Pumpkin Bars with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with our Pumpkin Bars topped with a decadent Cream Cheese Frosting. These bars are moist and warmly spiced, thanks to a generous amount of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices like pumpkin pie spice. Topped with a creamy layer of homemade cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Whether served as a dessert for gatherings or enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon, these bars are sure to become a favorite during the autumn season.

Pumpkin Bars with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

Pumpkin Bar Ingredients:

2 c granulated sugar

1 c vegetable or canola oil

15 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

4 eggs, room temperature

2 c all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 c butter, softened

2 c powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/8 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

For the Pumpkin Bars:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.

In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until blended.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let it cool completely in the pan.

For the Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until creamy.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.

Cut into bars and serve.

Enjoy your Pumpkin Bars with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting!

Notes:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the eggs, cream cheese, and butter to come to room temperature before starting. This ensures smoother blending and a better textured batter and frosting.

Properly Measure Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This helps avoid packing in too much flour, which can result in dense bars.

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.

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Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet.

Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean cuts.

Chill Before Cutting: For neater cuts, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting seems too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Store Properly: Store leftover Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting for extra spice and flavor depth.

Serve Fresh: While these bars can be stored, they are best enjoyed freshly frosted on the day they are made for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 24 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable or canola oil?

Yes, you can substitute with melted butter or a light olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the pumpkin bars?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

However, it may affect the texture and moistness of the bars.

How should I store leftover pumpkin bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Bring them to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Can I freeze these pumpkin bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars either frosted or unfrosted.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own pumpkin pie spice by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts.

How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny?

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted.

Gradually add powdered sugar while beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the pumpkin bars ahead of time and frost them just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

Do I need to refrigerate pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, because of the cream cheese in the frosting, it’s best to store these bars in the refrigerator.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the pumpkin bars?

Yes, chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan.

How can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.

Ensure all other ingredients, including the baking soda and spices, are gluten-free as well.