Pumpkin Bars are a delicious and moist treat that perfectly capture the warm, cozy flavors of fall. These bars combine pumpkin puree with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a rich, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any autumn occasion. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, Pumpkin Bars are a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your seasonal baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking 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 on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Bars:
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares or rectangles to serve.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect treat for any fall occasion!
