Description
Moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. A crowd-pleasing fall dessert perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you’re craving pumpkin goodness.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the pumpkin purée until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bars are done. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares or rectangles for serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting before it sets.
- Store the frosted bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Bars freeze well without frosting; add frosting after thawing for best texture.
- To make cupcakes instead, adjust the bake time to 18–20 minutes and use a cupcake pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
