Delight in the rich, spiced flavors of autumn with these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe brings together the classic fall favorite, pumpkin, with a silky smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or as a special treat during the fall season, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress with their moist texture and flavorful spices.
Celebrate Fall with Every Bite
These pumpkin bars are a celebration of the season’s best flavors. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provides a warm spice background that enhances the natural sweetness and richness of the pumpkin. The creamy frosting adds a layer of decadence that complements the moist, dense base of the bars.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
- Dry Ingredients Mixture: Ensure that all the dry ingredients are well combined before adding the wet ingredients. This helps distribute the spices evenly, so every bite is flavorful.
- Smooth Batter: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the bars tender. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
- Even Baking: Spread the batter evenly in the pan to ensure that all parts of the bar bake at the same rate.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the bars and ensures a smooth, even layer.
- Creamy Frosting: For the frosting, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps.
Recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Serving: Makes approximately 24 bars
- Equipment: 9×13 inch baking pan
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
For the Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine with Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, oil, and pumpkin puree to the dry ingredients; mix until well blended.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Frosting: While the bars cool, beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars.
Enjoy Your Homemade Delight
These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply enjoying them at home, these bars offer the quintessential taste of fall, sure to delight anyone who tries them.
