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
Scale
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
