Description
Soft and moist pumpkin bars with warm spices, topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. These bars are an ideal treat for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a comforting dessert with seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, sugar, oil, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool fully in the pan. This step is crucial to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
- Prepare frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using a spatula.
- Slice and serve: Once frosted, slice the bars into 20 squares and serve. For best results, chill before cutting to achieve clean slices.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans to the batter or sprinkle on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
- Chill the bars before slicing to get neat, clean cuts and to help the frosting set properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
