We all need something sweet every once in a while Everything in moderation, right?
The smell of pumpkin makes me happy. Especially when it's baking in my oven with cinnamon and sugar. And thank goodness my kids love pumpkin too. I would have to find a way to convert them otherwise.
I love October. It's my favorite month. I love the crisp air, colorful leaves, sweaters and boots, and pumpkins. Two of my kids are born in October (get this, even on the SAME day 2 years apart!) so I love making delicious, seasonal treats for them (and me) and these were a huge hit. I am not a crazy person. I like treats and desserts, I just try to lighten them up when I can. These pumpkin bars are an example of just that. They still have sugar in them, but they are made healthier.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup unrefined sugar
- ½ cup 100% maple syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin seasoning blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Icing:
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk I used almond milk
- 2 tablespoons 100% maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray or butter.
- On low speed, beat eggs with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar, maple syrup, applesauce and pumpkin.Continue to beat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly mixed.
- In a small bowl, mix together flour, cinnamon, pumpkin seasoning, baking powder and baking soda.
- Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and beat for a minute until combined. Be careful not to over mix.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until toothpick placed in the center comes out clean.
- While bars are cooking, cook butter in large saucepan over medium heat until browned, about 15-20 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients while continuing to stir to avoid clumps.
- Allow bars to cool completely before icing. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
These actually freeze very well too, even with the icing on them. I've made these several times and rarely have leftovers, but I wanted to save a few for the weekend so I figured I'd see how they would do if I froze them. They came out great. Just as delicious as when I first made them. Next time I will save some more icing to speed some on top right before eating again.
I hope you enjoy these as much as we do! Make sure you cut them immediately into 16 pieces for accurate portions. They are addictive!
Sarah+Walker+Caron+(Sarah's+Cucina+Bella)
Those look totally worth the splurge. YUM!
Nutmeg Nanny
I LOVE the look of these bars! That frosting is totally calling my name 🙂
beverley (somethingaboutcupcakes)
this year has the best flavours around, love this recipe xoxo
lauren.kelly
Thank you Beverley!
Colleen+(Souffle+Bombay)
Oh, do these ever look good - on my Pumpkin list now!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Colleen!
[email protected]+A+Family+Feast
I'm an October baby myself - so I agree - it's a great month! 😉 These bars are the perfect fall dessert! Love the maple frosting you've added!
lauren.kelly
Happy birthday Martha! 🙂
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
Oh wow, I can't wait to try these! I love maple with pumpkin!
lauren.kelly
Me too Jessica! 🙂
[email protected]
Tis the season for all things pumpkin, isn't it?! These look so delicious and that icing...double yum!
lauren.kelly
YES Lana! 🙂
foodwanderings
Believe it or not I haven't even begun cooking with pumpkin yet. I usually make savory but maybe this recipe will inspire me to go the sweet route?! 😛
[email protected]+Kitcheneer
These bars look amazing! I agree October and pumpkins make me a happy girl!
[email protected]+Mom
Those look so moist and soft and gooey, love!! Amazing that your 2 kids are born on the same day 2 yrs apart!!!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
That's too crazy that your kids share a birthday like that! What are the chances?! Love the pumpkin bars - I agree, that smell just makes me happy 🙂
Reggie
mmmmm...mmmmm...MAKING THESE TONIGHT!
Sharana @ Living The Sweet Life Blog
I love fall, and october for the exact same reasons -- the coolness in the air - the cuddly clothes, and of course the scents and comfort of all the delicious recipes 🙂
lauren.kelly
Exactly Sharana!
taylor @ greens & chocolate
I agree - everything in moderation! These look worth the splurge...especially that maple brown butter icing!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Taylor!