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Bourbon Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars are moist, tender, and subtly spiced, with a cozy fall aroma enhanced by a splash of bourbon. The batter is mixed until smooth, baked until golden, and finished with a slightly cracked top that hints at their rich, flavorful interior. Perfect for a comforting treat with a grown-up twist, they showcase pumpkin’s velvety texture and warm spices in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin smooth, pure pumpkin
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar molasses-rich for moisture
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 2 large eggs preferably at room temperature
  • 1-2 tablespoons bourbon optional, adds smoky depth
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • a pinch ground cloves

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick or cake tester
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. This creates a fragrant spice mixture that will flavor the batter.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and bourbon. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, slightly frothy, and well combined—this fills your kitchen with a warm, spicy aroma.
  4. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the surface for a uniform appearance.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. You’ll notice a lovely aroma filling the room as it bakes.
  7. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps prevent sogginess and reveals a gently cracked, inviting top.
  8. After cooling, cut the pumpkin bars into squares. For clean slices, refrigerate for an hour before serving or enjoy warm right away for a cozy treat.
  9. Serve these bars plain or with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra comfort and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the bourbon amount for your taste—more for a smoky flavor, less or none if preferred. Sifting your dry ingredients ensures a tender crumb, and cooling the bars before slicing helps prevent crumbling. For a dairy-free version, swap in coconut oil and ensure your pumpkin is well pureed to avoid excess moisture.