As the leaves turn and the air cools, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced pumpkin treat to get you into the fall spirit. And when it comes to pumpkin desserts, these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate indulgence. Moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn day with a cup of hot cider or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) of pumpkin puree
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable oil, and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars, and serve.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting contains:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 31g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting is approximately 50 minutes.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Cooking spray
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You could also experiment with different spices, like cloves or allspice, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Substitutions
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed sweet potato or butternut squash. And if you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese in the frosting.
Storage
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Tips
- Be sure to let the bars cool completely before frosting them, or the frosting will melt.
- For a smoother frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before you begin. You can leave them at room temperature for an hour or so, or soften them in the microwave on low power for a few seconds.
- If you want a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar to the mixture.
Notes
This recipe makes 12-16 pumpkin bars, depending on how large you cut them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor and texture of the bars.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Of course! These bars would also be delicious with a caramel or maple frosting.
If you’re a fan of pumpkin desserts, these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a must-try. With their moist, spiced cake and rich, creamy frosting, they’re the perfect indulgence for fall. Whether you’re serving them at a Halloween party or as a Thanksgiving dessert, these bars are sure to impress. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!