Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat, these bars combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a luscious frosting that balances sweetness and tang. Easy to make and sure to impress, they’re a seasonal favorite that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin purée until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a liquid batter base.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined to form the pumpkin bar batter, taking care not to overmix which could toughen the texture.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool the bars: Remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan, which will make frosting application easier and prevent melting.
- Make the frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Cut the frosted pumpkin bars into 16 squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience and enhanced flavor melding.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives suitable for your dietary needs.
- Optional toppings such as chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon can be added on top of the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
