If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn, look no further than Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: An Incredible Fall Favorite Treat Recipe. This recipe combines moist, spiced pumpkin bars with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a chilly weekend brunch, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these pumpkin bars are irresistibly delicious and sure to become your new fall favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the creamy pumpkin puree that adds moisture and that unmistakable autumn flavor to the simple spices that give these bars their signature warmth. These easy-to-find essentials come together to create a perfectly balanced treat with just the right texture and depth of flavor.
- 4 large eggs: They provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bars soft without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the bars their moist texture and vibrant fall character.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the spices and pumpkin’s earthiness perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our batter that creates sturdy yet tender bars.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps give our bars a nice lift and prevents them from being dense.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works with the acidity of the pumpkin to create a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, sweet spice that’s essential to any pumpkin treat.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the spice blend.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Offers a slightly bold and aromatic note to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger: A pinch of warmth and slight zing to elevate the overall spice profile.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): For a smooth, rich, and slightly tangy frosting that melts on your tongue.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable with a luscious texture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness that rounds out the frosting beautifully.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and structure to the frosting for that perfect balance.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: An Incredible Fall Favorite Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your bars bake evenly and release with ease once done.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and granulated sugar until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture. The combination of wet ingredients is key to creating a moist and tender bar.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger thoroughly. This step spreads the spices evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will help keep your pumpkin bars tender and soft.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before moving on to frosting — this step is crucial for the frosting to stay creamy and not melt away.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 7: Frost the Cooled Bars
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy this incredible fall treat.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: An Incredible Fall Favorite Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and taste by sprinkling a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting. For a delightful crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top right after frosting. Fresh cranberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also offer a delightful twist.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Bars are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a cozy mug of hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte takes the experience to another level. You could also serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering bars in a glass trifle dish alternating with dollops of whipped cream or mascarpone for an elegant presentation. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with rustic twine makes a charming gift or party favor that friends will adore. Seasonal napkins and plates decorated with fall leaves will complete your perfect autumn spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep your pumpkin bars refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking throughout the week or sharing with loved ones.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted pumpkin bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then frost just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served cool or at room temperature, we recommend skipping reheating after frosting. If you prefer warming the bars, reheat unfrosted pieces gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add frosting once cooled a bit.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin can be used, but it requires cooking and pureeing first. Using canned pumpkin puree saves time and ensures consistent moisture and flavor, making your pumpkin bars perfectly moist and tender every time.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar to maintain texture and structure in the bars.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives along with powdered sugar. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
How long do the pumpkin bars last without frosting?
Unfrosted pumpkin bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature last for about 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as suggested.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the pumpkin bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even semi-sweet chocolate chips make fantastic additions to the batter, adding delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on making these incredible Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: An Incredible Fall Favorite Treat Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re on your way to sharing a warm, spiced delight that captures everything you love about fall. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become the star of your dessert table all season long.
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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: An Incredible Fall Favorite Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a classic fall favorite perfect for celebrating the season. Moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with a creamy, tangy frosting make for an irresistible dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just fully combined, ensuring a uniform batter without overmixing.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Cut into 24 squares and serve. For best flavor, chill the bars and enjoy them the next day.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- For thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan and increase the baking time slightly to ensure doneness.
- The bars taste even better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
