Pumpkin bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their rich, spiced flavor and moist texture. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, these bars are both comforting and versatile. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they offer a deliciously sweet contrast to the spiced pumpkin base. This recipe for Amazing Pumpkin Bars will guide you through making a batch of these delectable treats that are sure to impress family and friends. With a blend of warm spices and the smooth, tangy frosting, these bars are a fantastic way to celebrate the season and enjoy the flavors of pumpkin.
Ingredients for Amazing Pumpkin Bars
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works with baking powder to create a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon with additional spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Provides a hint of zesty spice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps with browning.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree – Provides the pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the bars.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy and tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps create a smooth texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
How to Make Amazing Pumpkin Bars
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you bake the bars. - Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This will help ensure the bars come out easily and cleanly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture. - Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add Pumpkin Puree:
Stir in the canned pumpkin puree until well combined with the butter and sugar mixture. - Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
Bake the Pumpkin Bars
- Pour Batter into Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set. - Cool:
Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a neat application.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. - Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Frost and Serve
- Frost the Bars:
Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. - Cut and Serve:
Cut the bars into squares and serve. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. - Storage:
Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
Pumpkin Puree
Canned pumpkin puree is the key ingredient in these bars, providing both flavor and moisture. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your desserts. It gives the bars their characteristic color and helps create a tender texture.
Spices
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic spices used in pumpkin desserts. Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, nutmeg provides a hint of nutty spice, and ginger offers a zesty kick. Together, they enhance the pumpkin flavor and contribute to the cozy, autumnal taste of the bars.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is used to make the frosting for these pumpkin bars. Its tangy flavor balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar, while its creamy texture creates a smooth and luscious topping. Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that adds richness and a touch of sophistication to many desserts.
Butter
Butter is essential for both the bars and the frosting, providing flavor and moisture. It helps to create a tender crumb in the bars and a smooth, spreadable consistency in the frosting. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
These Amazing Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect treat for any fall occasion. They combine the rich flavor of pumpkin with warm spices and a creamy frosting, making them a delightful dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy these bars as a sweet end to your meal or as a special treat throughout the season.
