Description
These 35-Minute Sour Cream Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat featuring moist pumpkin-infused cake with warm spices, topped with a rich and creamy brown-butter frosting. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting, spiced dessert with a velvety finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown-Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir just until blended to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Brown Butter Frosting: While the bars bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Frosting Ingredients: Whisk the browned butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the brown-butter frosting evenly over the surface. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Be careful when browning butter—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Allow pumpkin bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy alternative.
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin bars, sour cream pumpkin bars, brown butter frosting, fall dessert, quick pumpkin dessert, easy pumpkin bars
