Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Substitution Suggestions: Feel free to swap the pecans with walnuts if that’s what you have on hand, or if you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can skip them altogether. The caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought, depending on how much time you have. And if you’re out of pumpkin puree, a sweet potato puree would make an interesting twist!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a handful for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and swirl it into the batter using a knife. Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Personal Tip: If you’re like me and love a little crunch, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. It adds a whole new layer of flavor that is just divine!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Bars, recipe, cooking, food
