Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I enjoy this time of the year because it’s pumpkin season, and the best comfort food is Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Soft, moist, warm autumn-influenced spices, and then finished with the most dreamy frosting ever. The best part? They’re so easy to prepare, and one pan goes a long way-just right for a family gathering or a fall party.

What is Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting All About?

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful dessert where spiced pumpkin cake meets mouthwatering, tangy cream cheese frosting. They are like the ease of a pumpkin cake crossed with a brownie, but fluffier and lighter. The key flavors are warm and cozy, typical in nice fall spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it such an autumnal taste, as well as the cream cheese frosting, sweet and creamy, balancing everything.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Turn your oven on to 350°F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients: Mix flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a bowl.
3. Wet ingredients mixture: Beat the eggs in another bowl with the sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until blended.
4. Combine: Pour your dry ingredients into the mixing bowl with the wet ingredients and stir just to combine.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Place a toothpick in the center and pull it out to see if it comes out clean. Leave to cool completely.
6. Make frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually beat in the sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
7. Frost and serve: Spread frosting on the cooled bars, cut, and enjoy!

Storage Tips

• Store the leftovers in the fridge under cover for 5 days.
• Wrap unfrosted bars to freeze for up to 2 months. Add frosting after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with a little cinnamon on top for a beautiful finishing touch.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea for a cozy treat.
• Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Instead of individually separate spices, there is a pumpkin pie spice mix available in the market.
• Substitute coconut oil or applesauce if you want a lighter version.
• Add chopped walnuts while preparing or use chopped pecans for a nice, crunchy texture.

FAQs

Will fresh pumpkins work?

Yes, just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth

Are these bars very sweet?

They are mildly sweetened, with the cream cheese frosting giving the extra richness. If less sweet is to your liking, reduce sugar.

Is it possible to make it free of gluten?

Certainly, you can substitute the flour with the 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can they be prepared in advance?

Yes, that’s possible. Prepare the bars a full day beforehand and frost them just before serving.

Try It!

Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Bars are the desserts that instantly make you feel autumn in every nibble. They are fluffy, spiced just right, and topped with the most irresistible frosting. If you’re looking for simple and well-received recipes, look no further: this recipe is it. You try it. Soon, these magical bars will be made repeatedly throughout the season!