pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting recipe

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

I’ve been making pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. The combination of moist pumpkin bars and tangy cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven. I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and they always get excited when I pull out the mixing bowls and measuring cups. As we all know, homemade desserts are always the best, and this recipe is no exception. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great way to get some extra fiber and vitamins from the pumpkin.

Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a nice touch of sophistication to an otherwise humble dessert. I’ve made this recipe for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests. It’s always a hit, and I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine does.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can make it for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party or just a Tuesday evening with the family. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some pumpkin-flavored treats? My kids are always begging for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

, which is a testament to how much they enjoy this recipe. The best part? It’s actually pretty healthy compared to other desserts out there – the pumpkin provides fiber and vitamins, while the cream cheese adds some much-needed calcium.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your diet) will thank you!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.7 from 1511 votes

Moist and spiced pumpkin bars topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. These easy bars are perfect for fall gatherings and bake sales.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk, if needed for consistency

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, then set aside.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
4In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended, about 2 minutes.
5Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
6Mix in the pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain.
8Do not overmix.
9Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull away from the pan.
11Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
12For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
13Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating on low until incorporated, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until fluffy.
14If needed, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
15Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
16Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 24 squares.
17Serve chilled or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Whisk
Spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 240mg🌾Total Carbs: 37g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 27g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a nutty variation, fold 1/2 cup chopped pecans into the batter before baking.

Watch Video Of How Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Works

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday party or just a Tuesday evening with the family. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some pumpkin-flavored treats?

The best part? It’s actually pretty healthy compared to other desserts out there – the pumpkin provides fiber and vitamins, while the cream cheese adds some much-needed calcium.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your diet) will thank you!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Q: What kind of pumpkin should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use canned pumpkin puree – not pie filling! Make sure to choose a brand that’s 100% pumpkin with no added spices or sugars. You can also use fresh pumpkin if you have access to one; just be sure to cook and puree it before using it in place of the canned puree.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time – simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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

A: If you don’t have cream cheese frosting on hand, you can easily substitute it with another type of frosting or glaze – just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend – your local grocery store should carry one!

Q: How do I store leftover bars?

A: To store leftover bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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