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Easy Pumpkin Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

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Moist, tender pumpkin bars with a sophisticated brown butter frosting that offers a nutty, caramel-like depth. These bars are easy to make, perfect for fall gatherings, and deliver a comforting autumn flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for bars)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting, to be browned)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Brown the 1/2 cup butter for the frosting in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until nutty and golden (5-7 minutes). Pour into a heat-proof bowl and let cool slightly but remain liquid.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened 1/2 cup butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, cooled brown butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla; mix until combined.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 45 minutes).
  8. While bars cool, whisk the cooled brown butter with powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Spread frosting over cooled bars and slice into squares.

Notes

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Ensure the brown butter for the frosting is cooled but still liquid before mixing with sugar to prevent greasy frosting. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts. Bars can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, brown butter frosting, fall dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, autumn baking, pumpkin bars with brown butter

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-pumpkin-bars-with-brown-butter-frosting/