Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert. These moist, spiced pumpkin bars are topped with a creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, making them irresistible for any autumn gathering. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, these bars will quickly become a seasonal favorite!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Bar Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat until smooth and well combined. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Pumpkin Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven 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 frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Frost the Bars
Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut the bars into squares and serve.
Cook Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Cooling Time: Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting, or the cream cheese frosting may melt and become runny.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add more cinnamon for extra warmth or leave out the cloves if you prefer a milder flavor.
Variations
1. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars
Stir 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
2. Nutty Pumpkin Bars
Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch.
3. Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with 1 teaspoon maple extract for a delicious maple flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Hot Beverage: Serve these bars with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for the perfect fall treat.
- Toppings: Sprinkle the frosted bars with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Holiday Dessert: Serve these pumpkin bars at your next fall gathering or holiday party for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Pumpkin Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the bars ahead of time and store them unfrosted at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect dessert for fall, filled with warm spices and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. They’re easy to make and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves pumpkin-flavored treats. Try them out, and enjoy the taste of autumn in every bite!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out!
