Pumpkin Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth, then add vanilla and milk to reach desired consistency.
8. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
9. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition