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! 🍁✨
Leave a Reply