Description
These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect fall dessert, offering a soft, spiced pumpkin base topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for holiday gatherings and autumn celebrations, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
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
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree together until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 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.
- Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Storage: Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen (without frosting) for up to 3 months.
Variations: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture, or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baking flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving