Pumpkin-Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the oats and pumpkin puree.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and chewy
• Warm and autumnal flavors
• Perfect for a quick and easy dessert or snack
• Can be customized with different spices or nuts

User Comments:

• "These bars are so delicious and easy to make! I love the pumpkin flavor."
• "I added some chopped walnuts to the batter for extra crunch."
• "These bars are perfect for potlucks or bake sales."
• "I love how moist and flavorful these bars are."
• "I substituted the pumpkin puree with apple puree and they turned out great!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients combine more easily.
• Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. This will help them set and prevent them from falling apart.