This delightful recipe for pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting is a perfect blend of seasonal flavors and creamy sweetness. The moist, spiced pumpkin bars are complemented by a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a treat that’s perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its ease of preparation and the wonderful combination of warm spices and creamy frosting. The pumpkin bars are incredibly moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any dessert table.
Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-27 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Kcal: 240 per serving
- Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ can pumpkin puree
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- Frosting:
- 1 package of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Whole pecans for decorating
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, pumpkin puree, and sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually sift in the confectioner’s sugar, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the pumpkin bars are done, allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the bars.
- Cut into squares and decorate each bar with a whole pecan if desired.
Storage
Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Tips
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the pumpkin batter. Additionally, you can sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of seasonal flavor. Enjoy these pumpkin bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful autumn treat.
Enjoy!