Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday baking, or anytime you crave a comforting pumpkin spice treat, these bars combine warm spices with the smooth tang of cream cheese frosting for an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until you achieve a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into 9 squares and serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients for a spicier flavor profile.
- Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan (such as 7×7 inch) and increase the baking time slightly, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
