pumpkin bars with cream cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pumpkin bars with cream cheese recipe

I’ve been making pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. The recipe comes from my grandmother, who got it from her sister.

It’s a classic American dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday. The key to making these bars is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the pumpkin puree.

You want to choose a can that’s 100% pumpkin puree, without any added spices or sweeteners. This will give your bars the best flavor and texture.

I also like to use a combination of white and brown sugar for the frosting, as it gives it a nice depth of flavor. When you take a bite of one of these bars, you’ll be transported to a fall day filled with the warmth and comfort of home-cooked food.

The combination of the moist pumpkin cake and the tangy cream cheese frosting is absolute perfection. My kids love helping me make these bars, as they get to use their hands to mix the batter and press it into the pan.

It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.7 from 1862 votes

Delicious pumpkin bars with a creamy cheese frosting, perfect for fall. These bars are moist, flavorful, and easy to make.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chocolate chips

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish, set aside.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
5Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
6Stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8The batter will be thick.
9Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11The edges should be lightly golden.
12Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
13While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
14In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
15Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
16Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
17Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
18Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts and chocolate chips.
19Cut into bars and serve.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
9×13 inch baking dish
Spatula
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

You can add a layer of caramel sauce on top of the frosting for extra sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Works

These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are always a good idea for any occasion. They’re easy to make ahead of time and freeze well, so you can whip them out at a moment’s notice.

My kids love helping me make these bars, and they’re always excited when they see me pulling out the ingredients. The combination of moist pumpkin cake and tangy cream cheese frosting is absolute perfection.

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or just need something delicious for dinner tonight, these bars are sure to please.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Q: What’s the best type of pumpkin puree to use in this recipe?

For this recipe, you want to choose a 100% pumpkin puree without any added spices or sweeteners. Look for a can that’s labeled as ‘100% pumpkin puree’ or ‘unsweetened pumpkin puree.’ This will ensure that your bars have the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin in place of canned pumpkin puree! Simply cook down 1-2 cups of fresh pumpkin in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s soft and mashed. Then, let it cool before using it in place of the canned puree.

Q: How do I store leftover pumpkin bars?

You can store leftover pumpkin bars at room temperature for up to 3 days or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store them for longer than that, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?

No worries! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or heavy cream.

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