Description
Each bite reveals soft, moist pumpkin layers perfumed with cinnamon and ginger, while a buttery streusel adds crisp sweetness. Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy afternoons with a mug of tea.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping.
- Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the pumpkin batter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top feels set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a richer flavor, substitute melted butter for vegetable oil in the batter.
- Adjust spices to taste or add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.