Dreamy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whipping up delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting connects autumn’s warmest memories to your kitchen’s sweet magic.

Crisp leaves and cozy sweaters inspire this delightful treat that promises comfort in every bite.

Seasonal spices dance through soft, moist layers of pure delight.

Rich cream cheese creates a luxurious blanket atop tender pumpkin goodness.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can craft this dessert with ease.

One taste transports you to a world of delicious nostalgia that begs for another slice.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Overview

• Bake a Fall Favorite: Dive into a delightful seasonal treat that captures the warm, comforting flavors of autumn in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want to impress friends with a homemade sweet that everyone will love.
• Simple Baking Joy: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These bars work beautifully as a dessert, snack, or afternoon treat, offering delicious flexibility for any occasion.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, sweet vegetable base that gives the bars their signature autumn flavor and moist texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the bars.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bars.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the bars.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic fall spice to the pumpkin bars.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined.

Don’t overmix the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely. Patience is key for perfect frosting.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Blend until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a delightful treat!

Tips for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and easier mixing, ensuring even incorporation of pumpkin and eggs.
• Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version of the bars without compromising moisture.
• Store frosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covering them loosely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for perfectly tender bars.
• Sprinkle ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the batter for an extra warm, aromatic flavor boost that complements the pumpkin.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Frosted Bars

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Squares: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan cream cheese.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Treat: Substitute sugar with erythritol, use coconut flour, and make a low-carb cream cheese frosting using sugar-free sweetener.
• Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

• Autumn Potluck Star: Bring these pumpkin bars to fall gatherings and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight. Friends and family will request the recipe after tasting these sweet, spiced treats.
• Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange the cut bars on a festive platter with some cinnamon sticks and whole pecans for an elegant seasonal presentation that looks professionally crafted.
• Breakfast Indulgence: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a decadent morning treat that feels like a special weekend breakfast surprise.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Project: Get children involved by letting them help mix ingredients or spread frosting, turning this recipe into a fun family baking activity that creates sweet memories.

Storage Guidelines for Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

• Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to protect them from absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze individual bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Are these pumpkin bars suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly and does not contain any meat products.

• Can I use canned or fresh pumpkin puree?

You can use either canned or homemade fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s smooth and well-drained.

• How do I know when the pumpkin bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bars are done. They should also look slightly golden and feel set.

• What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use an equivalent sized baking pan or adjust the recipe proportions. Just ensure the batter spreads evenly and bakes consistently.

Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Scrumptious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting merge autumn’s warmest spices into a delectable dessert. Seasonal baking brings comfort and joy, delivering rich flavors perfect for gatherings you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease.
2. Whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Separately combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing.
5. Transfer batter evenly into greased pan, ensuring smooth surface.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean from center.
7. Allow baked bars to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
8. Cream together softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Carefully spread frosting across entire cooled pumpkin bar surface using an offset spatula.
11. Slice into square portions and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Make sure pumpkin puree is smooth and well-blended to ensure a consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a more complex flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 299
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg