Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for fall or any time you’re craving something spiced and sweet. These bars are moist, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 can pumpkin puree (approximately 7.5 ounces or 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (optional for sweeter frosting)
- Whole pecans for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them slightly. Add the sugar, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil to the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The pumpkin puree gives the bars their moist texture and distinctive flavor, while the oil keeps them tender.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves. These spices create the classic pumpkin spice flavor that makes these bars irresistible.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture. The batter should be thick and well-blended.
4. Bake the Pumpkin Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter will rise as it bakes, so make sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center should be set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is important, as trying to frost them while warm can cause the frosting to melt.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar (if using) and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. The sugar will sweeten the frosting, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. If you prefer a tangier frosting, you can reduce the sugar.
6. Frost the Pumpkin Bars:
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or a butter knife. The thick, creamy frosting pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin base.
- For an extra touch, decorate the top of the frosting with whole pecans, placing them strategically so that each bar gets a nutty bite. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a complementary flavor to the soft bars.
7. Slice and Serve:
- After frosting, slice the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars are rich and flavorful, so smaller portions are often ideal.
- Serve immediately, or store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The bars can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before using them. This will help the ingredients combine more easily and result in a smoother batter and frosting.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced. The puree provides a more authentic pumpkin flavor without the extra sweetness and spices.
- Chill Before Slicing: If you find the bars are too soft to slice cleanly after frosting, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting. This will help the frosting firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Freezing: These pumpkin bars freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Simply freeze them unfrosted, then thaw and frost before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fall Gatherings: These pumpkin bars are a wonderful dessert for fall gatherings like Thanksgiving or Halloween. Their warm spices and creamy frosting make them a crowd-pleaser.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The spices in the bars complement the flavors of a warm beverage beautifully.
- Holiday Parties: Bring these bars to a holiday party or potluck. They’re easy to transport and serve, and their festive flavor is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special equipment or techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s rich in flavor and texture.
- Versatile: These bars are versatile and can be dressed up with different toppings like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a dusting of cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you’re in the mood for something sweet and spiced. The moist pumpkin base combined with the tangy cream cheese frosting creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a family dessert, or just because, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of this delicious fall-inspired dessert
