Libby’s Pumpkin Bars – Easy Recipe for Fall

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall dessert for any occasion. With their moist, cake-like texture and melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars are a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving a comforting autumn dessert, this recipe checks all the boxes. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these bars feature the natural sweetness of Libby’s pumpkin puree combined with warm spices and a rich cream cheese topping.

Why You’ll Love Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are incredibly versatile, easy to make, and offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture. They feature a moist, cake-like consistency and are topped with a smooth, creamy frosting. This recipe is perfect for sharing at large gatherings during the fall and holiday seasons, as it yields a large batch. Whether you prefer them plain or with added mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, these pumpkin bars can be customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

Here are the essential ingredients for making Libby’s Pumpkin Bars:

• Libby’s Pumpkin Puree: The key ingredient that gives these bars their rich pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the pumpkin bars, giving them a soft, cake-like texture.

• White Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bars, balancing the spices and pumpkin puree.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the texture of the bars.

• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Provide the leavening needed to give the bars a light, airy texture.

• Ground Cinnamon and Pumpkin Pie Spice: These warm spices enhance the flavor of the pumpkin bars and give them a comforting fall taste.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the bars.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter, helping to create a tender crumb.

• Cream Cheese: The base for the frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bars.

• Confectioners’ Sugar (Icing Sugar): Used to sweeten the cream cheese frosting and give it a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant flavor to both the bars and the frosting.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for substitutions or need to cater to dietary preferences, here are a few options:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free. Use the same amount of almond flour as the all-purpose flour in the recipe.

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut oil and vegan cream cheese.

• Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12”x17” half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl or electric mixer, cream together the butter and white sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the Libby’s pumpkin puree until fully incorporated into the batter.
7. Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
10. Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
11. Slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

• Check for Doneness: To ensure the pumpkin bars are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done.

• Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of milk until it reaches the desired spreadable consistency.

• Storage: Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. If you have leftovers, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Pair with a Hot Drink: Serve these pumpkin bars with a warm beverage like hot cider, coffee, or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet, chocolatey twist that complements the pumpkin flavor.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour to make these bars gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.

• Streusel Topping: If you prefer something other than cream cheese frosting, top the bars with a cinnamon streusel for a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping.

Storing and Freezing Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

Refrigeration: Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated to prevent the frosting from spoiling. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing: If you have leftover pumpkin bars, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn, or store them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are a fantastic dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s pumpkin cravings!

Conclusion: Why Libby’s Pumpkin Bars Are the Perfect Fall Dessert

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are a must-try fall dessert that brings the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice together in a cake-like treat topped with velvety cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast, a potluck, or just a cozy weekend treat, these pumpkin bars will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With easy-to-follow steps and the ability to customize with different variations like nuts or chocolate chips, these bars are versatile and guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t forget to store your leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for easy, on-the-go enjoyment throughout the season!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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