Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Picture this: the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the air, beckoning you to take a bite of these moist, spiced delights draped in a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re not just dessert; they’re a festive celebration of everything cozy and comforting about fall.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting 1

Let me take you back to the first time I baked these delectable treats. It was during a particularly ambitious pumpkin-spice season when I decided to impress my friends with my baking prowess. Spoiler alert: I ended up with flour everywhere, including my hair! But that’s what made it memorable—laughter erupted as we devoured the gooey goodness, proving that moments shared over Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are what truly matter.

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

This amazing Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or roast fresh pumpkins for an extra flavor boost.
All-Purpose Flour: Sifted for lightness, this is the backbone of your bars, giving them that perfect cake-like texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bars, while brown sugar adds depth and moisture.
Baking Powder: Essential for rising; be sure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
Cinnamon: A must-have spice for that warm, fall flavor that dances on your taste buds.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds that signature cozy warmth in every bite.
Eggs: These bind everything together and give the bars their delightful structure.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps your bars moist and tender; don’t skimp on this!

For the Frosting:

Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly into a creamy frosting.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that luscious consistency in your frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out all the flavors and adds an aromatic touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper so your pumpkin bars won’t stage an escape during baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. The blend should remind you of autumn bliss ready to unfold!

Step 4: Combine Both Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t over-mix; we want our bars light and fluffy—not dense as a brick!

Step 5: Bake Away

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or mostly clean—some crumbs are totally acceptable).

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

While your bars cool down (try not to eat them straight from the pan), beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

Once cooled completely, spread that heavenly cream cheese frosting generously over your pumpkin bars.

Transfer to plates and enjoy every decadent bite topped off with sprinkles of cinnamon if desired—or just dive in like you mean it!

You Must Know About Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

This amazing Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients in one bowl while creaming the butter and sugar in another. Combine both mixtures, then fold in pumpkin puree. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, and let cool before frosting.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour for whole wheat or gluten-free options. Add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate your flavor profile, making these bars even more irresistible.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold—your choice!

Chef's Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing results.
Don’t skip cooling the bars before frosting; it prevents melting and sogginess.
Always taste your frosting and adjust sweetness to match your preference.

My friend once told me that these pumpkin bars were the highlight of her family gathering, making me feel like a superstar baker, even if I was just following my own recipe!

FAQs

What is Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a creamy, tangy frosting. These bars are often moist and tender, making them a favorite during the fall season. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, as they are easy to slice and serve. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin base.

How do you store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

To store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the bars without frosting. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost before enjoying.

Can I make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time. Bake the bars and allow them to cool completely before frosting. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving. For best results, frost just before serving to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting.

What ingredients are needed for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

To make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need key ingredients like canned pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream cheese for the frosting. These ingredients blend together to create a moist bar that is both flavorful and satisfying. Don’t forget vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delicious and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist texture and flavorful spices complemented by creamy frosting, they are sure to impress your guests. Storing and preparing these bars ahead of time makes them convenient as well. Enjoy making this delightful dessert as part of your fall traditions!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting