EASY TO COOK

🎃 Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfectly Spiced Fall Treat! 🧁

by

Introduction:
These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and packed with warm fall spices! Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect dessert for autumn gatherings,or anytime you’re craving a cozy, spiced treat.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Bake Time: 30 minutes

❄️ Cooling Time: 30 minutes

⏲ Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🍽 Servings: 16 bars

🔥 Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal (approx.)

🎃 Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars:

  • 1 cup pumpkin purée 🎃 (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar 🍯
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil 🛢
  • 2 large eggs 🥚
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 1 tsp baking powder 🥄
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda 🥄
  • 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
  • 1 tsp cinnamon 🍂
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 🌰
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves 🍂 (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 🍬
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦

📝 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep the Pan:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

4️⃣ Make the Batter:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5️⃣ Bake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

6️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.

7️⃣ Frost & Serve:

  • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
  • Slice into squares and enjoy!

🤩 Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars:

✅ Super Moist & Soft: Thanks to pumpkin purée and the perfect balance of spices.
✅ Luscious Frosting: The tangy, creamy frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced bars.
✅ Easy to Make: No mixer needed for the batter—just mix, bake, and frost!

💡 Tips:

🍂 Extra Flavor: Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice blend for even more warmth!
🧁 Make Ahead: These bars stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
🍫 Add-Ons: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts for extra texture.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Enjoy your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a spiced, creamy, and utterly irresistible fall dessert! 🍁✨