Sure, let’s whip up some delightful Pumpkin-Raisin Bars! These bars are a perfect blend of seasonal flavors, combining the warmth of pumpkin with the sweetness of raisins, all nestled in a tender, cake-like base. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of mixing magic, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible treats ready to share with friends and family.
Pumpkin-Raisin Bars Recipe
Overview:
- Name: Pumpkin-Raisin Bars
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Description: Indulge in the comforting flavors of pumpkin and raisins with these delicious bars.
- Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
- Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins, Oven
- Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Flour |
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/4 tsp | Nutmeg |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground cloves |
| 1 cup | Pumpkin |
| 4 | Eggs |
| 3/4 cup | Raisins |
| 1 cup | Cream cheese |
| 4 cups | Powdered sugar |
| 1 cup | Butter or margarine |
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and toasty when it’s time to bake those bars.
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Prepare pan: Grease a baking sheet measuring 15 1/2×10 1/2 inches if you’re making bars, or a 10×13 inch pan if you prefer cake-like squares.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Give them a good stir until everything is evenly blended.
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Add wet ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the pumpkin, eggs, and oil. Beat everything together until well blended. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
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Incorporate raisins: Gently fold the raisins into the batter until they are evenly distributed. These little pockets of sweetness will add bursts of flavor to every bite.
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Spread batter: Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure it reaches all corners for consistent baking.
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Bake: Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for about 25 minutes if you’re making bars, or 35 minutes if you prefer squares. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Once baked to perfection, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for easy slicing and frosting.
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Prepare frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth and creamy.
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Frost bars: Once the bars are cool, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top. You can get creative with swirls or keep it simple—it’s up to you!
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Serve: Slice the bars into squares and serve them up to eager taste testers. Watch them disappear in no time!
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Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and savor the delightful combination of pumpkin, raisins, and creamy frosting. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy autumn gatherings to holiday celebrations.
There you have it! A step-by-step guide to creating scrumptious Pumpkin-Raisin Bars that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful treats! 🎃✨
