Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the epitome of autumn comfort food. Combining the warm spices of fall with the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these pumpkin bars will bring a touch of seasonal cheer to your table.
My love for pumpkin bars began during a family Thanksgiving. Each year, my aunt would bake a batch of these delicious treats, and they would always disappear within minutes. The blend of spices, the moist pumpkin cake, and the luxurious cream cheese frosting made them an instant favorite. Now, I bake these bars whenever I want to evoke those cherished memories and share a bit of autumn magic with my friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is key to even baking.
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This step ensures your pumpkin bars will not stick and will come out perfectly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. This mixture creates the foundation for the cozy, spiced flavor of your bars.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree, and 1 cup vegetable oil until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and uniform, resembling a vibrant autumn sunset.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined, ensuring not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and homogenous, with all the dry ingredients fully incorporated.
Step 5: Bake the Magic
Spread the Batter:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even layer.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As the bars bake, your kitchen will fill with the wonderful aroma of spices, signaling the deliciousness to come.
Step 6: Cool
Cool the Bars:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here, as cooling allows the flavors to develop and makes frosting easier.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Cream the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat together 1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. The frosting should be like a soft, sweet cloud, perfect for spreading over your cooled bars.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Frost the Bars:
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Use a spatula to create an even layer and swirl patterns if desired.
Serve:
Cut into squares and serve. Watch as these delicious bars quickly disappear, delighting everyone who tries them.
Variations & Tips
Add Nuts:
Fold in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Dietary Adjustments:
Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour and use a plant-based oil to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Chocolate Chip Topping:
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the frosting for a chocolatey twist that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
Make Cupcakes:
Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes for adorable pumpkin cupcakes, perfect for individual servings.
Storage:
These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them well and freeze pre-frosting. Thaw and frost when ready to serve, perfect for impromptu autumn celebrations.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a dessert; they are a warm, sweet embrace of fall. The combination of moist, spiced pumpkin cake and rich cream cheese frosting offers a perfect slice of coziness and celebration in every bite. This recipe is appealing not only for its delicious flavor but also for its ease of preparation and versatility.
Whether you are serving these bars at a festive holiday gathering or enjoying them as a special treat on a cool autumn day, they are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. The ability to customize the recipe with different add-ins and adjustments ensures that you can make it uniquely your own.
Enjoy the process of baking these delightful pumpkin bars and relish in the joy they bring to those who taste them. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
