with and had to resist from bookmarking every one of her recipes.  Well this Pumpkin Bar recipe was one of those recipes that I couldn't resist from saving and once you take a bite [or look at the picture, that's what caught me!], you'll know exactly why.

These little pumpkin lovelies are so moist, so moist, so moist.  I can't think of another adjective right now, otherwise I would use it.  But they really are that moist.  So soft and tender that when you pick them up, you'll leave little finger indents.  That's all I can think of to get across just how moist these are [I need a dictionary]!  It was actually quite shocking to me.  But then again, I shouldn't be surprised by how scrumptious any of Gingerbread Bagels' recipes are, now should I?  No.


The only thing I altered in this recipe is the frosting.  Instead of using the original cream cheese frosting, I referenced another one of my all-time favorite pumpkin recipes, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, and tossed in some maple extract.  Yeah, that did it for me.  I absolutely love the combination of pumpkin, spices and maple.  I can't tell you exactly what it is [if someone else can, please chime in!] but that combination is just too Fall to pass up.

Oh, and this recipe is uber simple and quick.  So you have no excuse to not whip these up for your loved ones.  Don't deprive them of something this good! .

P.S. - Guys, guess what?!  I just realized that this is my 100th post!!  Whew, lots of pictures taken and too many taste testing bites to count, but it's all been well worth the sacrifice.  I've made it to my first milestone, woo!!

My Notes:
  • If you're not a maple fan, simply substitute in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make the original cream cheese frosting.  However, I highly recommend that you give this combo a try!
  • When you're not munching on these bars, keep them refrigerated.

Ingredients:
Bars:
1 (29 oz.) can pumpkin puree
3/4 c. canola oil
3 large eggs
1-2/3 c. sugar
2 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 c. powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. maple extract

Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 350°F.  In large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, canola oil, eggs, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).


2.  In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.  Slowly pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and fold together until completely combined.



3.  Pour pumpkin mixture into ungreased 15x10-inch pan.


4.  Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Let pan cool completely.


5.  Meanwhile, for frosting, combine cream cheese and butter just until combined (do not overmix).


6.  Add in maple extract.


7.  On low speed, slowly add in powdered sugar.  Once combined, increase mixer speed to mix all ingredients together.  Refrigerate frosting until ready to use.


8.  Spread frosting over pumpkin bars.


Yield: 2 dozen bars


20 comments:

  1. Made these last night and blogged about them....they were absolutely delicious!!! Thanks for sharing!

    Briana

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  2. @Jess @ Blonde Ponytail Ahhahaha actually I'm using them as bait to get you to move back to Omaha ;)

    @Sweet Peas and Bumblebees That's great, I LOVE hearing about other people's experiences with the recipes. Glad you enjoyed them!

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  3. These look wonderful! Will be making these soon! Love all things pumpkin! Thanks for sharing!
    Stephanie @ Ladywiththeredrocker.wordpress.com

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  4. These are gorgeous!!! My husband is bringing home some pumpkin tonight and I can't wait! Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog :)

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  5. I just found your blog and am your newest follower. This recipe looks delish!!

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  6. Um...YUM!! Looks amazing! Visiting from Something Swanky. Thanks for sharing!
    Willa

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  7. These just scream fall to me! They look delicious :)

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  8. MmmMmm....pumpkin and maple!! Sounds like a perfect fall treat to me. Congrats on your 100th post.

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  9. @Rachel Thanks so much, I'd love to hear if you try these out!

    @Brandy Thanks so much for stopping by and for the 'follow'!

    @Willa@ArmstrongFamilyFare Thanks so taking a gander at my blog!

    @Melissa They are a PERFECT Fall treat!! Or any time of year, I guess ;)

    @Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com Oo, let me know if you make these! I love hearing about others' experiences.

    @BreAna (Sugar and Spice and All Things Iced) First, LOVE the name of your blog! And thanks for checking out my post!

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  10. Just another thing that I love about fall - pumpkin bars! They look so delicious! Thanks for sharing on Sweet Indulgences Sunday.

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  11. Hi! Just stopping back by to let you know that this recipe was tied for the #1 spot on last week's Sweet Indulgences Sunday. Hope you'll stop by this weekend and share another recipe!

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  12. Hi Jess!
    I'm so happy to see that you really enjoyed the bars and thank you for your kind words. You're the sweetest!
    Your bars look oh so good. I'd gladly eat the entire batch for you. :)

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  13. Sound SOOOOOO delicious. I do not think I should try them because I would have to eat the whole pan!

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  14. @Shelly @A Creative Space I totally know what you mean, I always have to have some event or group to give my stuff to otherwise I'd eat it all ;) These bars are no exception!

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  15. You will need to make these in AZ! BFM

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  16. Yummy cakes so delicious I enjoy it so much doing this recipe

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  17. These are great! Took them to a family gathering and they were a huge hit! Wonder if you can substitute applesauce for some of the oil?

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  18. Making these right now- along with the Banana bread browies- your blog is an absolute treasure trove, Thanks for putting all this heaven in one place!!
    Would love a 'print recipe' button on here somewhere... every time I print one off I have a small novela worth of printer sheets to take back to the kitchen...but in the mean time I'll pull up my big girl panties and deal.

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