Easy Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• Pumpkin: 400 grams (1 small pumpkin)
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (280 grams)
• Brown sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)
• Eggs: 3 large
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Pumpkin pie spice: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Butter: 1/2 cup (113 grams) (melted)
• Chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the melted butter and mix until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully combined. If desired, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total bars)

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Pumpkin flavor is rich and autumn-like.
• Soft and moist texture with a slightly sweet taste.
• The addition of chocolate chips or chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

User Comments:

1. "These bars are so delicious! The perfect balance of sweet and fall flavors."
2. "Easy to make and a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree."
3. "My family loved these bars. The chocolate chips added a great touch."
4. "A great dish for a fall gathering or potluck."
5. "The texture was perfect and the flavor was spot on."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh pumpkin puree for best results. If using canned pumpkin puree, make sure it is not seasoned or spiced already.
• Do not overmix the batter as it can lead to tough bars instead of soft and moist ones.