Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a quintessential fall treat, perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn gathering. These bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich and creamy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a taste of fall, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- For the bars:
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree is the base of these bars, providing a rich and moist texture. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese frosting is a classic topping for pumpkin bars, adding a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet and spiced pumpkin flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves give these bars their warm and cozy fall flavor. Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re enjoying them at a party or just as a treat for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit!
