Pumpkin Caramel Muffin Pie Bars (Print View)
Pumpkin, caramel, and muffin combine for moist, spiced bars with sweet swirls and irresistible flavor.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
10 - 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
13 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Caramel Swirl
15 - 1/3 cup thick caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
→ Topping (Optional)
16 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
17 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for overhang to facilitate removal.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
04 - Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender bars.
05 - Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
06 - Drizzle thick caramel sauce over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl caramel throughout.
07 - Dollop the remaining batter over the caramel swirls and gently spread to partially cover.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
09 - Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center exits with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
10 - Cool completely in the pan. Drizzle with additional caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt as desired. Cut into bars for serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Sweet caramel swirl in every bite
- Moist pumpkin bar texture with warming spices
02 -
- Bars keep fresh covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Check caramel sauce ingredients for potential dairy allergens
03 -
- For nut-free bars, simply omit pecans or walnuts
- Serve bars slightly warm for maximum softness