Praline Pumpkin Bars

As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of home and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the kitchen. Enter Praline Pumpkin Bars, a delightful fusion of pumpkin goodness and decadent pecan topping that creates a symphony of flavors with every bite. These bars hit that perfect sweet spot—crispy on the edges yet soft and chewy in the center. Can you imagine biting into a warm bar topped with a layer of nutty praline? It’s like autumn wrapped in a dessert!

I remember the first time I made these bars for a family gathering. My cousin exclaimed, “These are so good, they could convert a pumpkin skeptic!” That’s the magic of Praline Pumpkin Bars; they are that good that even the most doubtful will leave asking for seconds. For those who love cozy desserts, you might also want to check out my popular Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. Both desserts not only draw family and friends around the table but will also leave them convinced you are a kitchen genius!

What are Praline Pumpkin Bars?

Now you may be wondering, what is it about the name “Praline Pumpkin Bars” that sounds so irresistible? Let’s be honest: it’s a fun mouthful, isn’t it? But, really, it’s all about that heavenly topping! These bars combine pumpkin puree with a rich layer of brown sugar, butter, and crunchy pecans, creating a sweet contrast that’s simply divine. And we all know that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—so why not win over your loved ones with a delectable slice of these bars? Grab your apron and let’s indulge in a little kitchen adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Praline Pumpkin Bars

Praline Pumpkin Bars are an absolute showstopper for several reasons. First of all, the main dish highlight—these bars are richly flavored with warm spices and wholesome pumpkin, making them a perfect autumn dessert. Nothing feels quite as comforting as enjoying bars loaded with seasonal goodness that perfectly complements a cozy evening.

Second, cooking at home is an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you can create such a delicious treat without breaking the bank! You can save money by making these bars instead of purchasing pricey desserts from bakeries. The ingredients are straightforward and typically found in your pantry, allowing you to whip them up anytime!

Finally, let’s talk toppings: the crunchy, caramel-like praline made from pecans creates a delightful contrast to the creamy pumpkin base. It’s like pairing chocolate with peanut butter—simple, yet you can’t stop at just one slice! If you’re ready to treat yourself, let’s dive into how to make Praline Pumpkin Bars!

How to Make Praline Pumpkin Bars

Quick Overview

Making Praline Pumpkin Bars is a breeze—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for that go-to autumn dessert. In just about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have the ingredients ready for baking. The blend of spices and textures, combined with a sweet, nutty topping, creates a heavenly bar that will be the highlight of your family gathering.

Ingredients

For these mouthwatering Praline Pumpkin Bars, you will need:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Each ingredient plays its part in creating that irresistible flavor, ensuring your bars are both comforting and enjoyable!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to stir well after each addition.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until blended. Gradually add it to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Stir in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Praline Topping: While the bars are baking, mix together the heavy cream and a bit of brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s just bubbling. Stir it together until combined, then pour it over the baked bars after removing them from the oven. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to set the topping.
8. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Praline Pumpkin Bars

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using coconut oil instead of butter. This will give it a tropical twist!
• Timing: Keep an eye on the bars near the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking. It can go from perfectly baked to dry quickly!
• Avoiding Mistakes: Make sure your pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin and not a spiced pumpkin pie filling to maintain the right flavor balance.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store your Praline Pumpkin Bars, simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They can last for up to 5 days! If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked texture and flavor.

Now that you’re well-equipped with an incredible recipe, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every slice of these heavenly Praline Pumpkin Bars!

Praline Pumpkin Bars

A delightful fusion of pumpkin goodness and decadent pecan topping that creates a symphony of flavors, perfect for fall gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Fall

Servings 12 bars

Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to stir well after each addition.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until blended. Gradually add it to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—don’t overmix!
• Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Baking

• Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• While the bars are baking, mix together the heavy cream and a bit of brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s just bubbling. Stir until combined, then pour it over the baked bars after removing them from the oven.
• Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to set the topping.

Finishing Touches

• Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using coconut oil instead of butter. Keep an eye on the bars near the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking. Make sure your pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin and not a spiced pumpkin pie filling.

Keyword Autumn Treat, cozy dessert, Pecan Topping, Praline Pumpkin Bars, Pumpkin Dessert