Decadent, delicious and simple to make Pumpkin Bars with Maple Brown Butter Icing! All of your favorite Fall flavors in these lightened up bars.
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.
These pumpkin bars still have sugar in them, but they are made healthier.We all need something sweet every once in a while. Everything in moderation, right?
Recipe Tips
These pumpkin bars 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.
Related Recipes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Quinoa Bars from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Best Ever Pumpkin Muffins from Lovely Little Kitchen
Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Baked Pumpkin Donuts from Sally's Baking Addiction
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Pumpkin Bars with Maple Browned Butter Icing
Ingredients
Bars:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup unrefined sugar
- ½ cup 100% maple syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 15 ounces 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.
Kristyn says
These are to die for!! That maple browned butter icing is so good!! I want to pour it over everything!!
Lauren Kelly says
I agree, that icing is everything! Thanks Kristyn!
Sarah+Walker+Caron+(Sarah's+Cucina+Bella) says
Those look totally worth the splurge. YUM!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I LOVE the look of these bars! That frosting is totally calling my name 🙂
beverley (somethingaboutcupcakes) says
this year has the best flavours around, love this recipe xoxo
lauren.kelly says
Thank you Beverley!
Colleen+(Souffle+Bombay) says
Oh, do these ever look good - on my Pumpkin list now!
lauren.kelly says
Thank you Colleen!
Martha+@+A+Family+Feast says
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 says
Happy birthday Martha! 🙂
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Oh wow, I can't wait to try these! I love maple with pumpkin!
lauren.kelly says
Me too Jessica! 🙂
Lana@NeverEnoughThyme says
Tis the season for all things pumpkin, isn't it?! These look so delicious and that icing...double yum!
lauren.kelly says
YES Lana! 🙂
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
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 🙂
foodwanderings says
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?! 😛
Amanda+@The+Kitcheneer says
These bars look amazing! I agree October and pumpkins make me a happy girl!
Brenda@Sugar-Free+Mom says
Those look so moist and soft and gooey, love!! Amazing that your 2 kids are born on the same day 2 yrs apart!!!
Reggie says
mmmmm...mmmmm...MAKING THESE TONIGHT!
Sharana @ Living The Sweet Life Blog says
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 says
Exactly Sharana!
taylor @ greens & chocolate says
I agree - everything in moderation! These look worth the splurge...especially that maple brown butter icing!
lauren.kelly says
Thanks Taylor!