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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cozy and irresistibly moist Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine perfectly spiced pumpkin bars with a rich, smooth frosting, capturing the essence of fall in every bite. Ideal for holiday gatherings or an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers comfort and decadence with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars

Ingredients

Batter Ingredients

  • Pumpkin Puree – 1 1/2 cups
  • All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
  • Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
  • Brown Sugar – 1 cup, packed
  • Vegetable Oil – 1/2 cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Baking Soda – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cinnamon – 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ginger – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cloves – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese (full fat) – 8 ounces, softened
  • Butter – 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), softened
  • Powdered Sugar – 2 cups, sifted
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to ensure even distribution of leaveners and spices.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Avoid overmixing to keep bars light and moist.
  4. Bake the Bars: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While bars cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  6. Frost and Serve: Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars. Smooth with a spatula or create swirls for a homemade look. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help blend batter evenly and produce smooth frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars; keep them tender and moist.
  • Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting and sliding off.
  • Check oven temperature with a thermometer to avoid underbaking or dryness.
  • Sift powdered sugar freshly to avoid lumps for a silky frosting texture.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing for clean edges.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; freeze frosting separately.
  • Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave; avoid reheating the entire frosted batch.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Can be made Gluten Free by substituting flour

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, autumn dessert, pumpkin dessert, fall treats, easy pumpkin bars, holiday dessert