Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-481903H33M38S
Total time: PT-481903H33M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1⅔ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Isabella

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Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the richness of a creamy, tangy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

4 large eggs

1⅔ cups granulated sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Pumpkin Bar Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender bars.

Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Frost and Serve:

Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife.

Cut into 24 equal squares and serve.

Serving Tips:

Cool Completely: Ensure the pumpkin bars are completely cooled before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, smooth application.

Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into uniform squares for even servings. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between cuts.

Garnish: Enhance presentation by sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the cream cheese frosting. You can also add a few chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Serve at Room Temperature: Pumpkin bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. Allow them to sit out for about 20-30 minutes after refrigeration for optimal flavor and texture.

Pairing Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider. They’re also a great addition to a fall dessert spread or as a treat for holiday gatherings.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They will stay good for up to 5 days.

Freeze for Later: If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the bars without frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Avoid Moisture: To prevent the bars from becoming soggy, ensure they are completely cooled before covering them. Avoid stacking bars directly on top of each other, as this can cause the frosting to stick and become messy.

Wrap Individually: For convenience, consider wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap before freezing. This allows you to easily grab a single serving without having to thaw the entire batch.

Refreshing Frosting: If the frosting seems to have lost its texture after being in the fridge, you can briefly whip it again with a mixer to restore its creamy consistency before serving.

Related Recipes:

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

FAQs:

Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pumpkin bars ahead of time! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator, tightly covered, until you’re ready to frost and serve. If you want to prepare them further in advance, consider freezing the unfrosted bars and frosting them after thawing.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! You can substitute canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin puree. Simply cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the fresh puree to ensure the bars don’t become too moist. The flavor and texture will be similar, though fresh pumpkin might offer a slightly different taste.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To make the cream cheese frosting less sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Start by adding 1½ cups of powdered sugar instead of 2 cups, then taste and adjust to your preference. You can also add a pinch of salt or a bit more cream cheese to balance the sweetness without compromising the frosting’s texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these pumpkin bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that the blend is suitable for 1:1 substitution in baking recipes. The bars should turn out just as moist and delicious with a slight difference in texture depending on the gluten-free flour used.

Conclusion:

Embrace the flavors of fall with these scrumptious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe brings together the quintessential tastes of the season in a dessert that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, these pumpkin bars are a foolproof way to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Happy baking!