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Capture the warm and cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
These moist and spiced pumpkin bars are topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect treat for any autumn gathering.
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, a potluck, or just enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Pumpkin Bars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract.
Frost the Pumpkin Bars
Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula to create an even layer.
Serve and Enjoy
Cut the frosted pumpkin bars into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, and they make a wonderful dessert for any fall gathering.
Tips
- Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor or include a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Decoration: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the top of the frosting with a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg, or add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious and festive treat that’s perfect for fall. With their soft, spiced pumpkin flavor and rich cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy!
